Remote Desktop to Windows from Linux: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a Linux user who needs to remotely access a Windows computer? Whether you need to work on a Windows-specific application or access files and documents on a Windows machine, there are several options available to establish a remote desktop connection from Linux to Windows. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore 20 different methods to achieve this, ranging from using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client software to setting up a Windows Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environment. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of various approaches to remote desktop to Windows from Linux, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your needs.

Introduction

Remote desktop refers to the ability to access and control a computer from a remote location. It allows users to interact with a remote computer as if they were physically present at the machine. In the context of this guide, we will focus on remote desktop connections from Linux systems to Windows computers.

There are numerous scenarios where remote desktop access to a Windows machine from a Linux system can be beneficial. For example, you may need to access Windows-specific software or tools that are not available on Linux. Alternatively, you may want to retrieve files or documents stored on a Windows computer while working on a Linux machine. Regardless of the specific use case, having the ability to establish a remote desktop connection between Linux and Windows can greatly enhance productivity and flexibility.

Option 1: Use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client software

One of the most common and straightforward methods to remote desktop to Windows from Linux is by using RDP client software. RDP is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that allows users to connect to a remote Windows computer and control it as if they were sitting in front of it.

There are several RDP client software options available for Linux, such as Remmina, Vinagre, and rdesktop. These applications provide a user-friendly interface to configure and establish RDP connections to Windows machines. To use this method, you will need to enable Remote Desktop on the Windows computer and have the necessary credentials to authenticate the remote connection.

Once you have installed an RDP client software on your Linux system, you can launch the application and enter the IP address or hostname of the Windows computer you want to connect to. Provide the appropriate login credentials, and the RDP client software will establish a remote desktop session with the Windows machine.

Using RDP client software is a reliable and widely supported method for remote desktop access to Windows from Linux. It offers a familiar Windows desktop experience and allows you to seamlessly work on Windows-specific applications or access files on the remote machine.

Option 2: Install and configure a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) server

If you prefer a more platform-independent solution, you can install and configure a VNC server on the Windows computer and use a VNC client on the Linux system to establish a remote connection. VNC is a remote desktop protocol that allows users to control a remote computer’s desktop environment.

To use this method, you will need to install a VNC server software on the Windows computer, such as TightVNC or RealVNC. Once the VNC server is installed, you can configure it to allow remote connections and set a password for authentication.

On the Linux system, you will need to install a VNC client software, such as Remmina or TigerVNC. Launch the VNC client application and enter the IP address or hostname of the Windows computer. Provide the VNC server’s password, and the client software will establish a remote desktop session with the Windows machine.

Using a VNC server and client combination provides a cross-platform solution for remote desktop access. It allows you to control the Windows desktop environment from a Linux system, providing flexibility and convenience.

Option 3: Utilize the XRDP package

Another method to remote desktop to Windows from Linux is by utilizing the XRDP package. XRDP is an open-source implementation of the RDP protocol that allows Linux systems to act as RDP servers.

To use this method, you will need to install the XRDP package on the Linux system. Once installed, you can configure XRDP to enable RDP support and specify the desktop environment to use for the remote session.

On the Windows computer, you can use any RDP client software, such as Remote Desktop Connection or Remmina, to connect to the Linux system. Enter the IP address or hostname of the Linux machine, provide the appropriate login credentials, and the RDP client software will establish a remote desktop session with the Linux system.

Utilizing the XRDP package allows you to turn your Linux system into an RDP server, enabling remote desktop access from Windows machines. It provides a seamless integration between Linux and Windows environments, allowing you to work on Linux while accessing Windows resources.

Option 4: Set up a Secure Shell (SSH) server

If you prefer a secure and command-line-based method for remote desktop access, you can set up an SSH server on the Windows computer and use an SSH client on the Linux system to establish a remote connection.

To use this method, you will need to install an SSH server software on the Windows computer, such as OpenSSH for Windows or Bitvise SSH Server. Once the SSH server is installed, you can configure it to allow remote connections and set up SSH keys for authentication.

On the Linux system, you will need to have an SSH client installed, which is typically available by default. Open a terminal and use the SSH command to connect to the Windows computer. Provide the IP address or hostname of the Windows machine, along with the appropriate login credentials, and the SSH client will establish a secure shell session with the Windows system.

Using SSH for remote desktop access provides a secure and lightweight method to control a Windows computer from a Linux system. It allows you to execute commands and perform administrative tasks on the remote machine without the need for a graphical desktop environment.

