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How to Install a VNC Server on Ubuntu 24.04

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What is a VNC Server?

A VNC (Virtual Network Computing) Server allows remote users to access and interact with the graphical desktop environment of a Linux system (like Ubuntu 24.04) over a network. VNC is widely used for remote administration, GUI-based server management, and user support.

VNC operates using the Remote Frame Buffer (RFB) protocol, where the server sends the graphical screen to the client, and the client sends keyboard and mouse input back to the server.

Why Use VNC on Ubuntu 24.04?

Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat) is the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) release, known for stability, security, and modern features. Running a VNC server on Ubuntu 24.04 is ideal for:

  • Accessing a remote GUI environment (especially when using headless servers).
  • Managing the system through graphical tools like file managers, editors, or system monitors.
  • Supporting non-technical users or performing GUI-based troubleshooting.

Popular VNC Server Options for Ubuntu 24.04

VNC ServerGUI SupportEncryptionMulti-User SupportNotes
TigerVNCGNOME, XFCE, MATE, KDE✅ Built-in TLS✅ YesModern, fast, and widely recommended
TightVNCXFCE, LXDE, MATE❌ No (use SSH tunnel)✅ YesLightweight but older and less secure
RealVNCGNOME, others✅ Proprietary TLS✅ YesCommercial-grade; free for home use
x11vncShares active X session❌ No (SSH recommended)❌ NoMirrors local desktop session; good for remote support
VinoGNOME (legacy)✅ Yes❌ NoSimple but deprecated; replaced in GNOME by gnome-remote-desktop

Systemd and GNOME Considerations in Ubuntu 24.04

  • Ubuntu 24.04 uses GNOME 46 by default and Wayland as the default display server.
  • Traditional VNC servers like TigerVNC expect X11, so you may need to switch to X11 from Wayland for full compatibility.
    • At login, select “Ubuntu on Xorg” if needed.
  • Alternatively, gnome-remote-desktop is the new native method for screen sharing in GNOME under Wayland, which supports RDP but not standard VNC clients.

VNC Server vs Other Remote Desktop Options on Ubuntu

ProtocolGUI AccessEncryptionPerformanceBest For
VNC (TigerVNC, TightVNC)✅ Yes⚠️ Depends on setup⚠️ ModerateGUI access over LAN/SSH
RDP (xrdp)✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ HighWindows-native client access
SSH with X11 Forwarding✅ Yes (apps only)✅ Yes❌ SlowerSingle GUI apps, not full desktop
NoMachine✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ ExcellentSeamless cross-platform remote access
TeamViewer / AnyDesk✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ GoodEasy setup for remote support

Security Tips When Using VNC

  • Use SSH tunneling if your VNC server does not support encryption (e.g., TightVNC, x11vnc).
  • Use strong passwords and limit VNC access to trusted IPs via firewall.
  • Use Fail2Ban or similar tools to protect against brute-force attacks.
  • Consider using TLS-enabled VNC servers (like TigerVNC or RealVNC) for secure standalone connections.

Recommended Desktop Environments for VNC on Ubuntu 24.04

  • XFCE – Lightweight, stable, and fast. Great for VNC.
  • MATE – Traditional layout, lightweight.
  • LXQt – Very lightweight and fast for older systems.
  • GNOME – Resource-heavy and Wayland-dependent (use with caution).
  • KDE Plasma – Beautiful but more memory-intensive.

Use Cases for VNC on Ubuntu 24.04

  • Remote administration of headless servers with a GUI.
  • Providing support or training to users.
  • Testing or developing GUI applications remotely.
  • Managing media servers or download systems with graphical clients.

VNC servers on Ubuntu 24.04 provide a reliable and flexible way to access your system’s GUI remotely. Whether you’re managing a headless server, developing GUI applications, or supporting end users, VNC is a powerful tool. For modern setups, TigerVNC is the best all-around choice, while xrdp and NoMachine offer solid alternatives for higher performance and broader compatibility.

For best results on Ubuntu 24.04:

Be aware of Wayland limitations and use X11 sessions where needed.

Use lightweight desktop environments.

Prefer TigerVNC or x11vnc with SSH.

Step 1: Launch a Cloud Server on Shape.Host

First, you’ll need a running Ubuntu 24.04 server. Here’s how to get one on Shape.Host:

Go to https://shape.host and log in.

Click “Create”.

Choose Instance.

Select a location close to you.

Pick a plan with at least 2 GB RAM and 20 GB SSD.

Choose Ubuntu 24.04 as the operating system.

Click “Create Instance”.

Once the instance is created, go to the Resources section to find the public IP address of your instance. You will use this to connect to the instance remotely.

Step 2: Connect to Your Server (SSH)

Now let’s log into your VPS using SSH.

On Linux/macOS:

ssh root@your_server_ip

On Windows:

Use PuTTY or the built-in Windows Terminal.

Step 3: Install VNC and XFCE Desktop

Run the following commands one by one:

1. Update your system:

apt-get update

2. Install XFCE (the desktop environment):

apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies

3. Install TightVNC (the VNC server):

apt install tightvncserver

4. Run VNC again to finish the initial setup:

vncserver

You’ll be asked to create a password — this is what you’ll use when you connect later.

Step 4: Set Up XFCE for VNC

Before using VNC, we need to link it with the XFCE desktop.

1. Stop the VNC server:

vncserver -kill :1

2. Edit the startup file:

nano ~/.vnc/xstartup

Replace its contents with:

#!/bin/bash
xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
startxfce4 &

3. Make the script executable:

chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup

4. Start the VNC server again:

vncserver :1

Step 5: Start VNC Automatically at Boot (Optional)

If you want the VNC server to start when your server reboots, follow these steps:

1. Create a systemd service file:

nano /etc/systemd/system/vncserver@.service

Paste this in the file (replace <your-username> with your actual username):

[Unit]
Description=Start TightVNC server at startup
After=syslog.target network.target

[Service]
Type=forking
User=<your-username>
Group=<your-username>
WorkingDirectory=/home/<your-username>

PIDFile=/home/<your-username>/.vnc/%H:%i.pid
ExecStartPre=/usr/bin/vncserver -kill :%i > /dev/null 2>&1 || true
ExecStart=/usr/bin/vncserver -depth 24 -geometry 1280x800 :%i
ExecStop=/usr/bin/vncserver -kill :%i

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Example: if you’re using the root user, replace <your-username> with root.

2. Reload systemd to apply changes:

systemctl daemon-reload

3. Enable the VNC service on boot:

systemctl enable vncserver@1.service

Step 6: Connect to Your VNC Desktop

Now you’re ready to connect from your own computer!

Install a VNC viewer — some great options:

RealVNC Viewer

TightVNC Viewer

TigerVNC Viewer

Open the app and connect to: your_server_ip:1

Enter the VNC password you set earlier.

You should now see your Ubuntu XFCE desktop — from anywhere!

You’ve just set up a working remote desktop on your Ubuntu 24.04 VPS. Now you can:

  • Open a browser
  • Run GUI apps
  • Manage files easily

Looking for a reliable and affordable hosting partner?

Try Shape.Host Cloud VPS — it’s fast, flexible, and perfect for developers, remote workers, and Linux learners.

Tags:
Christian Wells

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