Remote Access To Office Desktops

Remote working is now a common approach for many companies, and it's important that employees can access their work computers from home. There are several ways to do this, including using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or remote desktop software such as Chrome Remote Desktop or Supremo. These tools allow employees to connect to their work computers from home or another remote location, providing flexibility and stability for businesses and their workforce.

How to Connect to an Office Desktop from Home

Setting up VPN on your work computer

Setting up a VPN on your work computer is a great way to access your work computer from home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you set up a VPN on your work computer:

Request Remote Access to Your Work Computer

Most companies require permission to access their VPN. Contact your IT department or visit your company's IT website to apply for access. Depending on your job and your company's internet security policies, you may also need to get your supervisor's approval. You will likely need to provide your username and password to request access.

Install VPN Software on Your Work Computer

Go to your IT department's website to find the link to download the VPN software and installation instructions. Installation is usually self-guided, but instructions may differ for Mac and Windows users, so ensure you are following the correct steps. If you encounter any issues, your IT department can assist you.

Connect to the VPN

Once the VPN software is installed, you may need to activate it. On a PC, go to Start -> Programs and find the name of the VPN software you installed. Double-click the VPN client to open it, and enter your username and password if prompted. On a Mac, go to your "Applications" folder and click on the VPN software. Your VPN may automatically connect after installation, so refer to the installation instructions or contact your IT department for clarification.

Enable Remote Desktop on Your Work Computer

Remote Desktop allows other computers to connect to your work computer. For Windows users, go to Start -> Control Panel -> System -> Remote Desktop. Check the box that says "Allow users to connect remotely to this computer." Make sure to write down the full name of your work computer, as you will need this when connecting from home. For Mac users, download "Microsoft Remote Desktop" from the Mac App Store.

Leave Your Work Computer On

Your work computer needs to be connected to the network to be accessible remotely. Launch the remote access software on your work computer if required, depending on how your IT department has configured your network.

Check System Requirements for Your Home Computer

Before installing the VPN software on your home computer, ensure it meets the system requirements, which can usually be found on your IT department's website. Typical requirements include an up-to-date operating system and a specified amount of RAM (hard disk space). These requirements may differ for Mac and Windows users.

Download the VPN Client Software to Your Home Computer

Download the VPN client software to your home computer, following the same process as you did for your work computer. Make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully. If you encounter any issues, contact your IT department for assistance.

Launch the VPN Client Software on Your Home Computer

On a PC, go to Start -> Programs and find the name of the VPN software. Double-click the VPN client to open it and enter your login credentials if prompted. For Mac users, go to your "Applications" folder and click on the VPN software.

Access the Remote Desktop on Your Home Computer

To connect to your work computer, access the Remote Desktop on your home computer. For Windows users, go to Start -> Accessories -> Communications -> Remote Desktop. Type in the name of your work computer and press "Connect." For Mac users, download "Microsoft Remote Desktop." If you have trouble locating your work computer on the network, contact your company's help desk.

Now you should be connected to your work computer and able to work from home! Remember that your home computer may be slower than your work computer, depending on your internet connection speed. Additionally, refrain from using your VPN for personal web surfing, as your company can see all your web activity when connected to a VPN.

Getting remote access without an IT department

If your company does not have an IT department, you can still access your work computer from home. You will need to use a virtual private network (VPN) to connect to your work organisation's network.

One option is to use Chrome Remote Desktop, a free app that can be used by both Windows and Mac users. First, you will need to download the Google Chrome web browser. Then, go to the Chrome Web Store to download the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Once you have installed the app, you will need to authorise it. This will allow the app to see your email address, your Chrome Remote Desktop computers, and to send and receive chat messages, which will allow the computers to talk to each other.

You will then need to enable remote access to your computer. Open a new tab in Google Chrome, click "Apps" under the Chrome search bar, and open the Chrome Remote Desktop app. In the "My Computers" box, click "Get Started," and then click "enable remote connections." You will then need to install the Chrome Remote Host Service. If you are using Windows, enter a PIN and then click "Yes" to install the host service. The host service will download and install automatically. After it has been installed, confirm your Google Account and enter your PIN again. The computer that you enabled should now be listed under "My Computers."

