How To Install RustDesk on Linux Mint 22

RustDesk has emerged as a powerful open-source alternative to commercial remote desktop applications like TeamViewer and AnyDesk. Its increasing popularity stems from being free, secure, and capable of working seamlessly behind firewalls and NATs. For Linux Mint 22 users, installing and configuring RustDesk offers a robust solution for remote access needs without the licensing costs associated with proprietary software. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of installing RustDesk on Linux Mint 22, from understanding the basics to advanced configuration options.

Understanding RustDesk

RustDesk is a free and open-source remote desktop application that allows you to connect to and control computers remotely. Built with the Rust programming language, it offers a secure, efficient solution for remote access needs. Unlike many commercial alternatives, RustDesk doesn’t require complicated port forwarding or VPN setups to function properly.

Key Features and Functionality

RustDesk provides a comprehensive set of remote access capabilities, including:

• Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
• Remote control with keyboard and mouse input
• File transfer between local and remote machines
• Text chat functionality during sessions
• Screen sharing with adjustable quality settings
• Secure connections with end-to-end encryption
• Optional self-hosted server components for enhanced privacy

The application has evolved significantly since its creation, transitioning from using Sciter UI to Flutter for its interface, making it more responsive and user-friendly across different platforms. This transition has improved both performance and the overall user experience.

Privacy and Security Considerations

One of RustDesk’s standout features is its approach to privacy. By default, it uses public relay servers for establishing connections, but users can opt to set up their own relay servers for complete control over data transmission. This self-hosting capability ensures that sensitive data never passes through third-party servers, making it ideal for privacy-conscious users and organizations with strict data security requirements.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before installing RustDesk on Linux Mint 22, ensure your system meets the necessary requirements and prepare the environment properly for a smooth installation process.

System Requirements

For optimal performance of RustDesk on Linux Mint 22, your system should meet these minimum specifications:

• 1 GHz dual-core processor or higher
• 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended for better performance)
• 100 MB free disk space for the application
• Active internet connection
• Linux Mint 22 with the latest updates installed

Required Dependencies

Linux Mint 22 requires several dependencies for RustDesk to function correctly. Before installation, update your system and install these prerequisite packages:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y libclang-dev ninja-build libayatana-appindicator3-1 libgstreamer1.0-dev libayatana-appindicator3-dev

For some installation methods, you may also need to install:

sudo apt install libfuse2

Network Configuration

While RustDesk is designed to work without special network configuration, ensuring that your firewall isn’t blocking the application can prevent potential connection issues. By default, Linux Mint’s firewall shouldn’t interfere with RustDesk, but if you’ve customized your firewall settings, you may need to allow RustDesk through.

Installation Methods Overview

RustDesk can be installed on Linux Mint 22 through multiple methods, each with its own advantages. This section provides an overview of the available options to help you choose the most suitable approach for your needs.

DEB Package Installation

The DEB package installation is the recommended method for Ubuntu-based distributions like Linux Mint. This approach integrates RustDesk with your system’s package manager, making updates and management straightforward. It’s ideal for users who prefer traditional package management and want the most stable experience.

AppImage Installation

AppImage provides a universal installation method that works across different Linux distributions. This portable format doesn’t require installation in the traditional sense – you simply download the file, make it executable, and run it. This method is perfect for users who want to try RustDesk without modifying their system or need to use it on systems where they lack administrator privileges.

Flatpak Installation

Flatpak offers a sandboxed installation method that improves security by isolating the application from the rest of your system. This approach is beneficial for security-conscious users and ensures RustDesk has access only to the resources it needs to function correctly.

Each method has its strengths, and your choice should depend on your specific needs, technical comfort level, and security requirements.

Method 1: Installing RustDesk Using DEB Package

Installing RustDesk via the DEB package is straightforward and integrates well with Linux Mint’s package management system. This method is recommended for most users due to its simplicity and system integration capabilities.

Downloading the Latest DEB Package

First, download the latest RustDesk DEB package from the official repository. You can use the terminal for this process:

VER_TAG=$(curl -s https://api.github.com/repos/rustdesk/rustdesk/releases/latest|grep tag_name|cut -d '"' -f 4|sed 's/v//')
wget https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk/releases/download/$VER_TAG/rustdesk-$VER_TAG-x86_64.deb

This command automatically fetches the latest version available, ensuring you get the most up-to-date release.

Installing the DEB Package

Once downloaded, install the package using apt:

sudo apt install -fy ./rustdesk-$VER_TAG-x86_64.deb

The -f flag helps resolve dependencies automatically, and -y confirms all prompts during installation. The system will download and install any required dependencies along with RustDesk.

Verifying the Installation

After installation completes, verify that RustDesk installed correctly by launching it from the application menu or using the terminal:

rustdesk

If the application launches successfully, you’ve completed the installation. You should see the RustDesk interface where you can set up your remote access configurations.

Method 2: Installing RustDesk Using AppImage

AppImage provides a portable way to run RustDesk without traditional installation, making it ideal for testing or temporary use. This method is also useful for systems where you don’t have administrative privileges.

What is AppImage?

