AnyDesk’s “display server not supported” message is mainly a Linux issue: it appears when a Linux computer uses the Wayland display server instead of X11. On Windows 11, display problems in AnyDesk usually look different: a black screen, “Waiting for image”, or a frozen picture. These are fixed by updating AnyDesk and the graphics driver, unlocking and waking the remote PC, turning off privacy mode, and making sure the remote PC has an active display.
Quick Answer
On Windows 11: update AnyDesk on both PCs, update the remote PC’s graphics driver, unlock it and wake the monitor, turn off privacy mode, and restart the AnyDesk service. On Linux: log in with an X11 (Xorg) session instead of Wayland.
Fixes for Windows 11
- Update AnyDesk on both computers from the official website.
- Update the graphics driver on the remote PC through Windows Update or the GPU maker.
- Wake and unlock the remote PC. A locked screen, sleep mode or a monitor that’s switched off can give a black picture.
- Turn off privacy mode in AnyDesk’s display settings on the connecting side.
- Restart the AnyDesk service: open Services (services.msc), find AnyDesk and click Restart, or reboot the remote PC.
- Headless PC: If the remote PC has no monitor, connect one or use an HDMI dummy plug so Windows keeps a display active.
Fix for Linux (Wayland)
- Log out of the Linux desktop.
- On the login screen, choose a session such as Ubuntu on Xorg (the name varies by distribution).
- Log in and connect again. Some distributions let you disable Wayland in the display manager’s configuration instead.
Symptoms and Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| “Display server not supported” | Linux remote using Wayland |
| Black screen | Privacy mode, sleeping monitor or driver issue |
| “Waiting for image” | Slow network, old version or GPU driver |
| Can’t control UAC prompts | AnyDesk not installed as a service; install it fully |
Troubleshooting
- Still failing: Try the built-in Windows tools instead. See enabling Remote Desktop on Windows 11 or remoting into a PC.
- Driver updates: See updating drivers on Windows 11.
- Stay safe: Never let a stranger who contacts you connect to your PC. Remote tools are common in support scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AnyDesk compatible with Windows 11?
Yes. Current versions support Windows 11.
Why does it work when the monitor is on?
Windows may stop rendering the desktop when no display is active, leaving AnyDesk nothing to capture.
Do I need admin rights?
Installing AnyDesk as a service needs admin rights and lets it work with sign-in and UAC screens.
Summary
- “Display server not supported” usually means Linux Wayland; switch to X11.
- On Windows, update AnyDesk and the graphics driver.
- Wake and unlock the remote PC and turn off privacy mode.
- Restart the AnyDesk service.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.