RustDesk is a robust remote desktop software written in Rust, designed to operate seamlessly with minimal configuration. With RustDesk, you gain full control over your data and enjoy peace of mind regarding security. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to build RustDesk, utilizing different environments and tools effectively.
What You Will Need
- Rust and C++ development environments.
- vcpkg package manager.
- Access to a terminal and text editing software.
Raw Steps to Build RustDesk
To get started with building RustDesk, follow the steps outlined below carefully:
1. Prepare your Rust and C++ build environments.
2. Install vcpkg and correctly set the VCPKG_ROOT environment variable.
Now, depending on your operating system, run the respective commands:
For Windows:
vcpkg install libvpx:x64-windows-static libyuv:x64-windows-static opus:x64-windows-static aom:x64-windows-static
For Linux or macOS:
vcpkg install libvpx libyuv opus aom
Understanding the Code – The Factory Analogy
Think of building RustDesk as setting up a factory to produce a custom product—your remote desktop application. Each part of your factory has a specific function:
- The Rust environment is your factory’s foundation where everything starts to take shape.
- vcpkg is like your supply chain manager, ensuring you have all the necessary materials/components (libraries) for production.
- The commands you execute are the machinery in your factory—each machine (command) has a specific role in bringing the final product (RustDesk) to life.
Just like every factory needs to be well-equipped and organized to successfully create its products, your build environment must be properly set up for RustDesk!
How to Build on Linux
To create RustDesk on various Linux distributions, you will need to follow the commands suited for your environment.
For Ubuntu 18 (Debian 10):
sudo apt install -y zip g++ gcc git curl wget nasm yasm libgtk-3-dev clang libxcb-randr0-dev libxdo-dev libxfixes-dev libxcb-shape0-dev libxcb-xfixes0-dev libasound2-dev libpulse-dev cmake make libclang-dev ninja-build libgstreamer1.0-dev libgstreamer-plugins-base1.0-dev libpam0g-dev
For Fedora 28 (CentOS 8):
sudo yum -y install gcc-c++ git curl wget nasm yasm gcc gtk3-devel clang libxcb-devel libxdo-devel libXfixes-devel pulseaudio-libs-devel cmake alsa-lib-devel gstreamer1-devel gstreamer1-plugins-base-devel pam-devel
Building with Docker
If you prefer working with Docker, follow these steps:
git clone https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk
cd rustdesk
docker build -t rustdesk-builder .
docker run --rm -it -v $PWD:/home/user/rustdesk -v rustdesk-git-cache:/home/user/.cargo/git -v rustdesk-registry-cache:/home/user/.cargo/registry -e PUID=$(id -u) -e PGID=$(id -g) rustdesk-builder
Remember to run your commands from the root of the RustDesk repository to avoid issues locating resources.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while building RustDesk, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure that your Rust and C++ environments are correctly installed and configured.
- If Docker isn’t functioning as expected, check that you have permissions to run Docker commands.
- For persistent issues, consult the FAQ page on their GitHub repository.
For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.
Conclusion
Building RustDesk provides a wonderful opportunity to delve into the world of remote desktop technologies. By following the outlined steps and leveraging Docker or traditional build methods, you can successfully create your own version of this powerful tool.
At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

