6 Easy Ways to Remote Into My Work Computer from Home
Part 1. Can I Use My Work Computer at Home?
There are a variety of tools on the market today that can help you access your work computer remotely from home. Whether you want to operate your computer remotely or access files, and whether your work computer is Windows or Mac, we've gathered some solutions that can address your needs. We have listed the scenarios and correspinding methods so that you can quickly find the method that suits your need.
| If you need to access to internal network resources such as file servers, databases, etc., not just remote desktops | VPN |
| If you need to remote control your computer to access files or apps, and your work computer is a Windows PC | Microsoft Remote Desktop and AirDroid Remote Support |
| If your work computer is a Mac PC | AnyDesk and Chrome Remote Desktop |
| If you need remote access files and remote team work | ClickUp |
Part 2. How to Remote Into My Work Computer from Home
There are multiple methods and software solutions you can use to remote into your work computer from home. We have shortlisted the four effective methods. Let's discuss them in detail one by one:
Method 1. Via VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers a secure way to access your work computer remotely from home. It creates a private network from a public internet connection and encrypts the data to keep the remote activities private.
A VPN creates a secure connection (or tunnel) between the VPN server and the device. This connection encrypts all the transmitting data to prevent anyone from intercepting and reading the data. When your home computer connects to the VPN, it gets an IP address assigned from the office network, which then allows you to remotely access the work computer.
VPN can be used to control access to internal network resources such as file servers, databases, etc., not just remote desktops Moreover, VPNs can support many types of devices and operating systems, including mobile devices.
What It Can Do
- Provide a secure connection to remotely access the work computer.
- Help access work computer and office network resources.
- Run software only configured to run within the office network.
Important Points to Consider
- Make sure you inform the IT department and follow their guideline on how to use VPN.
- Install and configure VPN clients on both work and home computers.
- Make sure a remote connection is enabled on the work computer.
- Use a fast internet connection.
Here's how to remote into my work computer from home via VPN:
- Step 1.Contact the IT department and request permission to access the work computer from home. Also, get the instructions on how to configure and use the VPN.
- Step 2.Install the specified VPN client on your work computer. Launch it after installation and connect/activate the VPN using your username and password.
- Step 3.Enable remote desktop access on your work computer. For that, go to Start > Control Panel > System > Remote Desktop and enable Remote Desktop.
- Step 4.Leave your work computer on when leaving the office.
- Step 5.Install the same VPN client on your home computer. Launch it and complete the configuration using your username and password. Once done, you have set a VPN connection between the work and home computer.
- Step 6.Lastly, you have to use the remote access software to remotely control the work computer. For that, launch Microsoft Remote Desktop (Start > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop), enter your remote computer name, and click Connect.
This way, you have successfully connected to the work computer from your home computer via VPN.
Benefits
- Secure connection
- Complete computer access
- Anywhere accessibility
Limitations
- Complicated setup
- Dependent on reliable internet connection
- Security risks due to vulnerable VPN configuration
Method 2. Via Microsoft Remote Desktop
Microsoft Remote Desktop is one of the most popular software to remotely control a PC. Developed by Microsoft, it allows users to remotely access another computer and control it as if they are sitting in front of it. You don't need to download any extra software if you are using a Windows computer.
What It Can Do
- Complete remote access to the computer.
- View and transfer files/folders.
- Install new apps.
- Run existing apps.
- Update software.
- Support controlling Windows computers from Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Important Points to Consider
- Make sure company policy allows using Microsoft Remote Desktop.
- You can only control your work computer if it is running Windows Professional or Enterprise version.
- Make sure a remote connection is enabled on a work computer.
- You have to configure a VPN connection if the work and home are not connected to the same network.
Follow the below steps to learn how to remotely access my work computer from home via Microsoft Remote Desktop:
For Windows
- Step 1.Enable remote desktop access on your work computer. For that, go to Start > Control Panel > System > Remote Desktop and enable Remote Desktop.
- Step 2.Open the Windows Start menu on your home computer, search for Remote Desktop, and open it.
- Step 3.Enter the work computer name or IP address and click Connect.
For Mac
- Step 1.Enable remote desktop access on your work computer. For that, go to Start > Control Panel > System > Remote Desktop and enable Remote Desktop.
- Step 2.Install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your home Mac computer and launch it.
- Step 3.Click the Add PC button.
- Step 4.Enter the work computer name or IP address and click Add.
Once done, you will be now able to access the work computer from your home computer.
Benefits
- Free to use
- Easy to configure
- Compatibility across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Limitations
- Work best if both computers are connected to the same network
- Increased chances of network security breaches
Method 3. Via AirDroid Remote Support
AirDroid Remote Support is an excellent remote desktop software. It can establish smooth remote connectyion between computers. You can easily use it to control your work computer to do any operation or access and transfer files. Besides, it also does a good job in remote controlling mobile devices. And now it is free to use for both personal users and business users. And compared to Microsoft Remote Desktop, it supports more Windows version, including the Windows Home system.