If you are using a Mac, Chrome will begin downloading an installation .dmg file. Click "Save," and then click on the .dmg file in the download bar. Use your Finder to locate and then double-click the installation file. Follow all of the prompts to complete the installation, and then return to Chrome and click "OK." Enter and confirm your PIN and click "OK" again. A systems preference dialog will appear, and you will need to confirm your account and PIN. When you are finished, a message should appear saying, "Remote connections for this computer have been enabled." Click "OK," and the computer you enabled should be under "My Computers."

To access your computer, open a new tab in Google Chrome, click "Apps," and open the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Click "Get Started" in the "My Computers" box and choose the computer you want to access. Enter the PIN you set up for the computer and click "Connect."

Another option is to use Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) tool. This will allow you to remotely access multiple Windows computers over the same network, whether they are at home or in the office. To use RDC, you or someone else must physically sign into the PC you want to access. Enable Remote Desktop on this computer by opening Settings > System > Remote Desktop. Turn on the switch next to "Enable Remote Desktop" or "Remote Desktop." Click "Confirm" to enable the setting.

In Windows 10, the options to keep your PC awake for connections when plugged in and make your PC discoverable on private networks should both be enabled. You can leave both options enabled, or click the Advanced Settings link. Check the box next to "Require computers to use Network Level Authentication (NLA) to connect." NLA adds tighter security for remote connections over the same network as users must be authenticated before gaining access to the remote PC.

If you are connecting to a computer on the same network, you can ignore the External connections section. By default, any user with an admin account on the remote PC can access it. If you are using a Microsoft Account or a user account for your company to sign into Windows, and your account has administrative rights, use that account to sign in remotely.

Finally, make a note of the name of this computer as you will need it to log in remotely. If you wish, you can change the computer name to something easier to remember.

Using Windows Remote Desktop Connection

Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) tool allows you to remotely access and control another Windows PC from your computer or mobile device. This means that, as long as the remote Windows computer is turned on and set up for a remote connection, you can access files, open applications, and troubleshoot problems on it from afar.

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the Office PC

Firstly, you or someone else must physically sign into the office PC you want to remotely access. To enable Remote Desktop on this computer, go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop. Turn on the switch next to "Enable Remote Desktop" and click "Confirm" to enable the setting.

Step 2: Keep PC Awake and Discoverable

In Windows 10, it is recommended to enable the options to keep your PC awake for connections when plugged in and to make your PC discoverable on private networks. To view or modify these options, click the appropriate "Show settings" link.

Step 3: Require Network Level Authentication (NLA)

Check the box next to "Require computers to use Network Level Authentication (NLA) to connect". NLA adds tighter security for remote connections over the same network as users must be authenticated before gaining access to the remote PC.

Step 4: Add Users for Remote Access

If you want to grant remote access to a different account, return to the previous screen and click "Select users that can remotely access this PC" at the bottom of the screen. Click "Add" and enter the username for that account.

Step 5: Make a Note of the PC Name

Finally, make a note of the name of this computer as you will need it to log in remotely. If you wish to change the computer name to something easier to remember, you can do so by following these steps. Close the Remote Desktop settings screen when you're finished.

Step 6: Launch the Remote Desktop Connection Tool

Now, on your home computer, launch the Remote Desktop Connection tool. In Windows 10, click the Start button, scroll down to Windows Accessories, and click the shortcut for Remote Desktop Connection. In Windows 11, click the Start button, go to All Apps, scroll down to and select Windows Tools, and then click the shortcut for Remote Desktop Connection.

Step 7: Enter the Office PC Name or IP Address

At the RDC window, type the name or IP address of the remote office PC in the "Computer" field.

Step 8: Enter Your Login Credentials

Click the "Show Options" button and type the username of the account you'll use to log in. If you wish to save your credentials so you don't need to enter them each time, check the box next to "Allow me to save credentials" and click "Connect".

