FreeRDP is a powerful open source RDP client for Linux that allows you to connect to Windows servers directly from the terminal. The majority of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat, Rocky Linux, and AlmaLinux, are compatible with it.
Your display configuration and GPU drivers affect the precise graphical behavior. Check the configuration flags listed below if you encounter rendering problems, scaling issues, or black screens.
1. Install FreeRDP
On Ubuntu/Debian install FreeRDP using apt:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install freerdp2-x11
On AlmaLinux/Rocky Linux run these commands:
sudo dnf makecache
sudo dnf install -y epel-release
sudo dnf install -y freerdp
After installation, verify it works (this command works on all mentioned OS:
xfreerdp /version
If a version number is displayed, the installation is successful.
2. Connect to Windows Server via RDP
2.1 Basic syntax
FreeRDP connections are made using the xfreerdp command.
Basic syntax:
xfreerdp /v:SERVER_IP /u:USERNAME /p:PASSWORD
However, for stable performance and correct scaling, you should use additional parameters.
2.2 Recommended Connection Command
We recommend to use the following optimized example:
xfreerdp /v:SERVER_IP /u:Administrator /d:. /sec:nla /f /size:1920x1080 +clipboard
Replace SERVER_IP with your actualWindows VPS IP address.
You can use this command as a starting point. If you see rendering issues, scaling problems, etc, then review the settings below.
2.3 Explanation of the Most Important Parameters
/f
Use this parameter to launch directly in full screen.
To toggle full screen while connected, press this combination on your keyboard:
Ctrl + Alt + Enter
/size:1920x1080
Sets a fixed session resolution. Replace with your monitor resolution.
Resolution directly determines how the Windows desktop is rendered inside your RDP session.
/bpp:32
Forces 32 bit color depth.
Recommended for modern Windows Server environments to prevent color banding and rendering inconsistencies.
/network:auto
Automatically adjusts performance settings based on connection quality.
If your VPS is in a datacenter with low latency, /network:lan may provide better responsiveness.
/rfx
Enables RemoteFX codec support.
Improves rendering performance and reduces graphical artifacts compared to basic RDP encoding.
/cert-ignore
Bypasses certificate warnings and connects immediately.
For production environments, remove this option and manually verify the certificate on first connection for better security.
For complete and up to date parameter documentation, refer to the official FreeRDP user manual.
3. Additional Notes
Within the FreeRDP session, click on the top window bar to open a menu with additional tools and options. For example, you can use it to take a screenshot:
FreeRDP is more flexible than graphical RDP clients because:
It works on minimal servers without a desktop environment
It integrates easily into SSH workflows
It supports advanced features such as drive redirection and clipboard sharing
For administrators managing multiple Windows VPS instances, FreeRDP is often more efficient than graphical clients.