Connecting to Raspberry Pi via RDP

Let’s see how to connect to a Linux computer like a Raspberry Pi through RDP, a protocol that is installed on all Windows computers.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a protocol developed by Microsoft that provides a graphical interface for connecting to another computer over a network.

RDP allows users to control a remote desktop as if they were sitting in front of the machine, which is useful for a variety of applications, including technical support, remote administration, and access to business resources.

Main Features of RDP,

• Remote Access: Allows control of a computer from another location.
• Graphical Interface: Provides an experience similar to working directly on the remote computer.
• Resource Redirection: Supports redirection of local resources such as printers, hard drives, and clipboard to the remote desktop.
• Security: Offers encryption options to secure the connection.

Preparing the Raspberry Pi

Before setting up RDP on your Raspberry Pi, make sure it is updated and that you have installed the desktop environment you want to use, such as Raspberry Pi OS with the LXDE or XFCE desktop environment.

Next, we need to enable the remote desktop option on the Raspberry Pi. This can be done through the settings or by running the following command:

sudo raspi-config

Then, select “Interfacing Options” and enable “VNC” or “Remote Desktop.” Restart the Raspberry Pi to apply the changes.

Installing the XRDP server on the Raspberry Pi

XRDP is an RDP server that allows your Raspberry Pi to be accessible from a Windows machine. To install it, open a terminal on your Raspberry Pi and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install xrdp

Once installed, the XRDP service will start automatically. Make sure it is running using the following command:

sudo systemctl status xrdp

Connecting from Windows to Raspberry Pi

On your Windows computer, you can use the native RDP client. To open it, press Win + R, type “mstsc,” and press Enter. A “Remote Desktop Connection” window will open.

Enter the IP address of your Raspberry Pi in the “Computer” field.

Click “Connect,” and a login window will open.

Enter your Raspberry Pi username and password.

Now you should be connected to your Raspberry Pi’s desktop from your Windows machine!