How To Enable Desktop Sharing In Ubuntu and Linux Mint?

Desktop sharing or remote desktop access allows you to control and view another computer's desktop from your own system. This feature is particularly useful for providing technical support, remote work, or accessing files from another machine. Ubuntu and Linux Mint both include built-in desktop sharing capabilities through the Vino VNC server.

Enabling Desktop Sharing in Ubuntu

Ubuntu includes Vino, a VNC server that enables desktop sharing over your local network. Follow these steps to enable it:

Step-by-Step Setup

• Step 1 Open Settings from the Activities overview or press Super key and search for "Settings".

• Step 2 Navigate to the Sharing section in the left sidebar.

• Step 3 Toggle the main Sharing switch to ON, then enable Screen Sharing.

• Step 4 Configure security options:

  • Set a password for authentication

  • Choose whether to allow remote control or view-only access

  • Enable/disable notifications when someone connects

• Step 5 Note your system's IP address (displayed in the sharing panel) to share with remote users.

Enabling Desktop Sharing in Linux Mint

Linux Mint uses the same Vino server but with a slightly different interface:

Step-by-Step Setup

• Step 1 Open System Settings from the menu or search for it using Super key.

• Step 2 Navigate to Desktop Sharing in the Preferences section.

• Step 3 Check Allow other users to view your desktop to enable sharing.

• Step 4 Configure additional options:

  • Set Security preferences (password required/optional)

  • Enable Allow other users to control your desktop for full remote control

  • Configure notification settings

• Step 5 Share your IP address and password with authorized users.

Firewall Configuration

Desktop sharing uses port 5900 (VNC protocol). If connections fail, configure your firewall:

Ubuntu Firewall Setup

sudo ufw allow 5900/tcp
sudo ufw reload

Linux Mint Firewall Setup

Use the Firewall Configuration tool from System Tools or configure via command line using the same UFW commands as Ubuntu.

Advanced Sharing Options

Security Considerations

• Password Protection Always set strong passwords for desktop sharing sessions

• Network Security Use desktop sharing only on trusted networks

• Disable When Unused Turn off sharing when not needed to prevent unauthorized access

• Monitor Connections Enable notifications to know when someone connects

Alternative Desktop Sharing Solutions

While Vino works well for basic needs, consider these alternatives for enhanced features:

• TeamViewer Cross-platform with file transfer and commercial support

• AnyDesk Lightweight with good performance over slow connections

• RDP (xrdp) Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol compatibility

• NoMachine High-performance remote desktop with multimedia support

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Connection Refused Check firewall settings and ensure sharing is enabled

• Black Screen Verify the user session is active and not locked

• Slow Performance Reduce screen resolution or use window sharing instead of full desktop

• Authentication Failed Double-check password settings and user permissions

Conclusion

Desktop sharing in Ubuntu and Linux Mint provides a convenient way to access remote systems using the built-in Vino VNC server. With proper security configuration and firewall settings, it offers a reliable solution for remote assistance and system administration. For enhanced features, consider third-party alternatives that offer additional capabilities beyond basic screen sharing.