Freedom251 › Remote desktop software
x11vnc
by x11vnc
What x11vnc is
x11vnc is a free, self-hosted VNC server for viewing and controlling real X displays connected to physical monitors, keyboards, and mice. It works with VNC viewers through the VNC remote framebuffer protocol and supports Unix/X11, macOS Aqua/Quartz, and embedded Linux. Listed uses include desktop sharing, demonstrations, and remote help desk access, with file transfer available. Security options include built-in SSL/TLS encryption, 2048-bit RSA authentication, VeNCrypt, UNIX account and password login, and VNC passwords. Networking features include IPv6, Zeroconf service advertising, and single-port HTTPS or HTTP+VNC. The project describes SSH tunneling for internet connections and recommends SSH or a VPN. Extensions cover webcams, TV tuner capture devices, and Qtopia Core. x11vnc dates to 2002, uses GPL-2.0, and lists version 0.9.17 as its latest release. The repository says it is currently unmaintained and seeking a new maintainer.
Who it suits
It suits users who need self-hosted VNC access to physical X displays or supported macOS and embedded systems. Desktop sharing, demonstrations, and remote help desks are listed uses.
What it does well
- Controls physical X displays remotely
- Supports VNC viewers
- Includes file transfer
- Lists SSL/TLS and VeNCrypt
- Supports IPv6 and Zeroconf
What to know first
- Project is currently unmaintained
- Latest listed release is version 0.9.17
- Internet access guidance requires SSH or VPN
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| x11vnc | GPL-2.0 license · self-hosted VNC server | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
x11vnc offers extensive protocol, authentication, and networking options for self-hosted remote display access. Its unmaintained status is an important consideration despite the documented security features and broad display support.
Facts from x11vnc's own pages
- Access mode
- both · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Authentication
- It supports UNIX account and password login as well as VNC passwords. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The project lists built-in SSL/TLS encryption, 2048-bit RSA authentication, and VeNCrypt support. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- File transfer
- The README lists TightVNC and UltraVNC file-transfer support. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2002 · github.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Intended use
- The README describes desktop sharing, demonstrations, and remote help desk access as use cases. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- The releases page lists x11vnc 0.9.17 as the latest release and describes fixes including TLS handshake and memory safety issues. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Networking
- Listed capabilities include IPv6, Zeroconf service advertising, and single-port HTTPS or HTTP+VNC. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Other displays
- The README says x11vnc has been extended to work with Mac OS X Aqua/Quartz, webcams, TV tuner capture devices, and embedded Linux systems such as Qtopia Core. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Project status
- The repository says the project is currently unmaintained and is looking for a new maintainer. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Protocol
- It works with VNC viewers using the VNC remote framebuffer protocol. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- x11vnc lets users remotely view and interact with real X displays attached to physical monitors, keyboards, and mice. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Remote access
- The README describes SSH tunneling and recommends SSH or a VPN for remote connections over the internet. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Unix/X11,macOS Aqua/Quartz,embedded Linux · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
Where x11vnc stands on Freedom251
- Remote desktop software#64 of 135