Connect to a Linux GUI from Windows Using RDP with xrdp

Overview

The simplest and most commonly used method to connect to a Linux graphical interface from a Windows PC is with RDP via xrdp. This setup is widely preferred due to its ease of use, native Windows compatibility, and reliable performance.

Why Use xrdp?

• Ease of Use: xrdp is straightforward to configure on Linux, and Windows has a built-in Remote Desktop Connection tool, eliminating the need for additional software on the Windows PC.

• Widespread Compatibility: The xrdp tool utilizes the RDP protocol, which is native to Windows, ensuring optimized compatibility and smooth integration.

• Reliable Performance: RDP delivers smooth, fast performance in most cases, even on average network connections.

Setting Up xrdp on the Linux VM

To connect to the Linux graphical interface from a Windows PC, you first need to install and configure xrdp on the Linux VM. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Install xrdp

Run the following commands to update your system and install xrdp:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install xrdp

Step 2: Start and Enable the xrdp Service

Start the xrdp service and configure it to start automatically at boot:

sudo systemctl enable xrdp
sudo systemctl start xrdp

Step 3: Configure iptables to Allow RDP Port (3389)

Run the following command to allow traffic on port 3389 for RDP connections:

sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3389 -j ACCEPT

To verify that the rule was successfully applied, list the current iptables rules:

sudo iptables -L

Step 4: Verify xrdp is Listening on Port 3389

sudo ss -tuln | grep 3389

Step 5: Connecting to linux Gui using Remote Desktop Connexion

Follow these steps to connect to your Linux VM's graphical interface using the Remote Desktop Connection tool in Windows:

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type mstsc and press Enter. This will launch the Remote Desktop Connection application.
• In the Remote Desktop Connection window, enter the IP address of your Linux VM in the Computer field.
• Click Connect.
• A login window will appear. Enter your username and password for the Linux VM.

• If the connection is successful, the graphical interface of your Linux VM will appear in a new window on your Windows PC.
• If you encounter issues like the RDP window disappearing after entering the password, or a black screen after connecting, these are often caused by misconfigurations between xrdp and the desktop environment on your Linux VM. Follow the steps below to resolve these problems:

1. Check and Update the xrdp Startup File , Open startwm.sh :

   sudo nano /etc/xrdp/startwm.sh

2. Modify the content of the file to match this content : Check out the startwm.sh file

3. Restart the xrdp Service

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

4. Verify or Create the .xsession File in Your User Directory and Make sure the file has the correct execution permissions

echo "startxfce4" > ~/.xsession
chmod +x ~/.xsession

5. Restart the VM and Reconnect

sudo reboot

6. If the Problem Persists , Ensure that Xfce is properly installed

sudo apt install --reinstall xfce4

You can now use your Linux environment remotely with full GUI access!