When managing a VPS (Virtual Private Server), most users rely on the command line through SSH. However, for those who are more comfortable with a graphical interface or need to run GUI-based applications.This guide walks you through the steps to set up a desktop GUI and access it remotely.

In this guide we use a ubuntu 22.04 server.

Step 1 – Update Your VPS

Update all the System Packages to make sure your Ubuntu server is up-to-date.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2 – Choose a Desktop Environment

Ubuntu supports several lightweight desktop environments ideal for VPS setups. Here are some popular choices:

Desktop Environment	Package Name	RAM Usage	Notes
XFCE	xfce4	Low	Lightweight and fast
LXDE	lxde	Very Low	Great for low-resource servers
MATE	ubuntu-mate-core	Medium	A classic GNOME 2 fork
GNOME	ubuntu-desktop	High	Full-featured but resource-heavy

Based upon your requirement. Choose the appropriate package. Here, we are Installing XFCE

Installing XFCE

sudo apt install xfce4 -y

Install a Remote Desktop Server

To access the desktop GUI remotely, you need a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) server or VNC.

Install XRDP (RDP server)

XRDP allows you to connect using the built-in Remote Desktop Connection app on Windows or any RDP client.

sudo apt install xrdp -y

Start and enable XRDP:

sudo systemctl enable xrdp sudo systemctl start xrdp

Check the status:

sudo systemctl status xrdp

Configure XRDP with XFCE

Set XFCE as the default session for XRDP:

echo “startxfce4” > ~/.xsession

Restart the XRDP service:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Connect to Your VPS GUI

On Windows: Use Remote Desktop Connection, enter your VPS IP and connect.

On macOS/Linux: Use an RDP client like Remmina, Microsoft Remote Desktop, or KRDC.

Log in using your VPS username and password. You should now see the XFCE desktop environment!

Conclusion

Installing a desktop environment on your Ubuntu VPS opens up a new range of possibilities, especially if you’re not comfortable with the command line. While not suitable for all production scenarios, it’s an excellent option for remote GUI access or specific use cases like remote administration or development environments.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, fast setup, XFCE + XRDP is a great combination. Just remember to monitor your VPS resource usage, especially on lower-tier plans.