Option 5: Install and configure a third-party remote desktop software

If you are looking for alternative remote desktop software options, there are several third-party applications available that support both Linux and Windows systems. Examples of such software include TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and NoMachine.

To use this method, you will need to install the remote desktop software on both the Linux and Windows systems. Once installed, you can launch the application on the Linux system and enter the remote computer’s ID or IP address to establish a connection.

Depending on the specific software, you may need to create an account or provide authentication credentials to connect to the remote Windows computer. Once the connection is established, you will have full control over the Windows desktop environment from your Linux system.

Using third-party remote desktop software provides a user-friendly and feature-rich solution for remote access to Windows from Linux. These applications often offer additional functionalities such as file transfer, remote printing, and multi-platform support.

Option 6: Use the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

If you are running a Windows 10 or Windows Server 2019 system, you can utilize the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to run a Linux distribution on the Windows computer. This allows you to establish a remote connection from the Linux subsystem to the Windows environment.

To use this method, you will need to enable the WSL feature on the Windows computer and install a Linux distribution of your choice, such as Ubuntu or Debian, from the Microsoft Store. Once the Linux distribution is installed, you can launch a terminal and use SSH or other remote access methods to connect to the Windows system.

Using WSL provides a unique approach to remote desktop access, as it allows you to run a Linux environment directly on a Windows machine. This can be particularly useful if you need to work on Linux-specific tasks while having access to Windows resources.

Option 7: Set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection

If you require a secure and private connection between your Linux and Windows systems, setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be an effective solution. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the two systems, allowing you to access the Windows computer remotely.

To use this method, you will need to set up a VPN server on the Windows computer and configure it to accept incoming connections. There are various VPN server software options available for Windows, such as OpenVPN or SoftEther VPN.

On the Linux system, you will need to install a VPN client software, such as OpenVPN or NetworkManager, and configure it to connect to the Windows VPN server. Once the VPN connection is established, you can access the Windows computer as if it were on the same local network.

Setting up a VPN connection provides a secure and private method for remote desktop access. It allows you to establish a virtual network between the Linux and Windows systems, ensuring that your remote sessions are protected from unauthorized access.

Option 8: Utilize the Telnet protocol

Although not as secure as other methods, utilizing the Telnet protocol can be a viable option for remote desktop access from Linux to Windows. Telnet allows you to establish a text-based remote session with a Windows computer.

To use this method, you will need to install a Telnet server software on the Windows computer, such as KpyM Telnet/SSH Server or Telnet Server for Windows. Once the Telnet server is installed, you can configure it to allow remote connections.

On the Linux system, you will need to have a Telnet client installed, which is typically available by default. Open a terminal and use the Telnet command to connect to the Windows computer. Provide the IP address or hostname of the Windows machine, along with the appropriate login credentials, and the Telnet client will establish a remote session with the Windows system.

Using Telnet for remote desktop access provides a lightweight and straightforward method to control a Windows computer from a Linux system. However, it is important to note that Telnet does not encrypt the communication, making it less secure compared to other methods.

Option 9: Use the X Window System

The X Window System, commonly referred to as X11, is a widely used windowing system for Unix-like operating systems, including Linux. It allows you to remotely display the desktop environment of a Windows computer on a Linux system.

To use this method, you will need to enable X11 forwarding on the Linux system and install an X server software, such as Xming or VcXsrv, on the Windows computer. Once the X server is installed, you can configure it to allow remote connections.

On the Linux system, you will need to have an SSH client installed, which is typically available by default. Open a terminal and use the SSH command with X11 forwarding enabled to connect to the Windows computer. Provide the IP address or hostname of the Windows machine, along with the appropriate login credentials, and the SSH client will establish a secure shell session with X11 forwarding.

Once the SSH session is established, you can launch graphical applications on the Windows computer, and they will be displayed on the Linux system’s desktop environment.

Using the X Window System for remote desktop access provides a seamless integration between Linux and Windows environments. It allows you to run Windows applications on a Linux system while leveraging the Linux desktop environment.

Option 10: Set up a Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) server

If you need to establish remote desktop connections to multiple Windows computers from your Linux system, setting up a Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) server can simplify the process. RD Gateway acts as an intermediary between the Linux client and the Windows computers, allowing for secure remote access.

To use this method, you will need to set up an RD Gateway server on a Windows computer and configure it to accept incoming connections. Once the RD Gateway server is set up, you can use an RDP client software on the Linux system to connect to the RD Gateway server.

