How to Start VNC Server in Linux from PuTTY

First, make sure you already have:

• A VNC server (like TigerVNC) installed and configured on your Linux machine

• A desktop environment installed (XFCE, GNOME, etc.)

• PuTTY installed on your Windows system

Step 1: Connect to Linux via PuTTY

Open PuTTY and enter your server IP address or hostname.

Use port 22, then click Open.

Log in with your Linux username and password.

Step 2: Start the VNC Server

Once logged in, you can start the VNC server like this:

vncserver :1

This starts the server on display 1, which maps to TCP port 5901 (5900 + display number).

If it’s your first time, you’ll be prompted to set a VNC password:

vncpasswd

To kill the session later:

vncserver -kill :1

If you want to specify resolution or depth:

vncserver :1 -geometry 1280x800 -depth 24

Step 3: (Recommended) Tunnel VNC Over SSH with PuTTY

VNC is not encrypted by default, so tunneling over SSH is a good idea.

1. In PuTTY, go to Connection > SSH > Tunnels

2. In Source port, enter:

   5901

3. In Destination, enter:
4. Click Add, then go back to Session and click Open

Now you can connect your VNC Viewer to:

localhost:5901

This will securely forward your local VNC client to the remote server.