Install XFCE Desktop Environment on AlmaLinux 9 and RHEL 9

In this guide, we want to show you to Install XFCE Desktop Environment on AlmaLinux 9 and RHEL 9. As is apparent, XFCE is an open-source desktop environment. It helps the user perform all functions of the Linux environment on the desktop or PC.

You can follow this guide to start your XFCE installation on AlmaLinux 9. Also, you can use this instruction for RHEL 9-based distros.

How To Install XFCE Desktop Environment on AlmaLinux 9 and RHEL 9?

To complete your XFCE installation, you must have access to your server as a non-root user with sudo privileges. To do this, you can check this guide on Initial Server Setup with AlmaLinux 9.

Then, follow the steps below.

Step 1 – Install Epel Repository on AlmaLinux 9 / RHEL 9

First, you must run the system update by using the following command:

sudo dnf update -y

Then, install the Epel repo on your server by using the command below:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y

At this point, you can verify the available package groups that are available on your system with the following command:

sudo dnf --enablerepo=epel group

Output
Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux 9 - x86_64   12 MB/s |  18 MB     00:01
Last metadata expiration check: 0:00:08 ago on Sat 01 Jul 2023 03:21:34 AM EDT.
Available Groups: 15

Step 2 – How To Enable PowerTools on AlmaLinux 9 / RHEL 9?

At this point, you must enable the PowerTools on your server. PowerTools is a repository of software that adds more utilities and resources for programs and development.

In AlmaLinux 9 and RHEL 9, PowerTools is known as CRB. To enable the PowerTools repository, run the following command:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled crb

Next, be sure that Xfce is available on your AlmaLinux 9:

sudo dnf group list

Output
AlmaLinux 9 - CRB                               3.1 MB/s | 2.5 MB     00:00
Last metadata expiration check: 0:00:01 ago on Sat 01 Jul 2023 03:26:54 AM EDT.
Available Environment Groups:
   Server with GUI
   Server
   Workstation
   KDE Plasma Workspaces
   Virtualization Host
   Custom Operating System
Installed Environment Groups:
   Minimal Install
Available Groups:
   RPM Development Tools
   .NET Development
   Container Management
   Console Internet Tools
   Graphical Administration Tools
   Headless Management
   Legacy UNIX Compatibility
   Scientific Support
   Smart Card Support
   Development Tools
   Network Servers
   Security Tools
   System Tools
   Fedora Packager
   Xfce

Step 3 – How To Install XFCE on AlmaLinux 9 / RHEL 9?

Now that you are sure Xfce packages are available on your server, you can use the following command to install your desktop environment:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Xfce" "base-x" -y

When your installation is completed, set Xfce to start automatically on boot and set Xfce as the default graphical target by using the commands below:

# sudo echo "exec /usr/bin/xfce4-session" >> ~/.xinitrc
# sudo systemctl set-default graphical

Finally, reboot your server t apply the changes:

reboot

Step 4 – How To Run XFCE Desktop Environment?

When you log back to your server, if Gnome is already installed on the device, you should click on the small gear wheel icon and select the “Xfce session” option.

Now you can click on “Sign In” or enter your password and then press Enter to log in.

For more information, you can visit the XFCE Docs page.

Conclusion

At this point, you have learned to install Epel repo and enable CRB on AlmaLinux 9 and RHEL 9 and then install the XFCE desktop environment, set it as the default graphical target, and access your desktop.

Hope you enjoy it. You may be interested in the articles on AlmaLinux Tutorials:

Install PowerShell on AlmaLinux 9 and RHEL 9

How To Install Java with DNF on AlmaLinux 9

How To Install OpenLiteSpeed on AlmaLinux 9