Using Laptop as a Desktop, and being able to switch between setups....

DoctorStrange

I've been WFH since the pandemic started using my own desktop PC and my client's VDI. This has been working great and I can switch between my PC and the VDI as easily as you can any other application (i.e. the VDI appears as separate program and, when I'm "inside" that application, it's just like using the PC in the office. When "outside" of that, I can access all of my own files and programs, and nothing can cross over that VDI boundary).

It's basically like having a two computers sharing the same hardware - which is exactly what I need.

However, they've now sent us all laptops to work from and they're shutting down the VDI access. Now, I know I can get a docking station and plug my monitors/keyboard/mouse etc into that, but that will entail switching back and forth between the two all the time i.e. unplugging/replugging everything all the cables.

I do a lot of work during the day for other clients so, short of setting up two complete and separate desks at home, I'm not sure how to proceed.

Is there any way to connect the laptop to my PC and access it that way? Almost like an external hard drive but instead of being a drive available to the PC, the PC is instead used only as a 'through' connection to the hardware, and the operating system is only that of the laptop?

Or is there any splitter/switcher cabling solution that would allow a single HDMI out from the laptop and two HDMI outs from the desktop to connect to the same two monitors? Something that allows 3 inputs and 2 outputs, with Option A being 1 => 2, and Option B being 2 => 2 or something?

Any thoughts or comments welcome (other than "why did they have to change it?" )

Ta

MovingForwards

I've possibly misread as tech isn't my thing.

In an old job I used to have 2 base units running off one monitor, keyboard and mouse. Had to use a belkin box / switch thing, click the button and it would flip me to the other system. 

In this job I've set up my pc to my monitor, the laptop also to my monitor, but have a keyboard and mouse for each. Which is a PITA.

If you're on about piggybacking packages between the two systems, then I've no idea and stand by my opening line.

lammy82

If you can enable Remote Desktop on your work laptop then you should be able to connect to it using Remote Desktop Connection on your home PC, using its IP address on your home network. However, if you need to connect to a VPN from the laptop you might find that this disconnects your Remote Desktop session.

outtatune

Can you run WebEx or Teamviewer on the work laptop? They allow you to remotely control other computers. Though I suspect that they've turned off the VDI specifically to stop people from doing what you describe so chances are that won't be an option.

Otherwise you might find a software KVM that works

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/why-you-no-longer-need-a-kvm-switch-for-your-multi-pc-setup/

And if not, a hardware KVM

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kvm&ref=nb_sb_noss

alan_d

I have a similar scenario, but were my employer provided a PC for WFH.
We're not supposed to install our own software to it, but CAN run VirtualBox or VMWare Workstation to run VMs for testing etc.
So I run a Windows 10 VM (with a cheap licence from ebay) and within that run my personal email client etc, works fine for everything except video & games, which isn't an issue for me.

prowla

I use a switch box called a KVM which allows me to share the same keyboard, screen and mouse between multiple computers.

2-way ones are inexpensive.

CoastingHatbox

Do you have a 'Home' or 'Pro' version of Windows on your home PC?

The simplest solution that doesn't involve buying any new hardware, if you have the 'Pro' version of windows on you home PC and your work laptop can access hosts on the local network* is to use a Remote Desktop session to access your home PC from the work laptop. You will need to enable remote desktop on your home PC and test it.

*If I was setting up laptops for employees to use at home in this scenario, they may depending on requirements be perma-VPNed into the corporate network with all traffic shipped down the VPN tunnel, which means they cannot be used to access resources on an employees home network.

Jenni_D

CoastingHatbox said:

*If I was setting up laptops for employees to use at home in this scenario, they may depending on requirements be perma-VPNed into the corporate network with all traffic shipped down the VPN tunnel, which means they cannot be used to access resources on an employees home network.

Good point. Perhaps one way of testing that is to see if the work laptop can see and connect to a printer on the home network?

IvanOpinion

My setup at home is my company laptop and my personal desktop sharing 2 X monitors, a microphone, speakers, wireless keyboard and wireless mouse.  I use a KVM switch bought from Amazon (branded CKL).  You may need to purchase some adaptor cables to suit the type of KVM switch (I got an all HDMI switch and bought 2 x displayport adaptors for the laptop and 1 x DVi adaptor for my desktop - it only had 1 HDMI port).  The laptop had no sound output available so I also had to buy a cheap adaptor that plugged into a USB port and provided line in and out jacks (Sabrent).  Total cost was about £120 (which I even managed to expense).

To switch I just need to press the button on the front of the unit or. more conveniently I can switch from either my mouse or my keyboard - I think there was also a wired remote for the KVM unit but I don't use that.