In this guide, we will walk through the process of launching Xfce4 or another desktop in Windows 11 WSLg Ubuntu Distro. This can be achieved using different methods, but we will focus on two main approaches: using X410 and xrdp.
To launch Xfce4 or another desktop in Windows 11 WSLg Ubuntu Distro, you can use either X410 or xrdp. X410 is a paid X server for Windows that provides seamless integration with WSL, while xrdp allows you to connect to the WSL2 GUI via Remote Desktop. Both methods require additional setup but enable you to use Linux desktop environments and applications alongside your Windows applications.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding, make sure you have the following:
- Windows 11 with WSLg (Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI) installed and enabled.
- Ubuntu Distro installed in WSLg.
- Knowledge of basic Linux commands and principles.
Method 1: Using X410
X410 is a paid X server for Windows that provides seamless integration with WSL. It supports both individual apps and full desktop environments.
Step 1: Install X410
First, you need to install X410 on your Windows host. You can purchase and download it from the Microsoft Store.
Step 2: Launch Xfce4 or Other Desktop
Once X410 is installed, you can launch the Xfce4 desktop or any other desktop environment in WSL.
To launch Xfce4, open a WSL terminal and type the following command:
xfce4-sessionThis command starts the Xfce4 desktop session. If you want to launch another desktop environment, replace xfce4-session with the appropriate command for that environment.
Method 2: Using xrdp
Another option is to install xrdp in your WSL Ubuntu distribution. xrdp allows you to connect to the WSL2 GUI via Remote Desktop.
Step 1: Install xrdp
To install xrdp, open a WSL terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt install xrdpThis command uses the apt package manager to install xrdp. The sudo command is used to execute the command with root privileges.
Step 2: Connect to the WSL Desktop Environment
Once xrdp is installed, you can use a Remote Desktop client on your Windows host to connect to the WSL desktop environment. This will give you a full desktop experience.
To connect, open the Remote Desktop client on your Windows host and enter localhost:3389 as the computer to connect to. Then enter your WSL username and password when prompted.
Conclusion
Launching a full desktop environment in Windows 11 WSLg Ubuntu Distro requires additional setup, but it can be achieved using tools like X410 or xrdp. This allows you to use Linux desktop environments and applications alongside your Windows applications, providing a seamless integration between the two operating systems.
Yes, there are alternative methods to launch desktop environments in Windows 11 WSLg Ubuntu Distro, such as using VcXsrv or Cygwin/X. However, this guide focuses on the X410 and xrdp methods.
No, X410 is a paid X server for Windows. You can purchase and download it from the Microsoft Store. However, a trial version is available for testing purposes.
Yes, you can use other X servers for Windows, such as VcXsrv or Cygwin/X. The steps to launch the desktop environment may vary depending on the X server you choose.
Yes, xrdp is not the only remote desktop client that can be used to connect to the WSL2 GUI. Other popular remote desktop clients, such as Microsoft Remote Desktop or VNC viewers, can also be used. The connection settings may differ depending on the client you choose.
Yes, you can install multiple desktop environments in your WSL Ubuntu distribution. However, you may need to configure them properly to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth operation. Each desktop environment may have specific installation instructions and requirements.
Yes, you can switch between different desktop environments in WSL Ubuntu. When launching the desktop environment, you can choose which one to start by using the appropriate command. For example, to switch from Xfce4 to GNOME, you would close the Xfce4 session and then launch the GNOME session.
