RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is the standard way to reach the graphical Ubuntu desktop of your workspace. You need a device that is signed in to the workspace network with Tailscale, an RDP client, and the connection details from the Connect dialog on the workspace card. The dialog shows hostname, port, username, and password, and it is also where you download the prepared RDP file.
Choosing an RDP client
On Windows, Remote Desktop Connection is already included. You open it from the Start menu or with mstsc.exe. Alternatively, there is Microsoft Remote Desktop in the Microsoft Store.
On macOS, the best option is Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Mac App Store, which Microsoft now calls Windows App.
On Linux, Remmina is the recommended choice. You install it through your distribution’s package manager, for example with sudo apt install remmina. If you prefer the command line, use FreeRDP (xfreerdp).
Connecting
- Download the RDP file in the Connect dialog and open it. It starts your RDP client with the address and username already filled in. Alternatively, open the client yourself and enter the hostname and port from the dialog.
- Sign in with the displayed username and the copied password.
- After signing in, the Ubuntu desktop appears. The prepared project folders are in the home directory of the workspace user.
If the Windows App on macOS stays unresponsive after the password dialog or reports error 0x207, the causes range from name resolution through Tailscale to an outdated .rdp file. The checks for this are listed under Troubleshooting.
If your workspace also offers VNC or you prefer a VNC viewer, the steps are under Desktop via VNC.