Installing AnyDesk on Ubuntu Server 24.04 for Session-Based RDP Connections
In this article, we will discuss the process of installing AnyDesk on Ubuntu Server 24.04 to enable multiple users to work simultaneously using session-based RDP connections. AnyDesk is a popular remote desktop tool that provides a fast, secure, and reliable connection between devices. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to set up AnyDesk on your Ubuntu Server and allow users to connect to it using RDP.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure your Ubuntu Server 24.04 is properly configured and up-to-date. You should also have a valid AnyDesk license, as a free license only allows for two concurrent connections. Additionally, you will need to install an RDP server, such as xRDP, to enable RDP connections to your Ubuntu Server.
Installing AnyDesk
To install AnyDesk on your Ubuntu Server, you will need to download the DEB package from the AnyDesk website and then install it using the dpkg command.
# Download the DEB package
wget https://downloads.anydesk.com/linux/anydesk_6.2.1-1_amd64.deb
# Install the package
sudo dpkg -i anydesk_6.2.1-1_amd64.deb
Note that the version number in the package name may change over time. Be sure to check the AnyDesk website for the latest package version.
Configuring AnyDesk
After installing AnyDesk, you will need to configure it to allow session-based RDP connections. This involves modifying the AnyDesk configuration file, which is located at /etc/anydesk/anydesk.conf.
First, open the configuration file using a text editor with sudo privileges:
sudo nano /etc/anydesk/anydesk.conf
Next, locate the on_first_start section and add the following lines:
[on_first_start]
welcome = false
license_key = YOUR_LICENSE_KEY
Replace YOUR_LICENSE_KEY with your actual AnyDesk license key. This will ensure that AnyDesk is licensed properly and allows for more than two concurrent connections.
Now, locate the [server] section and add the following line:
[server]
listen_address = YOUR_SERVER_IP_ADDRESS
Replace YOUR_SERVER_IP_ADDRESS with the actual IP address of your Ubuntu Server. This will allow AnyDesk to listen for incoming RDP connections on the specified IP address.
Restarting AnyDesk
After modifying the AnyDesk configuration file, you will need to restart the AnyDesk service for the changes to take effect:
sudo systemctl restart anydesk
Connecting to AnyDesk using RDP
Now that AnyDesk is properly configured and listening for incoming RDP connections, users can connect to it using an RDP client such as Remmina or Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection tool.
To connect to AnyDesk using RDP, users will need to enter the IP address of your Ubuntu Server and the AnyDesk ID of the session they wish to connect to.
- Downloaded AnyDesk DEB package from the AnyDesk website
- Installed AnyDesk using the
dpkgcommand - Modified AnyDesk configuration file to allow session-based RDP connections
- Restarted AnyDesk service for changes to take effect
- Connected to AnyDesk using RDP client and entering the IP address of the Ubuntu Server and AnyDesk ID of the session