.. note::

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.. _remote_desktop:

Remote Desktop
==============

.. |shared_link_realvnc| raw:: html

    <a href="https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer/" target="_blank">RealVNC® Viewer</a>   

You can access and control the Raspberry Pi desktop remotely from another computer.  
The recommended method is **VNC**, which is officially supported on Raspberry Pi OS and provides a reliable and consistent desktop experience.

The following section explains how to enable VNC on your Raspberry Pi and connect to it using |shared_link_realvnc|.

-----------------

Enable the VNC Service
----------------------

RealVNC Server is preinstalled on Raspberry Pi OS, but it is **disabled by default**.  
You must enable it through the configuration tool.

#. Open a terminal on your computer (Windows: **PowerShell**; macOS/Linux: **Terminal**) and connect to your Raspberry Pi:

   .. code-block:: bash

      ssh <username>@<hostname>.local

   or

   .. code-block:: bash

      ssh <username>@<ip_address>

#. Run the configuration tool:

   .. code-block:: bash

      sudo raspi-config

   .. image:: /_shared/appendix/img/ssh_raspi_config.png


#. Select **Interfacing Options** and press **Enter**.

   .. image:: /_shared/appendix/img/ssh_interface.png


#. Select **VNC**.

   .. image:: /_shared/appendix/img/ssh_vnc_vnc.png


#. Choose **Yes**, then **OK**, and finally **Finish** to exit.

   .. image:: /_shared/appendix/img/ssh_vnc_enable.png



Log in with RealVNC® Viewer
---------------------------

#. Download and install |shared_link_realvnc| for your operating system.

   .. image:: /_shared/appendix/img/ssh_vnc_download.png


#. Open **RealVNC Viewer**, then enter your Raspberry Pi's IP address or ``<hostname>.local`` and press **Enter**.

   .. image:: /_shared/appendix/img/ssh_vnc_login.png


#. Enter your Raspberry Pi's **username** and **password**, then select **OK**.

   .. note::

      When connecting for the first time, you may see a message such as “VNC Server not recognized”. Select **Continue** to proceed.

   .. image:: /_shared/appendix/img/ssh_vnc_username.png


#. You should now see the Raspberry Pi desktop:

   .. image:: /_shared/appendix/img/ssh_vnc_desktop.png


This completes the VNC setup process.

-----------------


Additional Notes
-----------------

* **Desktop version required**

  * VNC requires the Raspberry Pi to be running the full desktop version of Raspberry Pi OS.  
  * If you are using **Raspberry Pi OS Lite**, install VNC Server manually: ``sudo apt install realvnc-vnc-server``


* **Network performance tips** 

  * If you experience lag or slow refresh rates, check your network quality.  
  * Wired Ethernet generally offers the best performance.


* **Fixing display resolution issues**

  * If the VNC window appears too small or the resolution is incorrect, set a fixed resolution via: ``sudo raspi-config`` → **Display Options** → **VNC Resolution**


* **Ensure VNC is enabled**

  If VNC fails to connect, verify that it is enabled in: ``sudo raspi-config`` → ``Interfacing Options`` → ``VNC``

* **Stopping the VNC service**

  To manually stop the VNC Server: ``sudo systemctl stop vncserver-x11-serviced``


* **Security reminder**

  * VNC is designed for trusted local networks.  
  * Do **not** expose VNC directly to the internet.  
  * For secure remote access from outside your network, use **Raspberry Pi Connect** or a VPN.