Web Hosting · August 4, 2026 · 6 min read

Unpinning Remote Desktop Connections on Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide

Linux desktop with multiple remote desktop connections highlighted

As a system administrator, I’ve often found myself juggling multiple remote desktop connections, and keeping them organized can be a challenge. While remote desktop connections are typically pinned to the taskbar or system tray for easy access, there may be situations where you want to unpin them to free up space or improve workflow efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods and tools available on Linux to show unpinned remote desktop connections.

Understanding Remote Desktop and Linux Alternatives

While Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a widely used protocol for remote access to Windows systems, Linux users have alternative options like Xrdp, VNC, or FreeRDP. Xrdp is a popular open-source implementation of the RDP protocol for Linux, providing a secure and reliable way to access remote Linux systems.

Showing Unpinned Remote Desktop on Linux

Understanding the Default Remote Desktop Display

When establishing a remote desktop connection using Xrdp or other tools, the connection is usually displayed as an icon on your taskbar or system tray. This icon allows for easy access and management of remote desktop connections. However, this behavior can be customized to show or hide these connections.

Using Xrdp to Configure Remote Desktop Settings

Xrdp provides several configuration options to customize remote desktop settings, including the display of connections. To configure Xrdp settings, edit the `.xrdp` folder settings or modify the `xrdp.ini` file.

sudo nano /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini

In the `xrdp.ini` file, you can add or modify the `display` section to specify the display settings for new connections. To show an unpinned remote desktop connection, add the following line:

[display]
unpin = true

After modifying the `xrdp.ini` file, restart the Xrdp service to apply the changes:

sudo service xrdp restart

Customizing Remote Desktop Display with Linux Desktop Environments

Linux desktop environments like Xfce, GNOME, and KDE provide settings to configure remote desktop connections and their display options. You can use these settings to show or hide remote desktop connections.

Using Xfce to Configure Remote Desktop Connections

Xfce provides a simple and intuitive interface to manage remote desktop connections. To configure remote desktop connections in Xfce:

Open the Xfce Settings Manager.
Click on the “Remote Desktop” tab.
Select the remote desktop connection you want to configure.
Click on the “Display” tab.
Select the “Unpin from taskbar” option.

Using GNOME to Configure Remote Desktop Connections

GNOME provides a robust and customizable interface to manage remote desktop connections. To configure remote desktop connections in GNOME:

Open the GNOME Settings application.
Click on the “Remote Desktop” tab.
Select the remote desktop connection you want to configure.
Click on the “Display” tab.
Select the “Unpin from taskbar” option.

Using KDE to Configure Remote Desktop Connections

KDE provides a powerful and customizable interface to manage remote desktop connections. To configure remote desktop connections in KDE:

Open the KDE System Settings application.
Click on the “Remote Desktop” tab.
Select the remote desktop connection you want to configure.
Click on the “Display” tab.
Select the “Unpin from taskbar” option.

Managing Desktop Entries with xdg-desktop-menu

The `xdg-desktop-menu` command is a powerful tool to manage desktop entries, including remote desktop connections. You can use this command to create, edit, or delete desktop entries.

xdg-desktop-menu --help

To show or hide a remote desktop connection using `xdg-desktop-menu`, follow these steps:

Create a desktop entry for the remote desktop connection using the `xdg-desktop-menu` command.
Edit the desktop entry to specify the display settings.
Use the `xdg-desktop-menu` command to update the desktop entry.

Alternative Methods for Customizing Remote Desktop Display

In addition to the methods described above, you can use other Linux tools to customize remote desktop display. For example, you can use the `gnome-shell-extension` tool to manage extensions and customize the desktop display.

gnome-shell-extension --help

Best Practices for Managing Remote Desktop Connections

To ensure secure and efficient remote desktop connections, follow these best practices:

Use strong passwords and authentication methods.
Keep your remote desktop software up to date.
Use encryption and secure protocols like SSL/TLS.
Limit access to remote desktop connections.
Monitor remote desktop connections for suspicious activity.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues with remote desktop connections, refer to the following troubleshooting table:

Symptom	Cause	Fix
Remote desktop connection not displaying	Incorrect display settings or configuration	Check display settings and configuration, and restart the remote desktop service if necessary.
Remote desktop connection not responding	Network connectivity issues or remote desktop service problems	Check network connectivity and remote desktop service status, and restart the service if necessary.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the various methods and tools available on Linux to show unpinned remote desktop connections. By customizing remote desktop settings and display options, you can improve your productivity and workflow. Remember to follow best practices for managing remote desktop connections to ensure secure and efficient access to remote systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Remote Desktop and how does it work?

Remote Desktop is a protocol that allows users to remotely access and control a computer. It uses encryption to secure the connection and provides a graphical interface for users to interact with the remote computer.

How do I unpin a Remote Desktop connection on Linux?

To unpin a Remote Desktop connection on Linux, you can use the Xrdp configuration settings or modify the xrdp.ini file. You can also use desktop environments like Xfce, GNOME, or KDE to customize the remote desktop display.

Can I customize the remote desktop display on Linux?

Yes, you can customize the remote desktop display on Linux using various tools and settings. For example, you can use the xdg-desktop-menu command to manage desktop entries or use gnome-shell-extension to manage extensions and customize the desktop display.

Does unpinned Remote Desktop connections affect security?

No, unpinned Remote Desktop connections do not affect the security features or encryption used in RDP communications. The security of the connection remains intact regardless of whether the connection is pinned or unpinned.