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How to configure XRDP on Xubuntu 24.04 to create a new XFCE session with the same experience as a local session?

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I am trying to configure XRDP on my **Xubuntu 24.04** machine to allow remote connections from another Xubuntu 24.10 Linux machine (via VPN, same network). My goal is to **create a new XFCE session through XRDP**, which provides **the same desktop experience as my local session**, without interfering with any user that might be physically present at the machine. --- ### What I am trying to achieve - I want to **connect remotely** and start a **new session**, not take over the existing local session. - This **new session** should offer the **same XFCE environment as my local desktop**, including: - Panels and launchers in the same positions. - Desktop layout and configurations as I’ve set them locally. - The same user profile experience as when logging in physically at the console. - I need this remote session to **start even if nobody is logged in locally**. > **Note:** On standard **Ubuntu 24.04 (GNOME)**, there is **built-in support for remote desktop** via RDP (GNOME Remote Desktop). > It allows remote users to connect through RDP and either **share the existing session** or **create a new one**, depending on the setup. > I would like to achieve a **similar behavior** on **Xubuntu**, where I can create a **new remote session**, with my **XFCE desktop environment**, that mirrors the experience I have when logged in locally. --- ### What I have tried - **VPN access** is working fine. It's like I'm on the local network. - XRDP is installed and running. - Packages installed: - xorgxrdp - dbus-x11 - xfce4 and xfce4-goodies - /etc/X11/Xwrapper.config:
allowed_users=anybody
   needs_root_rights=no
- /etc/xrdp/startwm.sh contains:
#!/bin/sh

    if [ -r /etc/default/locale ]; then
        . /etc/default/locale
        export LANG LANGUAGE
    fi

    exec startxfce4
- I also tried adding export DISPLAY=:10 in startwm.sh. - I created executable ~/.xsession and ~/.Xclients with exec startxfce4. - .Xauthority has correct ownership and permissions. --- ### What happens - XRDP successfully establishes a connection, creating a new session on display :10. - Xorg seems to start fine, but startxfce4 exits immediately. - On the client side (Remmina RDP), I see a **black screen** for a few seconds and then the connection closes. - xrdp-sesman.log reports:
Window manager exited quickly
- .xorgxrdp.10.log shows the X server terminating cleanly without errors. --- ### What works (as an alternative) **NoMachine Free** works, but it only connects to the **local physical session**, which I do not want, because it disturbs any local user, in addition, there may be no active session (PC just turned on). --- ### The core question **How can I configure XRDP on Xubuntu 24.04 to start a new XFCE session that loads my full user environment (panels, launchers, desktop layout), providing the same experience as logging in locally, without disturbing local users, or without having any active session?** --- ### Notes - I do **not** need multiple concurrent remote sessions. - I only need **one remote session**, separate from the physical console. - I prefer a solution that allows me to replicate the **same user experience** I have locally.
Asked by mastupristi (121 rep)
Mar 16, 2025, 05:04 PM
Last activity: Mar 16, 2025, 05:43 PM