AppImage is a format that packages applications so they can run on various Linux distributions without installation. Each AppImage contains all the dependencies needed to run the application, eliminating compatibility issues between different Linux versions.

Downloading the RustDesk AppImage

Download the latest RustDesk AppImage from the official repository:

VER_TAG=$(curl -s https://api.github.com/repos/rustdesk/rustdesk/releases/latest|grep tag_name|cut -d '"' -f 4|sed 's/v//')
wget https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk/releases/download/$VER_TAG/rustdesk-$VER_TAG-x86_64.AppImage

Making the AppImage Executable

After downloading, you need to make the AppImage file executable:

chmod +x rustdesk-$VER_TAG-x86_64.AppImage

Running RustDesk via AppImage

For Ubuntu-based distributions like Linux Mint, you might need to install the libfuse2 package first:

sudo apt install libfuse2

Then run the AppImage:

./rustdesk-$VER_TAG-x86_64.AppImage

Creating a Desktop Shortcut

For easier access, you can create a desktop shortcut. Create a file named rustdesk.desktop in ~/.local/share/applications/ with the following content:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=RustDesk
Comment=Open source remote desktop application
Exec=/path/to/your/rustdesk-$VER_TAG-x86_64.AppImage
Icon=/path/to/your/rustdesk-icon.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Network;RemoteAccess;

Replace /path/to/your/ with the actual path where you stored the AppImage file.

Method 3: Installing RustDesk Using Flatpak

Flatpak offers a sandboxed environment for applications, providing additional security through isolation. This installation method is particularly useful for users who prioritize security and system stability.

Setting Up Flatpak on Linux Mint 22

Linux Mint 22 comes with Flatpak pre-installed, but you need to ensure the Flathub repository is added:

flatpak --user remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Installing RustDesk via Flatpak

You can install RustDesk directly from Flathub:

flatpak --user install flathub com.rustdesk.RustDesk

Alternatively, if you have downloaded the Flatpak file:

flatpak --user install ./rustdesk-$VER_TAG.flatpak

Running RustDesk from Flatpak

Launch RustDesk using:

flatpak run com.rustdesk.RustDesk

Flatpak Permissions Management

Flatpak isolates applications by default, which may limit certain functionalities. To grant additional permissions to RustDesk:

flatpak override --user com.rustdesk.RustDesk --filesystem=home

This command gives RustDesk access to your home directory, which may be necessary for file transfers.

Configuring RustDesk After Installation

After successfully installing RustDesk, proper configuration is essential for optimal performance and usability. This section guides you through the initial setup and customization options.

First-Run Setup

When launching RustDesk for the first time, you’ll see the main interface displaying your device’s unique ID and password. This information is crucial for remote connections. Consider the following initial configurations:

1. Set your display name for easier identification by remote users
2. Configure whether to start RustDesk automatically at system boot
3. Decide whether to require confirmation for incoming connections
4. Choose your preferred language from the settings menu

Audio and Video Settings

For optimal remote session quality, configure the audio and video settings:

1. Navigate to the Settings section
2. Under the “Display/Audio” tab, adjust the quality settings based on your network speed
3. Configure your microphone and speaker settings if you plan to use audio communication during sessions

Network Configuration Options

RustDesk works well with default network settings, but you can optimize performance:

1. Under network settings, you can choose between direct and relay connection modes
2. If you experience connection issues, try adjusting the connection timeout settings
3. For slow networks, consider lowering the image quality to improve responsiveness

Security Settings

Enhance the security of your RustDesk installation:

1. Set a strong password for incoming connections
2. Enable the option to lock your computer after a session ends
3. Configure whether to allow file transfer during sessions
4. Set up permission requirements for specific actions like clipboard synchronization

Connecting to Remote Computers

Understanding how to establish and manage connections is essential for effectively using RustDesk for remote access. This section covers the connection process and management features.

Understanding RustDesk ID and Authentication

Each RustDesk installation generates a unique ID and password. To connect to a remote computer:

1. Obtain the ID and password from the remote computer’s RustDesk application
2. Enter the ID in the “ID” field on your local RustDesk interface
3. Click “Connect”
4. When prompted, enter the password

The ID remains constant unless manually reset, while the password changes with each restart unless configured otherwise.

Setting Up Unattended Access

For computers you access frequently, setting up unattended access eliminates the need for someone to accept connections:

1. Connect to the remote computer as described above
2. Once connected, click “File” in the menu and select “Set up unattended access”
3. Create and confirm a permanent password
4. Add this computer to your address book for easier future access

Direct vs. Relay Connection Modes

RustDesk attempts to establish direct peer-to-peer connections when possible but falls back to relay servers when necessary:

• Direct connections offer better performance and lower latency
• Relay connections work in more restrictive network environments but may be slower

You can see the connection type in the status bar during a session. A “Direct” indicator means you have an optimal connection, while “Relay” indicates data is passing through relay servers.

File Transfer Capabilities

To transfer files between computers during a remote session:

1. While connected, click on “File transfer” in the toolbar
2. Browse and select files from either the local or remote system
3. Use the arrow buttons to transfer files in the desired direction
4. Monitor transfer progress in the status area

Advanced Configuration

For users requiring more control over their RustDesk experience, several advanced configuration options are available. These settings can help optimize performance, security, and functionality for specific use cases.

