1️⃣ Install RustDesk (if not already)

 
 
# Add official RustDesk PPA (optional) or download latest AppImage # Using AppImage is easiest for Linux Mint cd ~/Downloads wget https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk/releases/download/nightly/rustdesk-1.2.0-x86_64.AppImage chmod +x rustdesk-1.2.0-x86_64.AppImage # Optional: move to /usr/local/bin for system-wide use sudo mv rustdesk-1.2.0-x86_64.AppImage /usr/local/bin/rustdesk

Now you can run RustDesk:

 
 
rustdesk

2️⃣ Enable Unattended Access

  1. Open RustDesk.

  2. Go to Settings → Security → Unattended Access.

  3. Check Enable Unattended Access.

  4. Set a strong password for this client.

  5. Save settings.

RustDesk now stores this password and will automatically use it for connections.

3️⃣ Make RustDesk auto-start at login

Create a .desktop file for Linux Mint:

 
 
mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart nano ~/.config/autostart/rustdesk.desktop

Paste the following:

 
 
[Desktop Entry] Type=Application Exec=/usr/local/bin/rustdesk Hidden=false NoDisplay=false X-GNOME-Autostart-enabled=true Name=RustDesk Comment=Start RustDesk at login

Save (Ctrl+O) and exit (Ctrl+X).

  • This ensures RustDesk starts automatically when you log in.

4️⃣ Ensure RustDesk can save credentials

RustDesk stores keys and passwords in:

 
 
~/.config/rustdesk/

Make sure the folder and files are owned by your user and have proper permissions:

 
 
chmod -R 700 ~/.config/rustdesk

This prevents the client from losing access to stored passwords.

5️⃣ Optional: Run as a background service

For a more “always-on” setup:

 
 
nano ~/.config/systemd/user/rustdesk.service

Paste:

 
 
[Unit] Description=RustDesk client [Service] ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/rustdesk Restart=always [Install] WantedBy=default.target

Enable and start:

 
 
systemctl --user daemon-reload systemctl --user enable rustdesk.service systemctl --user start rustdesk.service

RustDesk now runs in the background, even if the GUI is closed, and keeps your unattended password active.

✅ Result

  • RustDesk will start automatically on login

  • Unattended Access password is saved and used automatically

  • No need to type a password for remote connections

  • Optional background service ensures it always runs