Remote Desktop from MacBook to Ubuntu | Generated by AI
Question: How can I use my MacBook Air M2 as just a screen/monitor to remotely access and control my powerful desktop PC running Ubuntu while lying in bed, without using SSH?
Answer:
To achieve this—using your MacBook Air M2 as the display and input device for your Ubuntu desktop PC over your local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)—you need a remote desktop solution. This streams the Ubuntu desktop to your MacBook in fullscreen, with mouse, keyboard, and trackpad control passed to the PC. It will feel close to using the MacBook as a direct monitor, though there will be some network latency (minimal on a good home Wi-Fi, especially 5GHz or wired).
MacBooks (including M2 Air) do not support being a physical external monitor via cable (no Target Display Mode). All solutions are software-based remote access.
Here are the best options for low-latency, graphical remote desktop from macOS client to Ubuntu host:
Recommended: Sunshine + Moonlight (Best for Performance)
This combination is designed for low-latency streaming (originally for gaming, but perfect for desktop use). It leverages your RTX 4070 GPU for hardware encoding, providing the smoothest experience.
- On Ubuntu PC (Host):
- Install Sunshine (open-source server).
- Follow the official guide: Download the Debian package or use the AppImage/Flatpak from https://github.com/LizardByte/Sunshine.
- Sunshine includes a built-in “Desktop” app for streaming the full Ubuntu desktop (no need to launch a game).
- Run it as a service for auto-start.
- On MacBook Air M2 (Client):
- Install Moonlight (open-source client) from https://moonlight-stream.org or the Mac App Store (Moonlight app).
- Pair with your PC on the local network.
- Select the “Desktop” entry and stream in fullscreen.
- Advantages:
- Very low latency.
- Excellent video quality.
- Hardware acceleration via NVIDIA GPU.
- Full audio support.
- Free and open-source.
This is ideal for your high-end PC and relaxed bed use.
Simple Alternative: Built-in Ubuntu Remote Desktop (RDP Protocol)
Ubuntu 22.04+ has excellent built-in RDP support (better than VNC).
- On Ubuntu PC:
- Go to Settings > Sharing > Enable “Sharing”.
- Enable “Remote Desktop” (uses RDP).
- Set a username/password or enable automatic login if secure.
- Note the PC’s IP address (via
ip addr showin terminal).
- On MacBook Air:
- Download the free Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Mac App Store.
- Add a new connection with your Ubuntu PC’s IP and credentials.
- Connect and go fullscreen.
- Advantages:
- No extra software installation on Ubuntu.
- Good performance.
- Clipboard/audio sharing.
- Native feel on macOS.
Other Options
- NoMachine: Very fast and reliable. Install server on Ubuntu, client on Mac (free for personal use). Download from https://www.nomachine.com.
- RustDesk: Open-source alternative to TeamViewer, low latency, easy setup. Works well cross-platform.
Avoid classic VNC (like Ubuntu’s older Screen Sharing)—it’s higher latency than the above.
Tips for Best Experience
- Connect both devices to the same fast Wi-Fi (5GHz) or use Ethernet adapters for even lower lag.
- On the client, enable fullscreen mode and high bitrate/quality settings.
- Ensure your Ubuntu PC is logged in (or set auto-login) for seamless access.
- For bed comfort: Prop the MacBook on a pillow/stand, use fullscreen, and adjust brightness.
Sunshine + Moonlight will give you the closest to “just a monitor” feel due to its gaming-grade low latency.
References:
- https://github.com/LizardByte/Sunshine
- https://moonlight-stream.org
- https://www.nomachine.com
- https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/access-remote-desktop