How To Install AnyDesk on Ubuntu 22.04 | Best Remote Desktop

In this comprehensive guide from Orcacore, we will delve into the process of How To Install AnyDesk on Ubuntu 22.04. AnyDesk stands out as a versatile remote desktop software, empowering users to establish remote connections with computers effortlessly. This cross-platform solution offers platform-independent remote access to a wide array of devices, including PCs and other host systems. Its robust features encompass remote access, seamless file transfer, and VPN capabilities, ensuring secure and reliable access for IT professionals and beyond.

AnyDesk grants users the ability to remotely access their desktop environment, along with its associated files and documents, from virtually any location with an internet connection. The software incorporates a built-in address book function, enabling users to efficiently track connections and contacts, while also providing real-time visibility into their online status. Furthermore, AnyDesk excels in environments characterized by low bandwidth and limited internet connectivity, ensuring consistent performance even under challenging conditions.

This powerful software is particularly well-suited for small and medium-sized firms, providing them with a cost-effective and reliable remote access solution. AnyDesk’s broad compatibility extends to a multitude of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, FreeBSD, Raspberry Pi, and Chrome OS, making it a truly universal tool.

To embark on this installation journey, you’ll need to log in to your server as a non-root user with sudo privileges. If you haven’t already configured this, our guide on the "Initial Server Setup with Ubuntu 22.04" on the Orcacore website will provide you with the necessary steps.

1. Add AnyDesk Repository To Ubuntu 22.04

The initial step involves adding the AnyDesk repository to your Ubuntu 22.04 system. Begin by opening your Ubuntu terminal and executing the following curl command to add the AnyDesk GPG key:

curl -fsSL https://keys.anydesk.com/repos/DEB-GPG-KEY | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/anydesk.gpg > /dev/null

This command downloads the AnyDesk GPG key and adds it to your system’s keyring, ensuring the authenticity of the packages you’ll be installing.

Next, import the AnyDesk repository using the following command:

echo 'deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/anydesk.gpg] http://deb.anydesk.com/ all main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/anydesk.list

This command adds the AnyDesk repository to your system’s APT sources list, allowing you to install AnyDesk packages using the APT package manager.

Finally, update your APT repository to apply the changes:

sudo apt update

This command refreshes your system’s package lists, ensuring that it is aware of the newly added AnyDesk repository.

2. Install AnyDesk with APT

With the AnyDesk repository successfully added to your system, you can now proceed with the installation of AnyDesk using the following command:

sudo apt install anydesk -y

This command instructs APT to install the AnyDesk package along with any required dependencies. The -y flag automatically confirms the installation, streamlining the process.

To verify your AnyDesk installation on Ubuntu 22.04, you can check its version using the following command:

anydesk --version

The output should resemble the following:

**Output**
6.2.0
daniel@ubuntu:~#

This confirms that AnyDesk 6.2.0 (or a later version) is successfully installed on your Ubuntu 22.04 system.

3. Run AnyDesk Application on Ubuntu 22.04

With AnyDesk successfully installed, you can now launch the application. From your Ubuntu terminal, you can use the following command:

anydesk

Alternatively, you can run it in the background to free up the terminal:

anydesk &

You can also launch AnyDesk from your Ubuntu desktop by navigating to Activities > Show Applications > AnyDesk.

The first time you launch AnyDesk, you will be presented with the main application window, displaying your unique AnyDesk address.

Now you have AnyDesk installed on your server. Using AnyDesk is quite straightforward. You are given a connection ID, and so is the opposite computer. And you can easily remotely connect in an AnyDesk session, and that’s it.

The advantages of using AnyDesk

Good performance in low internet bandwidth – Any desk comes with a codec that compresses and transfers files between two machines. AnyDesk is also accessible in areas with low connectivity without any trouble.

Ensures Bank-standards security – AnyDesk uses robust TLS technology, which is used to protect data and unauthorized access. Also, AnyDesk consists of RSA 2048 key encryption that enables the user to make all sessions verified and encrypted.

AnyDesk Android ensures portability – In addition to AnyDesk for PC, the Software is also accessible on smartphones. The user can use it anywhere and at any time on Android phones. Its portability allows the user to keep connected to the remote system and access important data whenever necessary.

Multi-Users on a single License – AnyDesk comes up with a lifetime free license for all of its versions. Also, AnyDesk allows multiple users to access it in a single license.

How To Remove AnyDesk from Ubuntu 22.04?

