Control Ubuntu from Windows with RDP: Install xrdp and Configure Remote Access

Install xrdp and tightvncserver on Ubuntu

Open a terminal on Ubuntu and run the following command to install the required packages: # sudo apt-get install tightvncserver xrdp The command installs both tightvncserver (required by xrdp) and xrdp itself.

Connect from Windows using Remote Desktop

After installation, launch the Windows Remote Desktop client (available in Windows 10). Enter the IP address of the Ubuntu machine and connect.

When prompted, select the xorg session, then provide the Ubuntu username and password (by default the root account is used).

Enable root login for RDP

By default, RDP requires the root user. Set a password for the root account with: # sudo passwd root Enter and confirm the new password.

Allow non‑root users to log in

If you need to use a different account, adjust the permissions of the .ICEauthority file located in the user's home directory: # chmod 660 .ICEauthority After changing permissions, restart the Ubuntu machine. You can then log in with the chosen account via Windows Remote Desktop.

Final notes

After completing the steps and rebooting Ubuntu, you can manage the system remotely from Windows using the standard Remote Desktop client, with either the root account or any other user whose .ICEauthority permissions have been adjusted.