Enable Remote Desktop Access on Kali

To enable Remote Desktop (RDP) access on Kali Linux, you can use xrdp (an open-source RDP server) or VNC. Below are the steps for both methods:

Method 1: Enable RDP with xrdp (Recommended)

Step 1: Update Kali Linux

bash

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install xrdp

bash

sudo apt install xrdp -y

Step 3: Start and Enable xrdp

bash

sudo systemctl enable xrdp --now

sudo systemctl status xrdp  # Check if running

Step 4: Allow RDP Port (3389) in Firewall

bash

sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

Step 5: Connect from Windows

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (`mstsc`).  

2. Enter Kali’s IP address (find it with `ip a` or `hostname -I`).  

3. Log in with your Kali username & password.

Method 2: Enable VNC (Alternative)

Step 1: Install TightVNC

bash

sudo apt install tightvncserver -y

Step 2: Start VNC Server

bash

vncserver :1 -geometry 1920x1080 -depth 24

Replace `:1` with a display number (e.g., `:2`).  

Set a VNC password when prompted.

Step 3: Connect via VNC Client

1. Install TigerVNC or RealVNC on your local machine.  

2. Connect to `Kali_IP:1` (e.g., `192.168.1.100:1`).  

Troubleshooting

"Authentication Required" Error?  

  -Run:  

    bash

    sudo sed -i 's/allow_root=true/allow_root=true\nuser=root/' /etc/X11/Xwrapper.config

    

Black Screen on RDP?  

  - Restart xrdp:  

    bash

    sudo systemctl restart xrdp

    

Security Recommendations

Change the default port (edit `/etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini`).  

Use SSH tunneling for secure RDP:  

  bash

  ssh -L 33389:localhost:3389 kali_user@kali_ip

  

  Then connect via `127.0.0.1:33389`.