KRDCLinux
vs
UltraVNCWindows
KRDC as a Linux alternative to UltraVNC
Updated
Our verdict
KRDC is a solid replacement for UltraVNC for most users who need VNC connectivity on Linux. It supports VNC connections, encryption via TLS for RDP and optional VNC encryption, file transfer through the VNC protocol, multiple monitors, and dynamic scaling. Its KDE‑styled UI and bookmark system make occasional remote support convenient. Users who rely heavily on UltraVNC’s Windows‑specific features, such as the dedicated UltraVNC server or advanced plug‑ins, may find KRDC lacking, but for typical VNC clients it delivers the core functionality.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.04.3 (July 2, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow VNC connections to remote machines
- Both support file transfer over VNC
- Both can handle multiple monitors and scaling
- Both run as a client on Linux
- Both have a simple UI for occasional use
What is different
- KRDC does not provide a VNC server; UltraVNC does
- KRDC lacks UltraVNC’s plug‑in ecosystem and Windows‑specific features
- KRDC’s VNC encryption is optional and requires configuration, whereas UltraVNC can use built‑in encryption
- KRDC is KDE‑centric, may feel heavy for non‑KDE desktops
- KRDC does not run as a Windows‑style service/daemon on Linux
- KRDC’s file transfer uses the standard VNC protocol, not UltraVNC’s custom file‑transfer extensions
Opening your UltraVNC files
KRDC does not read or write UltraVNC configuration files (.vnc or .vncserver). To migrate, you would manually recreate the connection details in KRDC’s bookmark system; no direct import is available.
Switching from UltraVNC to KRDC, step by step
- Open KRDC and choose "New Connection".
- Select "VNC" as the protocol and enter the host IP or hostname.
- Enter the VNC password and enable encryption if needed.
- Save the connection as a bookmark for future use.
- Use the bookmark to connect and test the session.
- Optional: configure keyboard shortcuts in KRDC’s settings for remote input.
Key features of KRDC
- Supports both RDP and VNC protocols
- KDE‑styled graphical interface
- Bookmark management for frequent connections
- Full-screen and windowed modes
- Keyboard shortcut support (Ctrl+Alt+Shift for remote input)
- Dynamic scaling of remote display
- TLS encryption for RDP sessions
- Integration with KDE Wallet for password storage
How to install KRDC on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.kde.krdcsudo apt install krdcsudo apt install krdcsudo dnf install krdcsudo pacman -S krdcsudo zypper install krdc4 other alternatives to UltraVNC
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