How to Install Ubuntu Desktop on a VPS

How to install the desktop environment in ubuntu vps and correctly set the remote desktop only command line operation.

Most server operating systems, including Ubuntu servers, are not equipped with a graphical user interface. The main reason behind this is that GUI takes up a lot of system resources to run basic server tasks. Of course, it does not mean that you cannot install GUI on your Ubuntu server.
If you want to run a graphical interface for the Ubuntu Server installer, this tutorial is for you. We will guide you step by step how to install GUI on Ubuntu server. Prerequisites
for installing the GUI on the Ubuntu server. The Ubuntu server is running normally and has root privileges. A normal internet connection. Generally speaking, even without an interface, you can access the server through its command line or SSH tools (such as Putty). Note: If you access the server through Putty, you will not be able to access the installed GUI interface. You will need a tool to access the remote Linux desktop.

This guide will show you how to install a desktop (GUI) graphical interface on an Ubuntu server.

Requirements

• Ubuntu VPS With 18.04 OS
• 2GB RAM, 2Core CPU, 20GB Storage
• Root access to Ubuntu or “sudo” access

Popular VPS provider

1. Turnkey internet.
2. Contabo.
3. OVH.
4. Digital Ocean*

Add User

adduser vikash

Update Packages

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

This ensures that you are using the latest software updates.

Next, install the tasksel manager utility:

sudo apt install tasksel

sudo tasksel

Graphical login is now enabled by default

systemctl set-default graphical.target

Run below command to install Xrdp on your server

apt install xrdp

systemctl enable xrdp

Switch to a Windows-like Taskbar

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions gnome-shell-extension-dash-to-panel gnome-tweaks adwaita-icon-theme-full

Reboot the system
Execute the following command to reboot the VPS:

sudo reboot

Connect To Ubuntu VPS with RDC
If you have successfully installed the xRDP and GNOME, you should now be able to connect it via Remote Desktop Connection(RDC) software like connecting to a Windows VPS.

How To Use Windows RDP Remote Desktop

After you logged in to the remote environment, you will see some options for connection. Select the “Xorg” option, and enter the username and password.