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Step 1Open the server Apps tab
Select the tutorial-vps VPS, open the Apps tab, and start a new app deployment. Keep sensitive server details hidden before capturing or sharing screenshots.
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RustDesk
Development256MB+ RAM
Open-source remote desktop software
remote-desktopteamviewer-alternative
Deploy RustDesk in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select RustDesk
Choose from our template library
3
Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy RustDesk on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the RustDesk template in Server Compass to deploy a self-hosted RustDesk ID and relay server on your VPS, then verify the hbbs and hbbr services are running.
About 10 minutesBrowser verified
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Step 2Choose an app template
Click New App and choose the template deployment path so Server Compass can load the built-in catalog.
3
Step 3Search for RustDesk
Use the template picker search to find RustDesk in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the RustDesk template
Choose the RustDesk template. Server Compass fills the hbbs ID server, hbbr relay server, and persistent RustDesk data volume.
5
Step 5Review the RustDesk settings
Confirm the app name and compose services. In this run, the app was named rustdesk-demo and used ID server host port 21115.
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Step 6Deploy RustDesk
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the RustDesk ports are available, and click Deploy Now.
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Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass uploads the compose file, pulls the RustDesk server image, starts hbbs and hbbr, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm RustDesk is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the RustDesk app is marked Running.
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Step 9Verify the RustDesk services
Open the app details or service view and confirm both RustDesk services are running. The final verification also checks the hbbs and hbbr containers directly on the VPS.
After RustDesk Opens
- Read the RustDesk server public key from the generated data volume or service logs before configuring clients.
- Configure RustDesk clients with the VPS host as both the ID server and relay server.
- Open only the required RustDesk ports in the firewall and restrict access where possible.
- Back up the RustDesk data volume before relying on it for production remote access.
Verified Result
The RustDesk hbbs and hbbr containers were running on the VPS and Docker published the expected service ports.
RustDesk deployment questions
What does the RustDesk template deploy?
It deploys RustDesk hbbs and hbbr services with a shared persistent data volume for the self-hosted ID and relay server.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 21115 for the RustDesk ID server on container port 21115. The template also publishes the standard RustDesk relay and NAT traversal ports.
Why does this guide verify services instead of a web UI?
RustDesk Server is not a browser application. It is considered reachable when the hbbs and hbbr services are running and publishing the expected ports for RustDesk clients.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the RustDesk template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
Manual Setup Guide
Set Up RustDesk from Terminal
Get your hands dirty: manual RustDesk deployment guide for developers.
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Remote into Your Server
Initiate a secure shell connection to your server using the command below.
terminal
# Connect to your VPS
ssh root@your-server-ip
# Or with a specific SSH key
ssh -i ~/.ssh/your-key root@your-server-ipFirst time? Docker required! Install it with: curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
2
Create the App Directory
Organize your deployment by creating a dedicated project folder.
terminal
# Create and navigate to project directory
mkdir -p ~/apps/rustdesk
cd ~/apps/rustdesk3
Write Your docker-compose.yml
Create a new docker-compose.yml file and paste this configuration:
docker-compose.yml
services:
hbbs:
image: rustdesk/rustdesk-server:latest
command: hbbs
ports:
- "21115:21115"
- "21116:21116"
- "21116:21116/udp"
- "21118:21118"
volumes:
- rustdesk_data:/root
restart: unless-stopped
hbbr:
image: rustdesk/rustdesk-server:latest
command: hbbr
ports:
- "21117:21117"
- "21119:21119"
volumes:
- rustdesk_data:/root
restart: unless-stopped
volumes:
rustdesk_data:
Environment Variables
PORTID server port(default: 21115)4
Launch the Containers
Start the services and tail the logs to verify startup.
terminal
# Spin up containers
docker compose up -d
# Verify deployment
docker compose ps
# Check logs for errors
docker compose logs -f5
Open Firewall Ports
Open the required port in your firewall to allow access.
terminal
# Allow the application port through firewall
sudo ufw allow 21115/tcp
sudo ufw reload
# Access your app at:
# http://your-server-ip:21115Skip the Terminal
Want the easy way? Try Server Compass.
Why type commands when you can click? Deploy RustDesk the easy way with Server Compass.
- Visual config editor
- Instant deployment
- Automatic HTTPS
- Smooth updates
- Live monitoring
- Quick rollbacks
Download Server Compass$29 one-time • Lifetime license
After Deployment
After deploying RustDesk with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
1
Get public key from logs
2
Configure RustDesk clients
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
RustDesk FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting RustDesk
How do I deploy RustDesk with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select RustDesk from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.
What are the system requirements for RustDesk?
RustDesk requires a minimum of 256MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 1024MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing RustDesk data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard RustDesk backup and restore procedures.
How do I update RustDesk to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest RustDesk image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is RustDesk free to self-host?
RustDesk is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.
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