What It Can Do
- Remote control Windows and Android devices.
- Unattended access
- Black screen mode for unattended Windows and Android devices.
- Two way file transfer
Limitations
- It doesn't support remote controlling a Mac PC.
How to remote into work computer from home with AirDroid Remote Support
- Step 1.Go to AirDroid official website. Download AirDroid Business on your home computer. Download and install AirDroid Remote Support on your work computer.
- Step 2.Launch the AirDroid Remote Support, you will see a 9-digit code.
- Step 3.Launch AirDroid Business on your home computer and enter the connection code in the ID comnect section and click Connect.
- Step 4.Click Accept on the work computer to establish the remote connect. Then you can remote control your work computer from home.
Method 4. Via Chrome Remote Desktop
As the name implies, Chrome Remote Desktop is a browser-based remote access tool. It uses the Chrome browser to connect the work and home computer remotely. No matter if the remote or host computer is Windows, Mac, or Linux-operated, Chrome Remote Desktop can make the remote connection and provide access to the work computer.
How It Works
Chrome Remote Desktop requires installing the extension on the Chrome browser on the work computer and then setting it up with your Google account. Afterward, you can use the Chrome browser on the home computer and access the work computer.
Compatibility
Chrome Remote Desktop is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. It provides dedicated iOS and Android apps to access computers through your smartphones. In short, it can be accessed via desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
What It Can Do
- Complete remote access to the work computer
- File transfer
- Install new apps
- Run existing apps
- Update software
- Secure connection with HTTPS encryption
Here's how to remote into my work computer from home via Chrome Remote Desktop:
- Step 1.Configure Remote Desktop on Work Computer
- 1.Launch the Chrome browser. 2.Go to https://remotedesktop.google.com/access/ and click the download icon.
3.Confirm the installation of the extension. 4.Once the extension is installed, click "Turn on" under "Set up remote access". 5.Enter your computer name and set the security PIN.
- Step 2.Access Work Computer from Home Computer
- 1.Launch the Chrome browser. 2.Go to https://remotedesktop.google.com/. 3.Sign in with the same Google account.\ 4.You should see the work computer name in the list. 5.Enter the PIN and begin the remote session.
- Step 2.
That's it! This is how simple it is to use Chrome Remote Desktop to remotely access a work computer.
Benefits
- Free to use
- Web-based access
- Encrypted connection
Limitations
- Requires stable internet connection
- Limited features
- Require the same Google account on work and home computers
- One-way file transfer
Method 5. Use AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a dedicated remote access software solution that provides an intuitive interface to connect work and home computers via the internet connection. It provides complete remote control of the work computer and keeps the connection encrypted for enhanced security. And compare to the method above, it is more compatible. Therefore, if your work computer is a Mac computer, I recommend it. And you don't need to register an account. Just download and install it, you can connect to another computer with the connection code. So it's very easy to use.
What It Can Do
Since it is a third-party software, its capabilities are based on whether you use its free or paid versions.
Free Version Features
- 3 managed devices
- Remote control
- Collaboration
- File transfer
- Remote printing
Paid Version Features
- 100+ managed devices
- Remote control
- Collaboration
- File transfer
- Remote printing
- Remote restart
- Privacy mode
- Fast customer support
Follow the below steps to learn how to remotely access my work computer from home with AnyDesk:
- Step 1.Install AnyDesk on both work and home computers.
- Step 2.Launch AnyDesk on the work computer and note the ID it shows on the main dashboard. This is the ID you need to connect this computer remotely.
- Step 3.For unattended access, go to Settings > Security and enable unattended access. Also, set up a password.
- Step 4.Launch AnyDesk on your home computer and type the ID in the search bar. Afterward, hit Enter. Lastly, enter the password if asked.
Now, you can use your home computer to access the work computer remotely.
Benefits
- Easy-to-use interface
- Smooth performance
- Wide range of features
- Compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
Limitations
- Not entirely free software
- Requires a stable internet connection
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Method 6. ClickUp
As you want to access work computer from home, you may need to access files and collaborate with your team, then a remote project management tool is for you. This kind of tool won't let you access your work computer directly. But it's a good way for online collaboration. You and your team can collaborate and get things done from any device, without having to access your desktop remotely or worry about a reliable remote connection.
What It Can Do
- Create, share and collaboratively edit documents
- Create, assign and track tasks
- Chat and whiteboard
Limitations
- It won't let you to remote control your work computer.
Conclusion
How to remote into my work computer from home has become a popular query on the web. Above, we have discussed six methods you can use to remotely control your work computer. Now, the final choice depends on what software your organization allows you to use. So, get it clarified from your IT department and then follow the above steps accordingly to remotely access your work computer from home.
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