How to Install AnyDesk on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04

AnyDesk is a powerful remote desktop application that allows you to connect to and control other computers securely and efficiently, no matter where you are. It’s known for its low latency, high frame rates, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for IT professionals, support teams, and anyone needing remote access to another device. AnyDesk supports various operating systems and offers features like file transfer, session recording, and robust security protocols, ensuring a smooth and secure remote desktop experience.

On Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, you can install AnyDesk via the official deb mirror repository, which ensures you have access to the latest version and can easily manage future updates using the apt package manager. Alternatively, AnyDesk can also be installed via Flatpak from Flathub, which provides a sandboxed environment and may offer additional security benefits. This guide will walk you through both installation methods, allowing you to choose the best option for your Ubuntu setup.

Method 1: Install AnyDesk via APT PPA

Update Ubuntu Before AnyDesk Installation

Before diving into the installation process, updating your system with all existing packages is wise. To do this, execute the following commands in your terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Install Initial Required Packages

First, make sure you have the necessary dependencies installed on your system. Although you may already have most of these packages, run the following command to confirm their presence and install them if needed:

sudo apt install dirmngr ca-certificates software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -y

If you encounter issues later, return to this step and execute the command again.

Import AnyDesk APT Repository

The initial part of this step involves importing the GPG key to validate the integrity of the downloaded packages. Run the following command in your terminal to add it to your keychain:

curl -fsSL https://keys.anydesk.com/repos/DEB-GPG-KEY | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/anydesk.gpg > /dev/null

Subsequently, proceed to import the AnyDesk repository with the following command:

echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/anydesk.gpg] http://deb.anydesk.com/ all main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/anydesk.list

Update APT List Cache After AnyDesk PPA Import

With the AnyDesk repository now added to your list of sources, it’s time to run another APT update to reflect these changes:

sudo apt update

Finalize AnyDesk Installation via APT Command

Now, you’re all set to install AnyDesk! Run the following command:

sudo apt install anydesk

Method 2: Install AnyDesk via Flatpak and Flathub

The Flatpak package manager offers a different way to install AnyDesk on Ubuntu. Similarly to Snap, Flatpak serves as a universal package system for deploying, distributing, and managing software on Linux. People highly regard its ability to sandbox applications, which enhances system security and privacy. Moreover, it lets developers build a single application for multiple Linux distributions.

Enable Flathub For AnyDesk

The first task in installing AnyDesk using Flatpak is to enable the Flathub repository. Flathub is the de facto hub for Flatpak applications, hosting many applications and libraries. Adding this repository gives you access to many applications, including AnyDesk.

Execute the following command in your terminal to enable Flathub:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

If the above command does not work, install Flatpak with the following command first:

sudo apt install flatpak

Note: You may want to reboot or log out of your current desktop session after installing Flatpak for the first time.

Proceed to Install AnyDesk via Flatpak Command

With Flathub now accessible, you can advance to the installation of AnyDesk. This is achieved using the flatpak install command, which fetches and installs the specified application. Run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub com.anydesk.Anydesk -y

This command sets the installation of AnyDesk from the Flathub repository in motion. Upon successful execution, you’ll have the latest version of AnyDesk at your disposal.

Initiating AnyDesk via CLI Commands or GUI Path

Command Line Launch Method For AnyDesk

Users who favor using the terminal can quickly start AnyDesk with a straightforward command. To do this, type the following in your terminal:

anydesk

For users who have installed AnyDesk using Flatpak, the command alters slightly. The corresponding command to initiate AnyDesk is as follows:

flatpak run com.anydesk.Anydesk

GUI Launch Method For AnyDesk

AnyDesk can also be accessed using the GUI for those who prefer a more visual approach. This approach allows users to avoid the command line terminal and access the application directly. The sequence of steps to achieve this is as follows:

• Open ‘Activities’
• Navigate to ‘Show Applications
• Search and click on ‘AnyDesk’

Additional AnyDesk Commands

Update AnyDesk

The AnyDesk software integrates seamlessly into your Ubuntu package management system, ensuring you usually receive updates during your regular system updates. However, you might want to check for an AnyDesk update in certain situations manually.

Input the following command into your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command checks for AnyDesk updates and updates to all installed packages on your Ubuntu system.

For users who installed AnyDesk through Flatpak, the command for checking for updates differs slightly:

sudo flatpak update

This command prompts Flatpak to check all its installed applications, including AnyDesk, for updates.

Remove AnyDesk

There may come a time when you no longer require AnyDesk on your Ubuntu system. When this time comes, you can uninstall the software using the following command:

sudo apt remove anydesk

The first command removes the AnyDesk list from your APT sources, and the second command removes the associated GPG key.

If you installed AnyDesk using Flatpak, you would need a different command to uninstall it:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/anydesk.list
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/anydesk.gpg

Lastly, if you installed the Flatpak version, use the following command to remove it:

flatpak uninstall com.anydesk.Anydesk

This command signals Flatpak to remove AnyDesk from your system.

Conclusion

By successfully installing AnyDesk on Ubuntu using either the official deb mirror repository or Flatpak, you’ve ensured that your system is equipped with a robust and up-to-date remote desktop solution. The deb mirror installation integrates smoothly with the apt package manager, allowing for easy management of future updates, while the Flatpak method offers enhanced security through sandboxing. To maintain peak performance and security, regularly update AnyDesk and review its configuration settings, especially in environments where security is critical. Proper management of your installation method will ensure AnyDesk remains a reliable tool for your remote desktop needs.