You can set up a VS Code Server on an Ubuntu server without installing X Windows or any graphical desktop environment. VS Code Server is designed to run in headless mode and serve the VS Code experience through a remote client.
Here’s a high-level overview of how to do it:
Prerequisites
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Ubuntu Server (no GUI needed)
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SSH access
Use VS Code Remote Server
If you’re using Visual Studio Code’s official remote development features:
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Install the Remote – SSH extension on your local VS Code.
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Connect to your Ubuntu server via SSH from within VS Code.
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VS Code will automatically install its server component on the remote machine — no GUI required.
This method is seamless and secure.
