The Ultimate Guide to Updating and Configuring VNC Server on Raspberry Pi

Learn how to update, configure, and optimize your VNC server for better performance and security on your Raspberry Pi. …


Updated September 3, 2023

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Learn how to update, configure, and optimize your VNC server for better performance and security on your Raspberry Pi.

In this article, we will cover the following topics:

  1. What is VNC?
  2. Why update VNC server?
  3. How to update VNC server on Raspberry Pi
  4. How to configure VNC server for better performance and security
  5. Conclusion

What is VNC? VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a graphical desktop sharing system that allows users to remotely access another computer’s desktop as if they were sitting in front of it. It is commonly used for remote support, education, and presentation purposes. On Raspberry Pi, VNC server enables you to control your Pi’s desktop environment from a remote location using a VNC client application like TightVNC or RealVNC.

Why update VNC server? Updating VNC server on Raspberry Pi is essential for several reasons:

  • To ensure that your system is secure and protected against potential vulnerabilities.
  • To improve performance by installing the latest optimizations and bug fixes.
  • To add new features or functionalities to enhance your remote access experience.

How to update VNC server on Raspberry Pi

  1. Open the terminal on your Raspberry Pi and update the package list:
sudo apt update
  1. Upgrade existing packages:
sudo apt upgrade
  1. Install the latest version of TightVNC:
sudo apt install tightvncserver
  1. Alternatively, you can also install RealVNC:
wget https://www.realvnc.com/download/file/vnc.files/VNC-Server-6.12.0-Linux-ARMhf.tar.gz
sudo tar xzf VNC-Server-6.12.0-Linux-ARMhf.tar.gz -C /usr/local
  1. Once installed, you can start the VNC server by running:
vncserver :1

Replace “:1” with the display number of your choice (e.g., “:2”, “:3”, etc.). This will create a new virtual desktop for your VNC session.

How to configure VNC server for better performance and security

  1. Configure VNC server to start automatically at boot:
sudo systemctl enable vncserver-x11-serviced.service
  1. Create a password for your VNC server:
vncpasswd

This will generate a ~/.vnc/passwd file containing your encrypted password. Make sure to keep this safe as you’ll need it to connect to the VNC server from your client application.

  1. Configure your firewall (if applicable) to allow VNC traffic:
sudo ufw allow 5901
  1. Optimize your VNC server by modifying the ~/.vnc/xstartup file. Here’s an example of an optimized xstartup file for Raspberry Pi with LXDE desktop environment:
#!/bin/sh
unset SESSION_MANAGER
unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS
[ -x /etc/vnc/xstartup ] && exec /etc/vnc/xstartup
[ -r $HOME/.Xresources ] && xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
xsetroot -solid grey
vncconfig -iconic &
startlxde &
  1. Restart the VNC server to apply changes:
vncserver -kill :1
vncserver :1

Replace “:1” with your display number.

Conclusion Updating and configuring VNC server on Raspberry Pi is essential for enhancing performance, security, and functionality of your remote access experience. By following the steps in this article, you can easily update and configure your VNC server to suit your needs. Remember to always keep your system up-to-date with the latest updates and patches to ensure optimal performance and security.