Ubuntu, Windows 10

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft which provides a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer over a network connection. 

The user employs RDP client software for this purpose, while the other computer must run RDP server software.

To install RDP on Ubuntu follow the procedure described below

Install Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) on Ubuntu

First step is to install Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) server xrdp on the Ubuntu 20.04 desktop. To do so execute the following command

sudo apt install xrdp

Enable to start after reboot and run the remote desktop sharing server xrdp

sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp

Open Firewall Port for RDP on Ubuntu Server

On the Ubuntu 20.04 desktop, open a firewall port 3389 for an incoming traffic

sudo ufw allow from any to any port 3389 proto tcp

Remote Access (RDP) from Windows 10

Move to Windows 10 host and open the Remote Desktop Connection client. Use the search box to search for remote keyword, click on the Open button, and Enter the Ubuntu’s remote desktop share IP address or hostname. Optionally, allow the Windows 10 to save your credentials.

Click Yes when prompted by message: The identity of the remote computer cannot be verified, Enter the password of the remote Ubuntu user.

You should now be remotely connected to the RDP on Ubuntu Desktop share from your Windows 10 computer.

XRDP Black Screen Issue

From time to time I have received a black screen after initiating the remote connection to the Xrdp Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) server.

Although I’m not sure how to completely resolve this issue but logging out from the Ubuntu desktop prior to making a remote connection have solved it at least temporarily.

If logging out from Ubuntu desktop do not work and you still see a black screen follow the steps mentioned below

Open the file

sudo vi /etc/xrdp/startwm.sh

and the following lines on the top of the file

unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS
unset XDG_RUNTIME_DIR

Save and close the file, and then restart the RDP server

sudo service xrdp restart

Hopefully it will resolve the black screen issue.

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