diff --git a/documentation/2.quick-start/quick_start_qemu/quick_start_qemu_linux.md b/documentation/2.quick-start/quick_start_qemu/quick_start_qemu_linux.md
index 1945e4a333d8..eade5c94e931 100644
--- a/documentation/2.quick-start/quick_start_qemu/quick_start_qemu_linux.md
+++ b/documentation/2.quick-start/quick_start_qemu/quick_start_qemu_linux.md
@@ -141,6 +141,8 @@ The main files and directories of `qemu-vexpress-a9` BSP are described as follow
 | drivers          | The underlying driver provided by RT-Thread |
 | qemu.bat         | Script files running on Windows platform    |
 | qemu.sh          | Script files running on Linux platform      |
+| qemu-nographic.bat | Script files running on Windows platform, without a graphical window |
+| qemu-nographic.sh | Script files running on Linux platform, without a graphical window |
 | qemu-dbg.bat     | Debugging script files on Windows platform  |
 | qemu-dbg.sh      | Debugging script files on Linux platform    |
 | README.md        | Description document of BSP                 |
@@ -160,6 +162,16 @@ After compiling, type `./qemu.sh` to start the virtual machine and BSP project.
 
 ![run the project](figures/ubuntu-qume-sh.png)
 
+`qemu.sh` opens a graphical window for the emulated CLCD display, so it
+needs a desktop session. Over SSH, or on a machine without a display, it
+fails with an error such as `gtk initialization failed`. Use
+`./qemu-nographic.sh` instead, which runs the same BSP with the console
+on the terminal:
+
+```shell
+./qemu-nographic.sh
+```
+
 ### 5.3 Run the Finsh Console
 
 RT-Thread supports Finsh, and users can use command operations in command line mode.