cockpit-desktop

Open a page

$ cockpit-desktop [url] [SSH_host]

$ cockpit-desktop [/cockpit/@localhost/storage/index.html]

cockpit-desktop
(Internal binary; invoked automatically by systemctl --user for cockpit.socket)

cockpit-desktop is a user-space helper binary and systemd service integration for the Cockpit project, enabling a web-based management interface on Linux desktop environments. It runs as a per-user service, providing secure access to system administration tasks via a browser at https://localhost:9090 without needing root privileges for the web server itself.

The service leverages Polkit for authorizing privileged operations, integrates with desktop session managers like GNOME or KDE, and offers features such as real-time performance monitoring, log viewing, service management, user accounts, software updates, and storage overview—all tailored for local desktop use. It bridges the Cockpit WebSocket protocol with DBus and system APIs.

Unlike the system-wide cockpit.service, it avoids port conflicts and supports multiple users independently. Primarily used on Fedora Workstation, RHEL desktops, and similar distros where the cockpit-desktop package is available. Activation is straightforward via user systemd units, making it ideal for developers testing Cockpit features locally.

Not intended for direct execution; managed via systemd user services. Requires cockpit-desktop package and HTTPS/browser support. Limited to local machine; no remote access.

On Fedora/RHEL: sudo dnf install cockpit-desktop. On Ubuntu/Debian: available via Snap or PPA.

systemctl --user daemon-reload
systemctl --user enable --now cockpit.socket
Open https://localhost:9090 in browser.

Part of the Cockpit project (initiated by Red Hat in 2014); desktop-specific support via cockpit-desktop added in Cockpit 163 (September 2017) to enable non-root, user-session deployments on workstations.

cockpit(1), systemctl(1), polkit(1), dbus(1)