When establishing the RDP connection, specify the IP address or hostname of the RD Gateway server and provide the appropriate login credentials. The RDP client software will establish a connection with the RD Gateway server, which will then forward the connection to the desired Windows computer.

Setting up an RD Gateway server provides a centralized and secure method for remote desktop access to multiple Windows computers. It simplifies the connection process and allows you to access Windows resources from your Linux system with ease.

Option 11: Install and configure a web-based remote desktop software

If you prefer to access the Windows computer remotely from a web browser on your Linux system, installing and configuring a web-based remote desktop software can be a suitable option. Examples of such software include Guacamole and Apache Guacamole.

To use this method, you will need to set up a server accessible from both the Linux and Windows systems and install the web-based remote desktop software on the server. Once installed, you can access the software through a web browser on the Linux system.

Using the web-based remote desktop software, you can enter the IP address or hostname of the Windows computer and provide the appropriate login credentials. The software will establish a remote desktop session with the Windows machine, which can be accessed and controlled through the web browser on the Linux system.

Installing a web-based remote desktop software provides a convenient and platform-independent method for remote access to Windows from Linux. It eliminates the need for installing client software on the Linux system and allows for easy access through a web browser.

Option 12: Utilize a command-line tool

If you prefer a command-line-based approach for remote desktop access, you can utilize command-line tools that support the RDP protocol. Examples of such tools include FreeRDP and rdesktop.

To use this method, you will need to install the command-line tool on the Linux system. Once installed, you can launch the tool and provide the IP address or hostname of the Windows computer, along with the appropriate login credentials.

The command-line tool will establish an RDP connection with the Windows machine and provide a text-based interface to interact with the remote desktop environment. This method is particularly useful for scripting or automation purposes.

Utilizing a command-line tool for remote desktop access provides a lightweight and flexible solution. It allows for easy integration with other command-line utilities and provides a streamlined approach for remote administration tasks.

Option 13: Set up a Windows Remote Management (WinRM) server

If you prefer to manage the Windows computer remotely using PowerShell commands from your Linux system, setting up a Windows Remote Management (WinRM) server can be an effective method.

To use this method, you will need to enable WinRM on the Windows computer and configure it to allow remote connections. Once WinRM is set up, you can use a Linux-based PowerShell client, such as PowerShell Core, to establish a remote session with the Windows system.

Launch the PowerShell client on the Linux system and use the appropriate cmdlets to establish a WinRM session with the Windows computer. Provide the IP address or hostname of the Windows machine, along with the appropriate login credentials, and the PowerShell client will establish a remote session.

Using WinRM for remote desktop access provides a powerful and scriptable method to manage a Windows computer from a Linux system. It allows for seamless integration with PowerShell commands and provides extensive control over the remote machine.

Option 14: Use a cross-platform remote desktop software

If you require a remote desktop solution that supports both Linux and Windows systems, using a cross-platform remote desktop software can be an ideal choice. Examples of such software include AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, and DWService.

To use this method, you will need to install the cross-platform remote desktop software on both the Linux and Windows systems. Once installed, you can launch the application on the Linux system and enter the remote computer’s ID or IP address to establish a connection.

Using a cross-platform remote desktop software provides a versatile and user-friendly solution for remote access to Windows from Linux. These applications often offer additional features such as file transfer, remote printing, and multi-platform support.

Option 15: Set up a Virtual Network Computing over Secure Shell (VNC over SSH) connection

If you require a secure and encrypted remote desktop connection between your Linux and Windows systems, setting up a Virtual Network Computing over Secure Shell (VNC over SSH) connection can be an effective solution.

To use this method, you will need to enable SSH on both the Linux and Windows systems. On the Windows computer, you will also need to install a VNC server software, such as TightVNC or RealVNC.

Once SSH and the VNC server are set up, you can establish an SSH tunnel between the Linux and Windows systems. This will allow you to securely forward VNC traffic through the SSH connection.

On the Linux system, you will need to have a VNC client software, such as Remmina or TigerVNC, installed. Launch the VNC client application and configure it to connect to the local port that is forwarded through the SSH tunnel.

Using VNC over SSH provides a secure and encrypted method for remote desktop access. It ensures that your remote sessions are protected from unauthorized access and provides a seamless integration between Linux and Windows environments.

