How to Access Linux Server from Windows via Remote Desktop Connection?

How to Access Linux Server from Windows via Remote Desktop Connection? Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understanding RDP and Its Benefits

Remote Desktop Protocol is an ownership protocol developed by Microsoft that allows users to connect to & control a remote computer over a network. Despite being native to Windows, RDP can be used to access Linux servers thanks to open-source RDP server implementations like xrdp.

Benefits of using RDP for accessing Linux servers:

• Graphical Interface: RDP provides a full graphical user interface (GUI), which is helpful for users unfamiliar with the command line.
• Ease of Use: It’s integrated into Windows, so there’s no need to install additional client software.
• Cross-Platform Support: Tools like xrdp bridge the gap between Windows and Linux systems.

2. Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure the following:

• You have access to the Linux server (via credentials or SSH).
• The Linux server has an active internet connection.
• Your Windows machine is equipped with the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client (pre-installed on Windows systems).

3. Setting Up the Linux Server for Remote Desktop Access

To enable RDP access on a Linux server, you need to install & configure an RDP server like xrdp. Below are detailed steps to set up xrdp on popular Linux distributions:

Step 1: Install xrdp

Log in to your Linux server via SSH or physical access and run the following commands based on your Linux distribution:

• For Ubuntu/Debian:
  

  sudo apt update
  sudo apt install xrdp -y

• For CentOS/RHEL:
  

  sudo yum install epel-release -y
  sudo yum install xrdp -y

• For Fedora:
  

  sudo dnf install xrdp -y

Step 2: Start and Enable the xrdp Service

After installation, start the xrdp service and configure it to run at boot:

sudo systemctl start xrdp
sudo systemctl enable xrdp

You can check the status of xrdp to ensure it’s running:

sudo systemctl status xrdp

Step 3: Configure the Firewall

Allow RDP traffic through the firewall. By default, xrdp listens on port 3389.

• For UFW (Ubuntu/Debian):
  

  sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp
  sudo ufw reload

• For firewalld (CentOS/Fedora):
  

  sudo firewall-cmd –add-port=3389/tcp –permanent
  sudo firewall-cmd –reload

Step 4: Install a Desktop Environment

xrdp requires a desktop environment to provide the graphical interface. If your Linux server doesn’t have one installed, you can install a lightweight environment such as XFCE or MATE:

• Install XFCE:
  

  sudo apt install xfce4 -y # For Ubuntu/Debian
  sudo yum groupinstall “Xfce” -y # For CentOS/RHEL

• Set XFCE as the default session for xrdp: Create or edit the file ~/.xsession and add the following line:
  

  xfce4-session

Step 5: Verify xrdp Configuration

Restart the xrdp service to apply all configurations:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

4. Connecting to the Linux Server from Windows

Once the Linux server is set up, you can connect to it using the Windows Remote Desktop Connection tool.

Step 1: Open Remote Desktop Connection

1. Press Windows plus R to open the Run command dialog. (command box)
2. Type mstsc and hit Enter. This opens the Remote Desktop Connection client.

Step 2: Enter the Linux Server’s IP Address

In the Remote Desktop Connection window:

1. Enter the IP address or hostname of the Linux server in the “Personal Computer (PC)” field.
2. Click “Connect.”

Step 3: Log In to the Linux Server

You’ll see the xrdp login screen. Enter your Linux server’s username & pass-word to log in.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Connection Refused: Ensure the xrdp service is running and the firewall allows traffic on port 3389.
• Blank Screen After Login: Verify that a desktop environment is installed and correctly configured.
• Slow Performance: Optimize performance by using a lightweight desktop environment like XFCE or adjusting RDP settings (e.g., reducing resolution and disabling visual effects).
• Authentication Errors: Double-check the username & password & ensure the user has the necessary permissions.

6. Alternatives to RDP for Linux-Windows Connections

While RDP is convenient, other methods might better suit your use case:

• SSH (Secure Shell): Provides secure command-line access and can forward graphical applications using X11 forwarding.
• VNC (Virtual Network Computing): Offers remote desktop capabilities but requires additional configuration.
• Third-Party Tools: Applications like TeamViewer or AnyDesk provide cross-platform remote access with minimal setup.

7. Security Best Practices

To secure your RDP connection:

• Use strong, unique passwords for user accounts.
• Restrict RDP access to trusted IPs using firewall rules.
• Enable fail2ban to prevent brute force attacks.
• Use SSH tunneling to encrypt the RDP connection.

Conclusion

Accessing a how to access Linux server from Windows via remote desktop connection is a straightforward process when using xrdp. With a few configurations, you can establish a reliable connection and manage your Linux server seamlessly from a Windows machine. By following the steps outlined above and adhering to security best practices, you can ensure a secure and efficient remote access setup.