Setting up RDP on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

I still use RDP when I want a remote desktop on another machine. On Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Desktop (Resolute Raccoon, April 2026) the built-in path is Settings → System → Remote Desktop, matching what Canonical has documented since 24.04.

The steps below walk through the toggles, ufw, and how to connect with a client.

Procedure¶

Open Remote Desktop in Settings¶

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to System.

3. Open Remote Desktop.

   Tip

   If you don't see it, click the search control at the top of Settings, type remote, and open the match under System.

   

Select and Enable a Connection Method¶

You'll see two tabs that aren't interchangeable.

• Desktop Sharing: View or control the desktop while you're logged in. Someone joins your live session. Resolution follows your local session, so the client can look a little soft.

• Remote Login: Connect when the account isn't in use, closer to a headless workstation login. Resolution follows the client window, so it tends to look sharp. If you're already logged in locally, a remote user may get offered the nuclear option to end your session.

  Tip

  Generally, I use the Remote Login method.

• Select the tab for the path you want.

• Turn on the main toggle at the top of that tab.

  Tip

  You may need to click Unlock and enter your password before the toggle will stick.

Save the Credentials¶

1. In How to connect, copy hostname and port. If you later enable both tabs, confirm the port in the panel: Remote Login stays on 3389 by default, while Desktop Sharing moves to 3390 so the two services don't conflict.

   Tip

   If the name doesn't resolve from your client, use this machine's IP address instead (Settings > Network or ip -4 address on Ubuntu).

2. In Login details, save the remote desktop username and password in your password manager, or set them and then copy. These are not your normal login credentials unless you intentionally make them match.

   

Firewall (ufw)¶

1. Check whether the firewall is enforcing:

   sudo ufw status
   

2. If status is active, allow the TCP range Canonical documents for both modes, then reload:

   sudo ufw allow 3389:3390/tcp
   sudo ufw reload
   

That covers 3389 through 3390 in one rule so you're not re-tracing steps when you change which tab is enabled.

Connect from Another System¶

1. Open an RDP client.

   Tip

   On macOS I use Royal TSX.

2. Create an RDP connection to the system.

   • Server: The resolvable hostname or the IP address of the system.
   • Port: The port you copied (confirm in the panel if both modes are enabled).
   • Username / Password: The remote desktop credentials from Login details you provided.

   

Hope that helps!

References¶

• Ubuntu Documentation, Share Your Desktop Remotely (Ubuntu Desktop 26.04)
• Ubuntu 26.04: How to Upgrade from 24.04 LTS