How To Install and Run Xfce Desktop on Rocky Linux 8

In this guide, we intend to teach you How To Install and Run Xfce Desktop on Rocky Linux 8.

Xfce is a desktop environment that aims to be fast and low on system resources, while still being visually appealing and user-friendly.

Xfce embodies the traditional UNIX philosophy of modularity and re-usability. It consists of a number of components that provide the full functionality one can expect of a modern desktop environment. They are packaged separately and you can pick among the available packages to create the optimal personal working environment.

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Install and Run Xfce Desktop on Rocky Linux 8

Install and Run Xfce Desktop on Rocky Linux 8

Before you start to install Xfce desktop, you must log in to your server as a non-root user with sudo privileges. To do this, you can follow our article the Initial Server Setup with Rocky Linux 8.

Now follow the steps below to complete this guide.

Install Xfce Desktop Environment on Rocky Linux 8

First, you need to update your local package index with the following command:

sudo dnf update -y

Then, you need to install the Epel repository on Rocky Linux 8:

sudo dnf install epel-release

Next, you can confirm the available package groups that are available on your system with the following command:

sudo dnf --enablerepo=epel group

Now you need to enable the power tools repository with the command below:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled powertools

Output
Available Groups: 14

At this point, make sure that Xfce is available on your Rocky Linux 8 and install it with the command below:

sudo dnf group list

Output
...
Available Groups:
Container Management
.NET Core Development
RPM Development Tools
Development Tools
Graphical Administration Tools
Headless Management
Legacy UNIX Compatibility
Network Servers
Scientific Support
Security Tools
Smart Card Support
System Tools
Fedora Packager
Xfce

Now install Xfce desktop:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Xfce" "base-x"

To set Xfce to start automatically on boot, run the commands below:

sudo echo "exec /usr/bin/xfce4-session" >> ~/.xinitrc

sudo systemctl set-default graphical

Output
Removed /etc/systemd/system/default.target.
Created symlink /etc/systemd/system/default.target → /usr/lib/systemd/system/graphical.target.

When you are done, reboot your server:

reboot

How To Run Xfce Desktop on Rocky Linux 8

Note that if Gnome is already installed on the device, in the login screen click the “settings” icon next to the “Sign In” button and select Xfce Session.

Enjoy using Xfce Desktop Environment on Rocky Linux.