Option 16: Utilize a remote desktop software that supports the Remote Frame Buffer (RFB) protocol

If you prefer to use a remote desktop software that supports the Remote Frame Buffer (RFB) protocol, you can utilize applications such as TigerVNC or TurboVNC. These software packages provide a cross-platform solution for remote desktop access.

To use this method, you will need to install the remote desktop software on both the Linux and Windows systems. Once installed, you can launch the application on the Linux system and enter the IP address or hostname of the Windows computer to establish a connection.

Depending on the specific software, you may need to provide authentication credentials or configure additional settings to connect to the remote Windows computer. Once the connection is established, you will have full control over the Windows desktop environment from your Linux system.

Utilizing a remote desktop software that supports the RFB protocol provides a versatile and platform-independent solution for remote access to Windows from Linux. It allows for seamless integration between different operating systems and provides a familiar desktop experience.

Option 17: Set up a Windows Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environment

If you require a centralized and scalable solution for remote desktop access to Windows computers from your Linux system, setting up a Windows Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environment can be an ideal choice.

To use this method, you will need to set up an RDS environment on a Windows Server machine and configure it to accept incoming connections. Once the RDS environment is set up, you can use an RDP client software on the Linux system to connect to the RDS server.

When establishing the RDP connection, specify the IP address or hostname of the RDS server and provide the appropriate login credentials. The RDP client software will establish a connection with the RDS server, which will then forward the connection to the desired Windows computer.

Setting up an RDS environment provides a centralized and scalable method for remote desktop access to multiple Windows computers. It allows for efficient management and control of remote sessions, making it an ideal choice for enterprise environments.

Option 18: Use a web-based remote desktop software

If you prefer to access the Windows computer remotely from a web browser on your Linux system, using a web-based remote desktop software can be a suitable option. Examples of such software include AnyDesk Web, Guacamole, and TeamViewer Web.

Option 19: Set up a Windows PowerShell Web Access (PSWA) server

If you prefer to manage the Windows computer remotely using PowerShell commands from your Linux system, setting up a Windows PowerShell Web Access (PSWA) server can be an effective method.

To use this method, you will need to set up a PSWA server on a Windows computer and configure it to allow remote connections. Once the PSWA server is set up, you can use a web browser on the Linux system to establish a remote session with the Windows system.

Launch a web browser on the Linux system and enter the URL of the PSWA server. Provide the appropriate login credentials, and the web-based interface will establish a remote PowerShell session with the Windows computer.

Using PSWA for remote desktop access provides a powerful and scriptable method to manage a Windows computer from a Linux system. It allows for seamless integration with PowerShell commands and provides extensive control over the remote machine.

Option 20: Utilize a remote desktop software that supports the Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) protocol

If you require a remote desktop solution that supports both Linux and Windows systems, using a remote desktop software that supports the Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) protocol can be an ideal choice. Examples of such software include Citrix Workspace app and Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops.

Using a remote desktop software that supports the ICA protocol provides a versatile and user-friendly solution for remote access to Windows from Linux. These applications often offer additional features such as file transfer, remote printing, and multi-platform support.

Conclusion

Remote desktop access from Linux to Windows is a valuable capability that allows users to work seamlessly across different operating systems. In this article, we have explored 20 different methods to achieve remote desktop access, ranging from using RDP client software to setting up a Windows RDS environment. Each method offers its own advantages and considerations, allowing you to choose the approach that best suits your needs.

Whether you prefer a graphical desktop experience, a command-line interface, or a web-based solution, there is a method available to establish a remote desktop connection from Linux to Windows. By following the step-by-step instructions provided for each method, you can easily set up and configure the necessary software and establish a remote connection to your Windows computer.

FAQs

1. Can I use remote desktop software to access a Windows computer from any Linux distribution?

Yes, most remote desktop software options mentioned in this article are compatible with various Linux distributions. However, it is always recommended to check the software’s documentation or system requirements to ensure compatibility with your specific Linux distribution.

2. Are there any security considerations when establishing a remote desktop connection from Linux to Windows?

Yes, security should be a top priority when establishing a remote desktop connection. It is recommended to use secure protocols such as SSH or VPN to encrypt the communication between the Linux and Windows systems. Additionally, always ensure that you have strong and unique passwords for authentication.

3. Can I access a Windows computer remotely from Linux without installing any additional software?

Yes, some methods mentioned in this article, such as using the X Window System or a web-based remote desktop software, allow you to access a Windows computer remotely without installing additional software on the Linux system. However, these methods may have specific requirements or limitations, so it is important to review the documentation of the chosen method for more details.