How Can I Start a Remote Desktop Client Remotely?

December 6, 2025 5 answers
Asked by CuriousCoder42
Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out how to start a remote desktop client like TeamViewer or RustDesk via SSH. The problem is, there's no display available when I try to do this, which leaves me uncertain if it's possible to access a separate session this way. I really just want to ensure I can restart my remote desktop software if there's an issue while I'm away on holiday, so I can continue my development work without being at the hardware itself. If anyone knows of a more standard way to achieve this, I'd love to hear your suggestions. Thanks!

Answers

TechieTom
First, make sure that the service on the remote side is running and that the port is open. You might need a utility like PsExec or some kind of remote management tool to start the service if it's not already running. By the way, I'd recommend looking into alternatives to TeamViewer, like Splashtop or ConnectWise Control, which are generally more reliable.
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DevGuru99
Consider using Tailscale or ZeroTier with RDP. If your home PC is running Windows Pro, this setup can work seamlessly. If itโ€™s not, there are other options like Mesh Central or Tactical RMM that you might find helpful.
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InnovativeJoe
You could also check out JetKVM. It's a reliable tool for remote access.
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UserFriendly007
If your plan is to start a remote access client and then connect to it, why not just keep the client running all the time? You could secure it with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
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BreakingBoundaries
Definitely investigate some alternatives to TeamViewer, as the performance issues are pretty common. RustDesk might work for you, but issues like a black screen can happen if the service isnโ€™t set up properly.
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