How to Set Up an X11VNC Server on Ubuntu 20.04

In this tutorial, we will show you how to set up a virtual display using a virtual graphics card on Ubuntu 20.04. This allows you to remotely access your Ubuntu system through VNC regardless of whether it has a monitor or not.

Step 1: Add Virtual Display Modes

To start, add the following lines at the end of the `/etc/X11/xorg.conf` file:

```

Section 'Monitor'

Identifier 'Virtual Monitor'

Option 'DPMS' 'false'

EndSection

```

This ensures that the system interface can be displayed normally on the monitor when it is inserted into the host computer.

Step 2: Install Xserver-Xorg-Video-Dummy

Next, install the `xserver-xorg-video-dummy` package using the following command:

```

sudo apt install xserver-xorg-video-dummy

```

This will allow you to create a virtual display on your system.

Step 3: Configure x11vnc Server

To make the remote host accessible through VNC regardless of whether it has a monitor or not, we need to modify the `x11vnc` service. Edit the `/etc/systemd/system/x11vnc` file and add the following lines:

```

'Service'

ExecStart=/usr/bin/x11vnc -auth /run/user/1000/gdm/Xauthority -forever -loop -noxdamage -repeat -rfbauth /etc/x11vnc.pass -rfbport 5900 -shared

```

This will allow you to access your Ubuntu system through VNC on port 5900.

Step 4: Store Password and Enable Service

Store the password for the `x11vnc` service using the following command:

```

sudo x11vnc -storepasswd /etc/x11vnc.pass

```

Finally, enable the `x11vnc` service to start automatically on boot by running the following command:

```

sudo systemctl enable x11vnc

```

With these steps complete, you should now be able to remotely access your Ubuntu 20.04 system through VNC regardless of whether it has a monitor or not.

X11vnc server ubuntu 20.04