Complete Guide to XRDP Ubuntu: Installation, Setup, and Fixes

Remote desktop access is essential for system administrators, developers, and businesses managing servers. One of the most popular tools for remote desktop on Linux is XRDP Ubuntu. With XRDP, you can log in to your Ubuntu machine from Windows or other devices using the RDP protocol, just like connecting to a Windows server.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to install XRDP Ubuntu, fix common errors like the Ubuntu XRDP black screen or the XRDP Raspberry Pi blue screen, and configure multi-user access. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced sysadmin, this tutorial will help you get the most out of XRDP on Ubuntu.

What is XRDP in Ubuntu?

= XRDP Ubuntu is an open-source implementation of Microsoft’s RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). It allows users to access their Ubuntu system remotely with a graphical interface instead of just SSH.

Key Benefits:

1.Connect Ubuntu desktop remotely from Windows, Mac, or Linux.

2.Lightweight and easy to configure.

3.Works for personal use, business, and even cloud servers (AWS, Azure, Digital Ocean).

4.Supports multiple users and sessions with the right configuration.

How to Install XRDP Ubuntu (Step-by-Step)

One of the most common search queries is install XRDP Ubuntu, and it’s surprisingly simple.

Step 1 – Update System Packages

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2 – Install Desktop Environment (if not installed)

Ubuntu Server doesn’t come with a GUI by default. Install lightweight desktop:

sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies -y

Step 3 – Install XRDP Package

sudo apt install xrdp -y

This completes the xrdp ubuntu install process.

Step 4 – Enable and Start XRDP Service

sudo systemctl enable xrdp
sudo systemctl start xrdp

Step 5 – Configure Firewall

sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

Now you can connect from Windows Remote Desktop using the server’s IP.

Fixing Common Issues in XRDP Ubuntu

Even after a successful xrdp ubuntu install, users face common problems. Let’s address them.

Ubuntu XRDP Black Screen Fix

One of the most reported issues is the ubuntu xrdp black screen after login.

Causes:

Display manager conflicts (GDM vs LightDM).
Incompatible desktop environment.
Permission issues with .Xauthority.
Initial Ubuntu System Setup

Solution:

Install LightDM instead of GDM:

sudo apt install lightdm
sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm

2.Reset .Xauthority permissions:

sudo chown $USER:$USER ~/.Xauthority

This resolves most XRDP Ubuntu black screen problems.

XRDP Raspberry Pi Blue Screen Fix

If you’re using XRDP on Raspberry Pi, you might encounter the xrdp raspberry pi blue screen issue.

Cause:
This happens because XRDP doesn’t always detect the Pi desktop session correctly.

Solution:

1.Install Xorg backend:

sudo apt install xserver-xorg-core xserver-xorg-video-fbdev

2.Restart XRDP service:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Now Raspberry Pi will open desktop instead of showing only a blue screen.

Multi-User Access in XRDP Ubuntu

By default, XRDP connects to the logged-in user session. But admins often need multi-user access.

Steps:

1.Create multiple users:

sudo adduser user2

2. Allow XRDP sessions for all users in /etc/xrdp/startwm.sh.

3. Restart XRDP:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Now, each user can connect to the Ubuntu server independently.

Advanced Configuration Tips

Use XRDP on VPS & Cloud Serversloy XRDP

When you dep Ubuntu on a VPS (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Digital Ocean), always pick servers near your GEO location (e.g., New York, London, Singapore) to reduce latency.

Performance Optimization

Use XFCE instead of GNOME for lightweight sessions.
Increase system RAM and CPU if running multiple users.
Use SSH tunneling for extra security.

Configuring Desktop Environments for Multi-User Access

For XRDP to provide a graphical interface, it’s crucial to install a desktop environment compatible with your system’s resources and needs. Popular choices on Ubuntu include GNOME, XFCE, and KDE, each with its unique set of features.

Installing XFCE for Lightweight Performance

If your primary intent is to conserve system resources while still providing a reliable graphical environment, XFCE is an excellent choice. Installation can be started with the command below:


sudo apt install xfce4

Upon successful installation, link your XFCE session as the default environment for XRDP by creating or modifying the following file:


echo "xfce4-session" | sudo tee -a /etc/skel/.xsession

This command sets XFCE as the default graphical interface for users logging in via XRDP. Now, let’s adjust configurations to allow multiple sessions.

Configuring Multi-User XRDP Access

Modifying XRDP Configurations

To handle multiple user sessions, adjustments to the XRDP configurations are necessary. Open the XRDP configuration file in a text editor:


sudo nano /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini

Look for the section [xrdp1] and make sure the following lines allow for multi-user session handling:


[session]
session.name=xrdp
session.comment=XRDP Sessions

Save and close the file. Restart the XRDP service to apply these changes:


sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Testing User Access

Create a test user account to ensure configurations work as intended. Use the command:


sudo adduser testuser

Assign a secure password and proceed to log in with this new account using an RDP client from another machine. Ensure simultaneous sessions can be managed to confirm multi-user support.

Security Enhancements for Remote Access

Securing Your Ubuntu Server with SSL

Even with XRDP configured, security remains a priority. Enhance safety by setting a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate to encrypt data transmitted between server and client. Installing SSL for Linux hosting setups can significantly reduce risks associated with data interception.

Monitoring and Management with Hosting Tools

Regular monitoring and effective management of hosting environments are crucial for ongoing security and efficiency. Utilize hosting tools and practices as recommended in our AvenaCloud tutorials to maintain a robust setup.

Common Troubleshooting Tips and FAQs

As with any technical configurations, you might encounter some challenges. Here, we’ll address frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips to help you quickly overcome obstacles.

Why Can’t I Log In?

If you encounter login issues, verify that XRDP and desktop environment installations are complete, and the services are active. Checking user permissions and ensuring no firewall restrictions exist can also be beneficial.

Improving Session Performance

Unoptimized system configurations can negatively impact performance. To improve speed, consider assigning more server resources, removing unnecessary startup applications, and ensuring your network is stable and fast.

FAQs on XRDP Ubuntu:

Q1. How do I install XRDP Ubuntu quickly?
A: Run sudo apt install xrdp -y after updating packages. This completes the xrdp ubuntu install in minutes.

Q2. Why am I getting the ubuntu xrdp black screen?
A: It’s due to display manager conflicts. Switching to LightDM usually fixes it.

Q3. How do I fix xrdp raspberry pi blue screen?
A: Install missing Xorg packages and restart XRDP.

Q4. Can XRDP support multiple users?
A: Yes, by creating multiple accounts and editing session configs.

Q5. Is XRDP secure for remote work?
A: Yes, but always combine XRDP with SSH or VPN for maximum protection.

Conclusion and Next Steps

By setting up XRDP for multi-user access on Ubuntu, you open new horizons for robust, remote and collaborative environments that scale with your needs. For deeper engagement with these technologies, consider further resources from our AvenaCloud blog and check our service offerings to enhance your operations.

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