Ubuntu 20.04 Docker Container with XFCE Desktop over VNC / noVNC

Did you ever wanted to start a fully-fledged Ubuntu Docker container with a full desktop experience? If so, then this Docker image suits your needs: it provides quick access to an entire Ubuntu Desktop (XFCE) – directly from within the Docker container. Therefore, it uses the tightvncserver to provide a VNC connection to the container and noVNC for simple VNC access with your browser.

IMPORTANT: This image is for testing only. Do not run it on any production systems or for any productive purposes. Feel free to modify it as you like – build instructions are given below.

Build & Install

• Clone this repository: git clone https://github.com/iphoneintosh/ubuntu-docker && cd ubuntu-docker
• Build the Docker image: docker build -t ubuntu-docker .
  • Optional: --build-arg VNCPWD=changeme - set a password for the VNC access (default: changeme)
  • Optional: --build-arg VNCDISPLAY=1920x1080 - set a display resolution for the VNC server (default: 1920x1080)
  • Optional: --build-arg VNCDEPTH=16 - set a display depth for the VNC server (default: 16)
• Run the container: docker run -it -p <INSERT_FREE_HOST_PORT>:9090 --name ubuntu-container ubuntu-docker
  • Choose a free port on your host system and replace it in <INSERT_FREE_HOST_PORT>
• Open https://localhost:<INSERT_FREE_HOST_PORT>/vnc.html in your browser to interact with the Ubuntu XFCE desktop
  • If a certificate warning is shown, verify the SHA256 certificate fingerprint with the fingerprint shown on the command prompt on which you just started the container
  • If prompted for a password, enter the default password changeme or the password you set while building the image