Custom Connection Settings

Fine-tune connection parameters for optimal performance:

1. Edit the ~/.config/rustdesk/config.toml file to access advanced settings
2. Adjust parameters like relay_servers, nat_type, and serial for specialized network environments
3. Set custom keyboard mapping for international keyboard layouts

Network Proxy Configuration

If your network requires a proxy for internet access:

1. Open RustDesk settings
2. Navigate to the Network tab
3. Enable “Use proxy”
4. Enter your proxy server details (address, port, username, and password if required)

Hardware Acceleration Settings

Enable hardware acceleration for improved performance:

1. In the Display settings, check “Enable hardware acceleration”
2. Select the appropriate renderer for your system (OpenGL or Vulkan)
3. Restart RustDesk for the changes to take effect

Note that performance may vary depending on your specific hardware configuration.

Multi-Monitor Support Configuration

When connecting to systems with multiple displays:

1. In the session toolbar, find the display selection dropdown
2. Choose “All Monitors” to view all displays simultaneously
3. Alternatively, select a specific monitor number to focus on a single display
4. Adjust scaling options if the remote display is significantly different in resolution

Self-Hosting RustDesk Server (Optional)

For enhanced security and control, you can self-host the RustDesk server components. This approach keeps all your remote desktop traffic within your network or trusted infrastructure.

Benefits of Self-Hosting

Self-hosting the RustDesk server offers several advantages:

• Complete privacy with no data passing through third-party servers
• Potential performance improvements for connections within the same network
• Full control over server resources and availability
• No bandwidth limitations imposed by public relay servers
• Customizable security policies

Server Components Explanation

RustDesk’s server architecture consists of two main components:

• hbbs (RustDesk ID/Rendezvous Server): Handles the ID registration and connection negotiation
• hbbr (RustDesk Relay Server): Relays traffic when a direct connection isn’t possible

Installation Methods for Self-Hosted Server

You can install the server components using Docker for the simplest setup:

docker pull rustdesk/rustdesk-server
docker run -d --name rustdesk-server -p 21115-21119:21115-21119 -v /path/to/data:/root rustdesk/rustdesk-server

Replace /path/to/data with a directory on your host system for data persistence.

Configuring Clients to Use Your Self-Hosted Server

To point RustDesk clients to your self-hosted server:

1. Open RustDesk settings on each client
2. Navigate to the “Network” tab
3. Change the “ID Server” field to your server’s IP or domain
4. Set the “Relay Server” to the same address
5. Click “Apply” and restart RustDesk

Remember to make your server accessible through any firewalls, and consider setting up SSL certificates for secure connections.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful installation and configuration, you may encounter issues with RustDesk on Linux Mint 22. This section addresses common problems and their solutions.

Connection Failures

If you experience difficulty connecting to remote computers:

1. Verify that both computers have internet access
2. Check if firewall settings are blocking RustDesk connections
3. Try restarting the RustDesk application on both ends
4. Ensure you’re entering the correct ID and password

Interface Freezing on Linux Mint 22

A known issue with RustDesk on Linux Mint 22 can cause the interface to freeze when entering IDs:

1. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard
2. Disable the virtual/on-screen keyboard option
3. Restart RustDesk

This solution has been confirmed to fix freezing issues specific to Linux Mint 22 Cinnamon.

Black Screen Issues

If you connect successfully but see only a black screen:

1. Check if the remote computer is locked or in sleep mode
2. Try changing the display driver in RustDesk settings (switch between DirectX, GDI, or WGDI on Windows targets)
3. Adjust the display quality settings to a lower value

Performance Optimization

For sluggish remote connections:

1. Reduce the image quality in connection settings
2. Disable sound transmission if not needed
3. Try establishing a direct connection instead of using relay servers
4. Close unnecessary applications on both the host and client machines

RustDesk Alternatives for Linux Mint

While RustDesk offers an excellent solution for remote desktop access, it’s worth considering alternatives to find the best fit for your specific needs.

Open-Source Alternatives

Several open-source remote desktop solutions work well on Linux Mint:

• VNC (Virtual Network Computing): A mature protocol with many client implementations like TigerVNC and RealVNC
• X2Go: Optimized for low-bandwidth connections with session resuming capabilities
• XRDP: Implements the Microsoft RDP protocol for Linux systems

Commercial Options

If you’re open to commercial solutions:

• TeamViewer: Well-established with excellent cross-platform support, free for personal use
• AnyDesk: Known for high performance even on slower connections
• NoMachine: Offers advanced features for multimedia streaming and session management

Choosing the Right Solution

Consider these factors when evaluating alternatives:

• Connection quality requirements (speed, latency, color depth)
• Security and privacy needs
• Ease of setup and use
• Cross-platform compatibility requirements
• Budget constraints
• Self-hosting capabilities

Congratulations! You have successfully installed RustDesk. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the RustDesk on your Linux Mint 22 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official RustDesk website.