How to Enable and Use Remote Desktop Sharing in Ubuntu Desktop

Accessing your personal Ubuntu computer from across the room, another office floor, or over a local home network allows you to manage downloads, check progress on long-running tasks, and control applications without sitting in front of the physical hardware. Modern Ubuntu releases (including Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and 24.04 LTS) replace outdated, unencrypted VNC protocols with native Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This provides high-performance, encrypted remote screen sharing compatible with standard Windows Remote Desktop Connection and macOS clients without installing third-party server software.

Enabling Native Remote Desktop in Ubuntu Settings

Configuring RDP sharing takes less than two minutes inside Ubuntu’s control centre:

1. Open the Settings app from the dock or application menu.
2. In the left sidebar, click on System (or Sharing on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS).
3. Click on Remote Desktop.
4. Toggle on the master switch labeled Remote Desktop.
5. Toggle on Enable Remote Control so you can interact with mouse clicks and keystrokes rather than view-only mode.

Configuring Secure RDP Authentication Credentials

To prevent unauthorised access, configure dedicated remote credentials:

1. Under the Authentication section on the same Remote Desktop screen:
   • Note down or edit the User Name.
   • Click the reveal eye icon next to Password to view or set a strong custom password. (This can be different from your main Ubuntu login password).
2. Find your Ubuntu PC’s local IP address by clicking Network > Wi-Fi / Wired settings > Gear icon (e.g., 192.168.1.45).

Connecting from a Windows PC

Connecting from any Windows computer requires no extra software:

1. On your Windows PC, press the Windows key and type Remote Desktop Connection.
2. In the Computer field, enter your Ubuntu machine’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.45).
3. Click Connect.
4. Enter the User Name and Password you configured in Ubuntu’s Remote Desktop settings.
5. Accept the TLS certificate warning; your Ubuntu desktop environment will appear fluidly in a window.

Connecting from a Mac or iOS Device

To connect from Apple devices:

1. Download the free Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop) from the Mac App Store.
2. Click + > Add PC, enter your Ubuntu IP address, and save.
3. Double-click the connection tile and enter your credentials to initiate the session.

Ensuring Remote Access While Locked or Unattended

Ensure that under Settings > Power, your Ubuntu PC’s Automatic Suspend is toggled Off when connected to AC mains power, preventing the computer from entering sleep mode while you are working remotely.