Guide to running TightVNC Server on Ubuntu 20.04 with full Desktop (No monitor or keyboard) running VNC Viewer Windows 10

[wookie]

This Guide will allow you to connect to a tightVNCserver on Ubuntu 20.04 with no monitor or keyboard attached to the Server. The problem i was having prior to this was it previously needed a monitor plugged in - in order for the mouse and keyboard to work. This is the work around.

 

- First of all you want to set a Static IP Address on your Ubuntu 20.04 in netowrk settings

- Head to Settings/Sharing and enable the Sharing switch at the top of the screen. You will want to click on 'Screen Sharing' , again enabling the switch, allowing connections to control the screen. Click 'Require a Password' button and enter a password. Select the netowork you wish to use.

- Head to the terminal and enter these commands below

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies tightvncserver

- You want to select gdm3

vncserver

- Here enter a password, and select no to view only

vncserver -kill :1

gsettings set org.gnome.Vino require-encryption false

- This will disable encryption over the connection so remember not to use it for anything of importance

sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-dummy

- This next line tricks the server to think there is a monitor attached.

sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

- Here you want to edit the xorg.conf and add all the below code into the file. Ctrl-X and Y to save. If the file doesnt exist, create it.

Section "Device"
    Identifier  "Configured Video Device"
    Driver      "dummy"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier  "Configured Monitor"
    HorizSync 31.5-48.5
    VertRefresh 50-70
EndSection

Section "Screen"
    Identifier  "Default Screen"
    Monitor     "Configured Monitor"
    Device      "Configured Video Device"
    DefaultDepth 24
    SubSection "Display"
    Depth 24
    Modes "1920x1080"
    EndSubSection
EndSection

reboot

- Reboot the server and once Ubuntu has started you can go into your VNC Viewer in Windows and create a new connection to connect to the server. You should be able to remove the HDMI lead for the monitor and any keyboard / mouse and remote into it with full use of the remote mouse/keyboard with full native Desktop.