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Install a Lightweight GUI on Ubuntu VM (XFCE) & Enable RDP (xrdp) on Azure

Turn your Ubuntu Server VM into a lightweight desktop you can access over Remote Desktop (RDP). We install XFCE, configure xrdp, open the right ports safely, and sign in via Microsoft Remote Desktop.

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Steps & Commands (copy/paste)

1) Check version & update

 
lsb_release -a sudo apt update && sudo apt -y upgrade sudo reboot

Reconnect via SSH after the reboot.

2) Install XFCE desktop (light)

 
sudo apt -y install xfce4 xfce4-goodies # Prefer full Xubuntu stack (heavier): # sudo apt -y install xubuntu-desktop

3) Install and enable xrdp

 
sudo apt -y install xrdp sudo adduser $USER xrdp sudo adduser xrdp ssl-cert sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp

4) Make XFCE your RDP session

 
echo "startxfce4" | sudo tee /etc/skel/.xsession >/dev/null echo "startxfce4" > ~/.xsession

(Ensures new users and your user launch XFCE when connecting.)

5) Open port 3389 on the VM firewall (UFW)

 
sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp sudo ufw status

6) Allow RDP in Azure networking (important)

  • Azure Portal → VM → Networking → Inbound port rules → Add

    • Destination port: 3389

    • Protocol: TCP

    • Source: Your IP only (best practice)

    • Action: Allow

    • Priority: e.g. 300

  • ✅ Even better: use Azure Bastion to avoid exposing 3389 to the internet.

7) Connect

  • Use Microsoft Remote Desktop (Windows/macOS).

  • Connect to the VM public IP (or via Bastion).

  • Log in with your Ubuntu username/password → you should land in XFCE.

Chapters

00:00 Intro & prerequisites
01:00 Update & reboot
02:20 Install XFCE
04:10 Install xrdp & groups
05:40 Set session to XFCE
06:30 Open UFW 3389
07:20 Azure NSG rule (or Bastion)
09:00 Connect via RDP
10:30 Tips & security notes

Security notes

  • Restrict RDP to your IP and consider Azure Bastion or a VPN

  • Keep the VM patched and monitor NSG/Firewall logs

Helpful keywords

ubuntu gui azure, xfce xrdp, enable rdp ubuntu server, remote desktop linux, azure bastion, linux desktop in cloud

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