If Linux is your day-to-day desktop but a Windows PC also has files, apps or a project you need to reach, RealVNC Connect lets you view and control that PC from your Linux computer, over the internet or your local network, in a few minutes of setup.
Why access a Windows PC from Linux
This is common for developers testing how software behaves on Windows, for reaching a work PC left in the office, or for helping a colleague on Windows while you work from a Linux machine. Because RealVNC Connect works the same way across platforms, you’re not limited to same-OS remote desktop tools.
What you’ll need
- A Windows PC to control, either on the same network as your Linux computer or reachable over the internet
- A Linux computer to connect from
- A RealVNC Connect account and licence – a free trial is available
- About 10 minutes to complete setup on both devices
Step 1: Set up RealVNC Server on your Windows PC
On the PC you want to control:
- Download the RealVNC Connect setup app from the RealVNC website.
- Click Download for Windows.
- Click Accept and Install.
- Once installation completes, choose Start my free trial if you’re new to RealVNC Connect, or Sign in to continue if you already have an account.
- Your browser will open automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts, then click Open to return to the RealVNC Connect Setup app.
- Review the settings shown, then click Launch. If you keep the default VNC Password, make a note of it – you’ll need it when you connect from another device.
Step 2: Install RealVNC Viewer on your Linux computer
On the Linux computer you’ll be connecting from:
- Download the RealVNC Connect setup app.
- Click Download for Linux.
- Extract the installer in your Downloads folder using your file manager, then run it by double-clicking the RealVNC Connect installer icon.
- Click Accept and Install, and follow the on-screen instructions. If prompted to disable Wayland, click Yes – this is required for RealVNC Connect to work correctly.
- Choose Start my free trial or Sign in to continue, using the same RealVNC account you used on the other device.
- Your browser will open automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts, then click Open to return to the RealVNC Connect Setup app.
- Review the settings shown, then click Launch.
Your Windows PC will now appear automatically as a connection in RealVNC Viewer, listed under your team.
Step 3: Connect to your PC for the first time
In RealVNC Viewer, double-click the PC you want to connect to.
Verifying the connection with Identity Check
The first time you connect, RealVNC Viewer shows an Identity Check screen with a Catchphrase and Signature. Compare these against the values shown in RealVNC Server on the remote computer to confirm you’re connecting to the right machine. RealVNC Viewer remembers this identity and will warn you if it ever changes on future connections.
Authenticating
Enter the VNC Password you noted during setup. If you chose Windows Password authentication instead, use the username and password of a Windows user account.
Controlling who can connect to your PC
If you set up authentication using Windows Password, only members of the Administrators group can connect by default. To add other users, see Managing users and session permissions for RealVNC Server – otherwise they won’t be able to connect remotely, even with valid Windows credentials.
Troubleshooting common issues
- PC doesn’t appear in RealVNC Viewer: confirm both devices are signed in to the same RealVNC Connect account and team.
- Can’t authenticate: verify you’re using the VNC Password noted at setup, or valid Windows account credentials.
- RealVNC Connect won’t install on Linux: make sure Wayland is disabled when prompted during installation – RealVNC Connect currently requires an X11 session.
Keeping your connection secure
RealVNC Connect encrypts cloud connections end-to-end, and every new connection is verified using the Identity Check described above. For extra protection, turn on two-factor authentication on your RealVNC account and use session permissions to control exactly who can view or control the PC.
Start controlling your Windows PC from Linux with RealVNC Connect
RealVNC Connect offers a free trial with no credit card required, so you can test remote access between your Linux computer and Windows PC before subscribing.
FAQs
Can I access a Windows PC from a Linux computer?
Yes. Install RealVNC Server on the PC and RealVNC Viewer on your Linux computer, then connect using your RealVNC Connect account or a VNC Password.
Does the PC need to be switched on?
Yes – the PC needs to be powered on with RealVNC Server running for you to connect to it.
Do I need a static IP address to connect?
No. A cloud connection through your RealVNC Connect account works over the internet without any router or firewall configuration.
Which Linux distributions does RealVNC Viewer support?
RealVNC Connect supports a range of popular Linux distributions. Check the download page on the RealVNC website for the current list of supported versions.