Step 9: Enter Your Password

Enter your password at the credentials window. If you don't want to enter your password each time you use this account, check the "Remember Me" box. Click "OK".

Step 10: Verify the Remote Connection

You may receive a message saying that the identity of the remote computer cannot be verified. Check the box for "Don't ask me again for connections to this computer" and click "Yes".

Now you should be connected to your office computer. You can run applications, work with files, and perform other tasks.

Adjusting Remote Desktop Settings

You can also adjust various settings for the Remote Desktop Connection tool. Under the "General" tab, you can save the settings for the remote session to an RDP file and then copy it to another computer. The "Display" tab allows you to change the size and color depth of the remote window. Under "Local Resources", you can configure audio settings, choose when to apply Windows key combinations, and select which local resources to use during a remote session.

Additionally, you can adjust the connection speed under the "Experience" tab and set the default action for server authentication under the "Advanced" tab.

Using a multi-platform tool like Supremo

Supremo is a multi-platform tool that can be used to connect to your office desktop from home. It is a remote desktop software that is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile on Android and iOS. The Windows exe file is lightweight at just 7 MB, allowing you to carry it with you even on a USB memory stick.

Supremo is easy to set up and use, with a modern and intuitive user interface. It does not require installation or configuration, and you can simply download it on your device and launch it. To connect to a remote device, you need to enter the ID and password of the device you want to access.

One of the key features of Supremo is unattended access, which allows you to remotely access any device without needing someone in front of the screen. You can install Supremo as a Windows service on your office desktop, and access it from anywhere without the need for anyone in the office to authorize access.

Supremo also offers enhanced security features to ensure safe connections. The data flow is encrypted, and a new password is generated for each new connection. You can also set up the "Allowed IDs" feature to specify which devices are considered safe for remote access, preventing unauthorized access to your computer.

Additionally, Supremo makes file transfer between your home and office computers easy. It supports drag-and-drop gestures, allowing you to easily manage files between devices. Supremo also includes an Online Address Book and contact sharing, making it convenient to collaborate with colleagues and business partners.

Supremo is free for individual users and offers a 21-day free trial for commercial purposes. For companies and freelancers, it offers affordable and flexible plans, with quarterly or annual licenses that can be scaled according to the required number of concurrent sessions.

Ensuring your home computer meets system requirements

Check System Compatibility:

Before installing any software, verify that your home computer meets the necessary system requirements. These requirements may vary depending on your company's specifications. Typically, this includes having an up-to-date operating system and sufficient RAM (hard disk space). The specific amount of RAM needed will depend on the applications you plan to run. For example, graphic or video editing software typically requires a minimum of 16GB of RAM for optimal performance.

Verify Operating System:

Check that your home computer is running a compatible operating system. For instance, Remote Desktop on Windows XP Professional, Vista, or Windows 7 allows you to access your work computer from home, providing access to your applications, files, and network resources.

Sufficient Hard Drive Space:

Aim for a home computer with at least a 1TB (terabyte) hard drive. This will provide ample storage space for documents, photos, audio files, and even some games. Additionally, consider the type of hard drive—a SATA drive is reasonably fast, reliable, and affordable, while an SSD (Solid State Disk) drive offers faster performance and booting times but may have a shorter lifespan.

Processor Speed:

The speed of your processor will impact the overall performance of your computer. Intel Celeron/AMD Sempron processors are considered entry-level and may run slowly. For better performance, opt for Intel Pentium J/Core i3 or higher. If you require more processing power for tasks like video editing or 3D design, consider an Intel Core i7/i9 system with ample RAM.

RAM Considerations:

More RAM generally translates to better performance, especially when running multiple programs simultaneously. For Windows 7, 8, or 10, a minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended for smooth operation. However, if you plan to use graphic or video editing software, aim for at least 16GB to ensure optimal performance.

Check with IT Department:

If you have any questions or uncertainties about the system requirements, don't hesitate to contact your company's IT department. They can provide specific details and guidance to ensure your home computer meets the necessary specifications for remote access to your work computer.

Frequently asked questions