If you no longer require AnyDesk, you can remove it from your Ubuntu 22.04 system using the following command:

sudo apt autoremove anydesk --purge -y

This command removes the AnyDesk package and its associated configuration files.

To complete the removal, delete the repository entry:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/anydesk.list /usr/share/keyrings/anydesk.gpg
sudo apt update

This removes the AnyDesk repository from your system’s APT sources list and updates the package lists to reflect the change.

Conclusion

At this point, you have successfully learned How To Install AnyDesk on Ubuntu 22.04. AnyDesk provides a lightweight and efficient solution for remote support, collaborative work, and system management from any location.

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Also, you may be interested in these articles:

How To Install Latest Git on Ubuntu 22.04

Set Up Time Synchronization on Ubuntu 22.04

Enable and Configure SSH on Ubuntu 22.04

Alternative Solutions for Remote Desktop Access on Ubuntu 22.04

While AnyDesk provides a convenient and user-friendly solution for remote desktop access, alternative methods exist that offer different trade-offs in terms of performance, security, and ease of setup. Here are two alternative approaches for establishing remote desktop access on Ubuntu 22.04:

1. Using Xrdp and XFCE4

Xrdp is an open-source implementation of the Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) server, enabling users to connect to a Linux system using an RDP client. XFCE4 is a lightweight desktop environment that is well-suited for remote sessions, offering a balance of performance and functionality.

Explanation:

This method leverages the RDP protocol, which is widely supported across different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. By installing Xrdp and XFCE4 on your Ubuntu 22.04 server, you can establish a remote desktop session using any RDP client. XFCE4’s lightweight nature ensures that the remote session remains responsive even with limited bandwidth.

Installation and Configuration:

Install XFCE4:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies -y

Install Xrdp:
```
sudo apt install xrdp -y
```
Configure Xrdp to use XFCE4:

Edit the .xsession file in the user’s home directory (create it if it doesn’t exist):
```
echo "xfce4-session" > ~/.xsession
```
Restart Xrdp:
```
sudo systemctl restart xrdp
```

Connecting:

To connect to the Ubuntu 22.04 server, use an RDP client (e.g., Remmina on Linux, Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows) and enter the server’s IP address. You will be prompted for your username and password.

2. Using VNC (TightVNC or TigerVNC)

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a graphical desktop sharing system that allows you to remotely control another computer’s screen. TightVNC and TigerVNC are popular open-source VNC server implementations.

Explanation:

VNC provides a platform-independent solution for remote desktop access, allowing you to connect from various operating systems and devices. VNC works by transmitting the framebuffer content of the server to the client, enabling you to interact with the remote desktop environment.

Installation and Configuration (using TigerVNC as an example):

Install TigerVNC server and client:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install tigervnc-standalone-server tigervnc-viewer -y

Set VNC password for your user:
```
vncpasswd
```
You will be prompted to enter and confirm a password. You can also set a view-only password.

Create a VNC configuration file:

Create or edit the ~/.vnc/xstartup file:

nano ~/.vnc/xstartup

Add the following lines to the file:

#!/bin/sh
unset SESSION_MANAGER
unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS
[ -x /etc/vnc/xstartup ] && exec /etc/vnc/xstartup
xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
xsetroot -solid grey
vncconfig -iconic &
x-terminal-emulator -geometry 80x24+10+10 -ls -title "$VNCDESKTOP Desktop" &
startxfce4 & # or startkde & or gnome-session & depending on your desktop environment

Make the file executable:

chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup

Start the VNC server:
```
vncserver :1
```
This will start the VNC server on display :1. Note the port number (usually 5901).
Open the firewall for the VNC port (5901 by default):
```
sudo ufw allow 5901
sudo ufw enable
```

Connecting:

To connect to the Ubuntu 22.04 server, use a VNC client (e.g., TigerVNC Viewer, Remmina) and enter the server’s IP address followed by the display number (e.g., 192.168.1.100:1). You will be prompted for the VNC password you set earlier.

Conclusion:

While AnyDesk offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience for remote desktop access, Xrdp with XFCE4 and VNC (TightVNC or TigerVNC) provide viable alternatives with their own strengths and considerations. Xrdp offers compatibility with RDP clients, while VNC provides a platform-independent solution. Choosing the right method depends on your specific requirements, technical expertise, and security considerations. Understanding How To Install AnyDesk on Ubuntu 22.04 and these alternatives equips you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.