Home ยป Tools ยป Azure Services ยป Install a Lightweight GUI on Ubuntu VM (XFCE) & Enable RDP (xrdp) on Azure

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.

๐Ÿ“Œ Also posted on our website: https://cybersecureworld.net/

Steps & Commands (copy/paste)

1) Check version & update

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

Reconnect via SSH after the reboot.

2) Install XFCE desktop (light)

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

3) Install and enable xrdp

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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

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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)

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sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp sudo ufw status

6) Allow RDP in Azure networking (important)

  • Azure Portal โ†’ VM โ†’ Networking โ†’ Inbound port rules โ†’ Add

    • Destination port: 3389

    • Protocol: TCP

    • Source: Your IP only (best practice)

    • Action: Allow

    • Priority: e.g. 300

  • โœ… 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 โ†’ 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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