x11vnc-setup

A cross-distro Bash script to install and configure x11vnc as a systemd service that attaches to an existing X11 session, just like Windows Remote Desktop or macOS Screen Sharing do.

Unlike most VNC setups that spin up a separate virtual desktop, this script gives you real-time access to your actual desktop session, making it perfect for remote administration of your workstation.

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Key Features

• Works across multiple distros:
  Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, CentOS/RHEL/Rocky, Fedora, Arch Linux, Manjaro, openSUSE
• Secure password authentication (stored properly, never echoed)
• Systemd integration: Runs in the background and survives reboots
• Guides you through user, port, password, and network binding configuration (bind to all interfaces or localhost for security)
• Hardened service: Systemd protections (ProtectSystem, ProtectHome, etc.)
• Clean and validated: Handles dependencies, checks for common pitfalls

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Supported Platforms

Tested and working on:

• Debian-based: Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint
• RHEL-based: CentOS, RHEL, Rocky, AlmaLinux
• Fedora
• Arch Linux/Manjaro
• openSUSE/SLES

If you’re running something else obscure, install x11vnc manually first, then re-run the script.

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Quick Start

1. Clone the repository and run the script as root:

   chmod +x x11vnc-setup.sh
   sudo ./x11vnc-setup.sh
   

2. Follow the prompts to:

• Set a VNC password

• Choose which user to run the service as

• (Optionally) configure a custom port

3. The script will:

• Install x11vnc if missing

• Install autocutsel to enable copy-paste support between the remote viewer and the host

• Configure the systemd service (auto-starts on boot)

• Show you how to connect, open the firewall, and check logs

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Known Limitations

1. Wayland is not supported

x11vnc only works with X11 (XFCE, Mate, Cinnamon, etc).

If you’re on Wayland, you probably don't need this script at all.

GNOME Desktop (either Wayland or X11):

• Comes with built-in remote desktop support via gnome-remote-desktop
• Go to Settings -> Sharing -> Screen Sharing and enable it
• gnome-remote-desktop supports both VNC and RDP protocols

KDE Plasma (either Wayland or X11):

• Built-in RDP server support
• Go to System Settings -> Workspace -> Remote Desktop
• Enable RDP server for remote access

Other Wayland environments (like Sway)

• This script won't work at all on them
• Use Wayland native solutions, such as wayvnc

2. The script assumes display :0

Fine for single-user desktops, but could be wrong for headless or multi-session machines.

Solution: Edit the DISPLAY in the systemd service if needed.

3. Logging to /var/log/x11vnc.log might fail for non-root users

The script directs logs to /var/log/x11vnc.log, but permissions might block non-root users.

Solution: Remove the -o flag and rely on journalctl logs.

4. Double forking via -bg and systemd Type=forking

The script uses both -bg and Type=forking. It works, but it’s not elegant.

Solution: Remove -bg and rely on systemd's forking behavior, or change Type=simple.

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Uninstallation

To remove x11vnc completely, use the provided uninstall script:

1. Clone the repository and run the script as root:

   chmod +x uninstall.sh
   sudo ./uninstall.sh
   

2. The script will:

• Stop and remove the x11vnc systemd service

• Remove all config files and directories

• Uninstall x11vnc and autocutsel

• Provide optional instructions to cleanup the firewall rules (if any)

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License: MIT. Use freely, I'm not responsible if things break or catch fire.

Author: Dom

GitHub: @domomg

Contributions welcome. If you find a bug or need support for another distribution, feel free to open an issue or PR.