An X server is not a server for distributing your perfect models output!

An X server is basically a program running on your local computer that understands the X Windows System protocol used by remote Linux servers to generate graphics, and that can render (i.e. display) the graphics generated remotely on your local computer.

Linux computers come pre-configured with a running X server (because they need it for displaying local graphics) that will display the graphics generated locally and on remote Linux servers. You don't need to do anything special!

There are several options available

Type: free

Download the installer from VcXrsv and install VcXsrv.

You need to configure VcXsrv to work in multiple windows mode. The following steps will show you how to create a shortcut on your desktop to start VcXsrv in this appropriate mode

• Start the configuration tool: Start ⇒ VcXsrv ⇒ Xlaunch
• Select Multiple windows, then Next
• Select Start no client, then Next
• Keep the default Clipboard settings, uncheck Native opengl (not sure about that…), then Next
• Click on Save configuration and save an X_Server.xlaunch configuration file on your Desktop, then Terminate.
  You should now have a new X_Server icon/shortcut on your Desktop
• Start the server by double-clicking on the new X_Server icon
  • It will seem that nothing happens, but an X icon appears in the right side of the taskbar (you may have to look for it in the Display hidden icons pull-up menu). Your computer is now ready to display remote graphics!
    
  • The X server will stop when you close your Windows session or restart the computer. Do not forget to click on the X_Server icon if you know that you will need an X server later
  • Note: you can right-click on the X icon and select Exit… if you need to quit the X server
• You are now ready, if you only need VcXsrv to display graphical windows from remote servers

• The following steps allow you to test the X server in a local WSL+Ubuntu terminal. Do not set the DISPLAY variable yourself when you are connected to a remote server with ssh!
  • Open a local terminal (in WSL+Ubuntu)
  • Type export DISPLAY=localhost:0.0
  • Type xterm and check that a new xterm terminal appears

Type: commercial

x410 is a low cost commercial X server that can be directly installed from the Microsoft store. Once installed, it will be automatically updated by the Microsoft Store application.

Starting, configuring and exiting X410: you can start X410 by clicking on it in the Windows Start Menu, or choose to Automatically Start X410 on Login

• Note: nothing actually happens when you start X410, as it is just waiting to display graphics! You will just get a new X icon in the hidden icons of the taskbar.
• You can configure (and exit) X410 by right clicking on its X icon

Type: commercial

Available at MobaXterm, not tested. This seems to be more than just an X server, and may be an overkill if you just need an X server

• Note: if you use VcXsrv and the content of some displayed X windows appear blurry, see if you can fix the compatibility settings, or try to use x410.

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