How to Use the Command 'xfreerdp' (with examples)

xfreerdp is a versatile command-line tool that enables users to connect to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) servers. It is a part of FreeRDP, an open-source implementation of RDP, which allows remote access to desktops and servers. This tool is particularly useful for IT administrators, remote workers, and anyone requiring access to systems from afar. With xfreerdp, users can connect to RDP servers with various configurations, such as redirecting local resources, skipping certificate checks, and even sharing local directories. Below, we provide several use cases illustrating different functionalities of the xfreerdp command.

Use case 1: Connect to a FreeRDP server

Code:

xfreerdp /u:username /p:password /v:ip_address

Motivation:

This example showcases a straightforward connection to a FreeRDP server, which is essential for anyone looking to gain remote access to a desktop or server. It serves as the building block for more advanced configurations.

Explanation:

• /u:username: Specifies the username required to authenticate to the remote system.
• /p:password: Specifies the password for the user account.
• /v:ip_address: Specifies the IP address of the remote RDP server you’re connecting to.

Example output:

After running this command, a remote desktop window should open, displaying the desktop of the server you have connected to. You will have control over the remote system, as if you were sitting in front of it.

Use case 2: Connect to a FreeRDP server and activate audio output redirection using sys:alsa device

Code:

xfreerdp /u:username /p:password /v:ip_address /sound:sys:alsa

Motivation:

Utilizing audio redirection is critical in scenarios where listening to audio feedback from the remote system is necessary. For instance, this is useful in multimedia applications or when administrating a server that provides audible alerts.

Explanation:

• /sound:sys:alsa: Instructs the FreeRDP to redirect audio output from the server to the client machine. The sys:alsa indicates that the Linux ALSA sound system will be used for audio output on the client side.

Example output:

This command will not only open a remote desktop session but also allow you to hear audio from the remote machine through your local speakers or headset.

Use case 3: Connect to a FreeRDP server with dynamic resolution

Code:

xfreerdp /v:ip_address /u:username /p:password /dynamic-resolution

Motivation:

Dynamic resolution is a key feature when working with varying display configurations. It allows the remote session to automatically adjust its resolution based on the client window size, enhancing usability in multi-monitor setups or when frequently resizing the window.

Explanation:

• /dynamic-resolution: By adding this parameter, the remote session adapts its resolution dynamically. Whenever the RDP client window is resized, the server adjusts the desktop resolution to fit the new window dimensions.

Example output:

A remote desktop window opens and automatically adjusts its display resolution as you resize the window, ensuring optimal use of screen real estate.

Use case 4: Connect to a FreeRDP server with clipboard redirection

Code:

xfreerdp /v:ip_address /u:username /p:password +clipboard

Motivation:

Clipboard redirection is an indispensable feature for transferring data between the client and the server. This functionality is especially useful when needing to copy-paste text, code, or small files during remote access which can greatly improve productivity.

Explanation:

• +clipboard: This flag enables clipboard sharing between the local machine and the remote desktop, allowing copy-paste operations.

Example output:

In the remote desktop session, any text or files you copy on the local machine can be pasted to the remote system and vice versa, facilitating seamless data sharing.

Use case 5: Connect to a FreeRDP server ignoring any certificate checks

Code:

xfreerdp /v:ip_address /u:username /p:password /cert:ignore

Motivation:

While it is generally recommended to validate server certificates for security reasons, there are environments, such as testing or development, where ignoring certificate checks may expedite setup processes without the burden of certificate management.

Explanation:

• /cert:ignore: This option bypasses all certificate checks. This can be convenient during preliminary setups but should be avoided in sensitive or production environments due to security risks.

Example output:

Despite potential security warnings, this command connects to the server seamlessly without validating its security certificate. This can save time in environments where certificates are not strictly managed.

Use case 6: Connect to a FreeRDP server with a shared directory

Code:

xfreerdp /v:ip_address /u:username /p:password /drive:path/to/directory,share_name

Motivation:

Sharing local directories with a remote session aids in file management operations, such as transferring large files or sharing resources. It provides a smooth workflow by making local files accessible to the remote system.

Explanation:

• /drive:path/to/directory,share_name: This command maps a directory from the local machine to the remote session. path/to/directory is the local directory path, and share_name is the identifier for this directory on the remote system.

Example output:

The remote desktop session starts, and within its file explorer, the shared directory appears as an additional drive or folder, allowing easy access to the designated local files from the remote system.

Conclusion:

xfreerdp is a powerful command-line tool offering numerous options to configure RDP connections, enhancing remote desktop sessions to suit diverse needs. Whether it’s redirecting audio, dynamically adjusting the display, sharing clipboard data, bypassing certificates, or sharing folders, xfreerdp provides flexibility and robust functionality for managing remote connections effectively.