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How to Access Your Ubuntu VPS from a Browser Using Chrome Remote Desktop (LXDE)

#ubuntu #remote #rdp #google

In this guide, we'll set up Chrome Remote Desktop with LXDE so you can access your VPS from anywhere using https://remotedesktop.google.com.

Why LXDE?

LXDE is ideal for VPS servers because it is:

  • Lightweight
  • Fast
  • Low RAM usage
  • Stable on headless servers

Perfect for cloud machines with 1-2GB RAM.

Step 1 - Install LXDE (if not already installed) 

sudo apt update
sudo apt install lxde-core lxterminal lxsession dbus-x11 -y
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This installs a lightweight graphical desktop environment.

Step 2 - Install Chrome Remote Desktop

Download the official package:

wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/chrome-remote-desktop_current_amd64.deb
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Install it:

sudo apt install ./chrome-remote-desktop_current_amd64.deb -y
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Step 3 - Configure Chrome Remote Desktop to Use LXDE

Chrome Remote Desktop needs to know which desktop session to start.

Create the session file:

echo "exec startlxde" > ~/.chrome-remote-desktop-session
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Step 4 - Add Your User to the Chrome Remote Desktop Group 

sudo usermod -aG chrome-remote-desktop $USER
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Step 5 - Link Your VPS to Your Google Account

Open the Chrome Remote Desktop setup page:

https://remotedesktop.google.com/headless
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After signing in, you will receive a command similar to this:

DISPLAY= /opt/google/chrome-remote-desktop/start-host \
--code="XXXX" \
--redirect-url="https://remotedesktop.google.com/_/oauthredirect" \
--name=$(hostname)
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Run that command on your VPS.

Then set a PIN when prompted.

Step 6 - Restart the Chrome Remote Desktop Service 

sudo systemctl restart chrome-remote-desktop@$USER
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Step 7 - Connect from Your Browser

Open:

https://remotedesktop.google.com/access
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You should now see your VPS machine listed.

Click it, enter your PIN, and you will get full desktop access in your browser.

Tips for Better Performance

• Use LXDE or XFCE instead of GNOME
• VPS should have at least 2GB RAM
• Disable heavy visual effects

When Should You Use This?

Chrome Remote Desktop is useful when you want to:

  • Manage a remote desktop from anywhere
  • Use GUI applications on your VPS
  • Access development tools visually
  • Control your server without SSH

Alternative Browser Desktop Solutions

If you prefer no Google account dependency, consider:

  • NoVNC
  • KasmVNC
  • RustDesk
  • X2Go

These tools can also provide browser-based desktop access.

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