Ubuntu Remote Access Setup

One-command setup to configure any Ubuntu machine for remote desktop access from anywhere.

Quick start

git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/ubuntu-remote-setup.git
cd ubuntu-remote-setup
chmod +x setup.sh
./setup.sh

The script will walk you through each step interactively.

What it sets up

1. SSH server — key-based authentication, root login disabled
2. GNOME Remote Desktop (RDP) — built-in RDP server, works with any RDP client
3. Tailscale — access from anywhere without port forwarding
4. Always-on — auto-login, disable sleep/suspend/screen lock

Connecting after setup

From	Connect to
Same network	<local-ip>:3389
Anywhere	<tailscale-ip>:3389

Use any RDP client:

• macOS: Microsoft Remote Desktop
• Windows: built-in Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc)
• Linux: Remmina

Individual modules

Run only what you need:

sudo ./modules/ssh.sh
./modules/rdp.sh
sudo ./modules/tailscale.sh
sudo ./modules/no-sleep.sh

Requirements

• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or newer
• GNOME desktop environment
• Run from a local terminal (not over SSH for the RDP module)

Changing RDP password later

grdctl rdp set-credentials YOUR_USERNAME NEW_PASSWORD
systemctl --user restart gnome-remote-desktop

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
RDP port not listening	Run ss -tlnp | grep 3389. If empty, ensure you're logged in locally and restart: systemctl --user restart gnome-remote-desktop
"User account did not work"	Re-set credentials: grdctl rdp set-credentials USER PASS
Connection refused remotely	Check Tailscale is running on both machines: tailscale status
Black screen	Make sure you're NOT using xrdp — this setup uses GNOME Remote Desktop which shares your existing session