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How to Access Linux Desktops From Windows Remotely

Author: Robert Agar
Robert Agar Article author
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Remote access to Linux desktops from Windows is important for system administrators, IT professionals, and users managing remote Linux machines. If you’re wondering how to access Linux from Windows remotely, running applications, or server management, there are multiple solutions available. From command-line-based SSH to GUI-based options like RDP and VNC, this guide explores the best methods to remote into Linux from Windows seamlessly.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to create a remote desktop connection from Linux to Windows, check out our detailed guide on How to Access Windows from Linux Using Remote Desktop. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up a secure and reliable connection between Linux and Windows systems.

Pre-Tip: The IP Address Method 

Before remotely accessing a Linux desktop, you must find its IP address. This unique identifier is important for establishing a reliable and secure connection to the Linux machine over the network.

Steps to Find the Linux Machine’s IP Address:

1. Open a terminal on the Linux system.
2. Run the following command to display your network details:
ip a | grep inet
3. Locate the IP address assigned to your network interface (e.g.,192.168.1.100).
4.Use this IP address when setting up your remote access method.

1. Using SSH Linux from Windows (Best for Command-Line Access)

Pros

  • Lightweight and secure

Cons

  • No GUI

SSH into Linux from Windows is one of the most secure and efficient ways to access a remote Linux system via a command-line interface. As a lightweight and reliable protocol, SSH (Secure Shell) is ideal for remote server management, troubleshooting, and executing commands securely.

How to Use SSH for Remote Access to Linux from Windows

Steps to Enable SSH on Linux:

  1. Install the OpenSSH Server on your Linux system:
    sudo apt update && sudo apt install openssh-server
  2. Start and enable the SSH service:
    sudo systemctl enable ssh
    sudo systemctl start ssh
  3. Find your Linux machine’s IP address:
    ip a | grep inet

Connecting from Windows using SSH:

  1. Open PowerShell and run (Built-in SSH Client):
    ssh user@linux-ip-address
  2. Using PuTTY (GUI-based SSH Client):

Download and install PuTTY.
Enter the Linux machine’s IP address in the Host Name field.
Click Open and log in with your credentials.

2. Using XRDP (Best for Full GUI Access via RDP)

Pros

  • Native Windows support

Cons

  • It’s often slow

Using XRDP to access Linux from Windows provides a seamless way for Windows users to RDP to Linux from Windows using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). As an open-source implementation of RDP, XRDP lets you connect to a Linux system just as you would with a Windows machine, giving you a familiar and efficient remote desktop experience.

Setting Up Remote Access to Linux from Windows Using XRDP

How to Set up XRDP for Linux Remote Desktop:

  1. Install XRDP on Linux:
    sudo apt update && sudo apt install xrdp -y
  2. Start and enable the XRDP service:
    sudo systemctl enable xrdp
    sudo systemctl start xrdp
  3. Add your user to the XRDP group:
    sudo adduser $USER xrdp
  4. Allow RDP traffic through the firewall:
    sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

To Get Remote Desktop Access on Linux from Windows:

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection on Windows (Press Win + R, type mstsc, and hit Enter).
  2. Enter the Linux machine’s IP address and click Connect.
  3. Log in with your Linux username and password.
  4. Start using your Linux desktop remotely.

3. Using VNC (For GUI-Based Access Without RDP)

Pros

  • Cross-platform

Cons

  • Less secure than SSH

Using VNC to access Linux from Windows is a powerful way to remote control Linux from Windows with full graphical support. Unlike RDP, Virtual Network Computing (VNC) works seamlessly across different operating systems without compatibility issues, making it a flexible solution for remote desktop access.

How to Use VNC for Remote Access to Linux from Windows

Steps to Install VNC on Linux:

  1. Install a VNC server (e.g., TigerVNC or TightVNC):
    sudo apt update && sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server
  2. Start the VNC server and create a password:
    vncserver
  3. Configure VNC for remote access by editing the startup file (Edit ~/.vnc/xstartup to set your preferred desktop environment).
  4. Identify your VNC session number (:1, :2, etc.).

Connecting from Windows:

  1. Download and install a VNC client (e.g., TightVNC Viewer or RealVNC).
  2. Enter the Linux machine’s IP address and the session number (e.g., 192.168.1.100:1).
  3. Enter your VNC password and click Connect.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to setup remote access to a Linux server from Windows, the best approach depends on your specific needs:

  • • Use SSH for secure command-line access.
  • • Choose XRDP for a full GUI remote desktop experience.
  • • Use VNC for cross-platform compatibility.

By following this guide, you can easily and remotely access Linux from Windows and efficiently manage your Linux desktop, no matter your use case.

Tags:
Linux, rdesktop, Tips & Tricks, VNC, Windows, Xrdp