3 Tested Ways to Fix AnyDesk Display Server Not Supported

Why AnyDesk is not working with Wayland?

The compatibility issue between AnyDesk and Wayland on Linux systems, like Ubuntu and RHEL, leads to an error message stating, "AnyDesk display server not supported," which ultimately causes the installation to fail.

This error arises because Wayland, a newer and more modern display server protocol, is being utilized. Wayland establishes communication between the display server and its clients, offering an alternative to the traditional X.Org server. Nevertheless, certain applications, including AnyDesk, do not yet provide complete support for Wayland.

How to fix AnyDesk display server not supported [3 ways]

Fixing the "AnyDesk display server not supported" on Linux can be achieved through three tested methods.

Way 1. Disable Wayland in GDM3

To begin, you can disable Wayland in the GDM3 (GNOME Display Manager) custom configuration file.

Step 1. Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

Step 2. Type the following command to open the GDM3 configuration file in a text editor with administrative privileges:

sudo nano /etc/gdm3/custom.conf

Step 3. Locate the [daemon] section in the file and uncomment the line "WaylandEnable=false".

Step 4. Modify the line "AutomaticLogin=user1" to "AutomaticLogin=$USERNAME" (replace "$USERNAME" with your actual username).

Step 5. Uncomment the two lines "AutomaticLoginEnable=true" and "AutomaticLogin=$USERNAME". Save the changes.

Step 6. Finally, reboot your Ubuntu server to apply the changes and allow them to take effect.

Way 2. Switch to Xorg/X11

In case the first solution doesn't resolve the issue, you can attempt to switch the display server from Wayland to Xorg/X11. Xorg is a well-established, open-source implementation of the X window system and enjoys broader support compared to Wayland.

Step 1. Begin by restarting your computer.

Step 2. Once you reach the login screen, click on the gear icon, and choose "Ubuntu on Xorg" from the available options. This will switch your display server to Xorg/X11.

Way 3. Modify .xsession for Ubuntu with Wayland

For users employing a multiuser setup without the Ubuntu desktop environment, such as i3wm, the option to disable Wayland via the login screen might not be available. In such scenarios, you can attempt to address the issue by adjusting the configuration parameters in the .xsession file.

Please note that the exact steps to modify the .xsession file are not provided here. Additional research or seeking guidance from the i3wm community might be required to carry out this solution effectively.

AnyViewer: Best free AnyDesk alternative for Windows

If you want a free alternative to AnyDesk for Windows, you can try AnyViewer. This free remote desktop software is tailor-made for Windows computers, offering a seamless and efficient experience. Unlike AnyDesk, which restricts user connections for commercial purposes, AnyViewer is entirely free for all types of use. Whether you need to transfer files between your home and work computers or provide remote assistance to clients, AnyViewer has got you covered. Its versatility makes it an excellent tool for remote work and support. However, do keep in mind that AnyViewer currently supports only Windows and does not offer compatibility with Linux systems.

 Step 1. Install and launch AnyViewer on both computers. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)

Step 2. Fill in the signup information and click Sign up to create an AnyViewer account. 

Step 3. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you've logged in to.

Step 4. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two computers. Then you can achieve a one-click connection by clicking One-click control after going to Device and clicking the computer that you want to access. 

The bottom line

By implementing the mentioned solutions, you can effectively resolve the "AnyDesk display server not supported" issue and enjoy seamless remote desktop connections on your Linux system. Besides, if you would like to consider an AnyDesk alternative for Windows, AnyViewer is your best choice.