How To Remote Control Linux From Windows

Maybe you have in the past configured a Linux server as the solution to network storage. Or maybe you have a Linux PC for work or for anything.

Whatever the case is, at some point in time, you will need to remotely access the Linux device from a Windows PC or laptop. So, what is the solution?

Windows users have access to several tools that allow for a  simple remote desktop from Windows to Linux. Do you want to know how to access your Linux desktop from Windows? If yes, read on!

You’ll Need the Linux Device’s IP Address

Before you can start, you would have to find the IP address of your Linux device. You need this for all remote connection options, although in some cases, the hostname (which is the device’s network name) will be all you need.

The simplest way to check the IP address is to log in to you your Linux device and open the terminal. Enter:

ifconfig

The IP address of the device will be displayed on the screen.

If the Linux box has an Ethernet connection, the address will be listed beside eth0. If it’s connected wirelessly, look for the IP address that is listed opposite wlan0.

How to Access a Linux COmputer Desktop From Windows Through RDP

The first and easiest option is by using the Windows Remote Desktop Protocol(RDP), which is built into Windows.

Before starting, you will need to install the xrdp software on your Linux machine. open a terminal and enter in:

sudo apt install xrdp

To use RDP to Linux, open and launch the Remote Desktop software on your Windows machine. In Windows 8 and later, the remote desktop tool can be found through Search, simply by entering the letters, “rdp”.

With the Remote Desktop Connection window open:

• Input the IP address
• Use Show Options for any advanced connection requirements
• Click Connect

It is as simple as that!

Remote Into Linux From Windows With VNC

A Virtual Network Connection (VNC) also offers remote access to your Linux desktop. As with RDP, however, you will need to install some dedicated software. On the Linux box, the VNC server software is required; on Windows, a client app.

One of the most notable and popular options for connecting to Linux through a VNC is TightVNC. You will find the Windows client software on its website, but ensure that you select the right version.

Once you have done that, install the tightvncserver on your Linux machine.

First, in the Linux machine, check for updates:

sudo apt update

Next, run this command to install TightVnc:

sudo apt install tightvncserver

Once installed, run tightvncserver, and set a password when the prompt comes up.

sudo tightvncserver

With tightvncserver now running, you will see a notification displaying the port number make a note of it.

To remote connect to Linux from Windows:

    Run the TightVNC Viewer app in Windows
    enter in the IP address and port number
    Click on the Connect button
    Input the password you set when you were prompted

Connect to Linux Remotely Using SSH in PuTTY

Although not natively available in Windows PC, the PuTTY application can be downloaded. PuTTY, however, is not installed, however. Instead, you can simply run the downloaded EXE file.

To use PuTTY for SSH:

• Click and select  Session > Host Name.
• Enter in the Linux computer’s network name, or enter the IP address that you had earlier noted.
• Select SSH, then click on Open.
• When prompted to accept the certificate for the connection, do so
• Enter the username and password to sign in to your Linux device