Add GUI & Remote Desktop to your Linux Server

There’s many times that adding a graphical user interface (GUI) and remote desktop access to your Linux server can be a big help. Sometimes it’s helpful to have access to the browser and other applications on the server. Sometimes its easier to navigate directories graphically. Other times, end-users without command live savvy need to run applications and operations on the server. 

Here are the 9 steps to add a GUI and remote desktop access to any Debian/Ubuntu based Linux server:

1. Download OS updates: sudo apt update 
2. Apply OS updates: sudo apt upgrade -y 
3. Download GUI package: sudo apt install tasksel -y 
4. Run installer and select Cinnamon (or another GUI): sudo tasksel 
5. Install remote desktop application: sudo apt install xrdp -y
6. Assign Cinnamon GUI to the xrdp remote desktop session: echo “cinnamon” > ~/.xsession 
7. Restart remote desktop to apply Cinnamon GUI: sudo service xrdp restart
8. Reboot the computer: sudo reboot 
9. Optional: You may need to update your network and server firewall to allow remote desktop connections. Allow TCP traffic on port 3389.

Contact us with any questions.