Windows mstsc equivalent in Linux
Connects to an RDP server from Linux.
mstsc
xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER
xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER
xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "mstsc" is used to remote desktop client. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER". Connects to an RDP server from Linux. This reference is grouped under Networking → Remote Access.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows mstsc maps to xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux networking for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Remote desktop client
Connects to an RDP server from Linux.
xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER
Remote desktop client
xfreerdp --help
Show command help when supported
man xfreerdp
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: mstsc
xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USERReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER | Remote desktop client |
xfreerdp --help | Show command help when supported |
man xfreerdp | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | xfreerdp /v:HOST /u:USER |
Same command on this distribution. |
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