You can connect your main computer to the VPN using your work laptops' VPN solution as described.
You can connect your main computer to the VPN using your work laptops' VPN solution as described.
Hello everyone, I work from home. To get some tools I need, I connect to a VPN. My company provided me with a laptop where I set everything up. Certain projects also require their own VPN, so sometimes I have to switch between them. My issue is that I dislike the laptop—it's a 14-inch Lenovo Thinkpad. It’s small and slow. I connected it to a dock to link my triple monitors, which helped a bit, but it’s still slow. I have to manually switch screens between my main PC and the laptop, and do the same for peripherals every time I connect to the VPN—it’s really frustrating. I watched a ShotCircuit video and found the VPN section helpful. Maybe this will finally ease my worries. But then I realized there might be more challenges in adjusting my work setup. I’m not very familiar with VPNs or networking, so I have some questions. I want to run this new router as a VPN repeater. The setup is: from my main modem/router it feeds the laptop, the laptop connects to the new router, and then the router sends the connection back to my PC via Wi-Fi. Also, all the VPN features on the laptop are active, but I haven’t installed them on my PC. I hope the company doesn’t notice, because I’m sure they wouldn’t like me working from my personal PC. In my job, I sometimes need a tool called BrowserStack that “simulates” a phone device in Chrome. It passes the network through the laptop to the phone, allowing VPN access. This works well enough, but I prefer using physical devices for better accuracy. This change would help too. My main concern is this company’s VPN setup—it might be custom-made or something different from what I’m used to. On the network settings page, I use a pre-shared key and an address, and it works even with VPN type specified. That means it’s added to Windows itself. I searched for more info but got no results. I assume it’s either custom or not standard. If I enter the name online, there’s nothing. Is this possible? Am I on the right track? This video is a good reference.
From a technical perspective, it’s not advisable. Devices are usually configured for security rather than convenience. Your organization is unlikely to want your unprotected computer on their network, as it could compromise their systems. They need control over your devices to safeguard their information, and letting random machines join would undermine that. Don’t interfere with work VPNs—they exist for a purpose. If you have valid suggestions for improving usability, contact your IT department.
I understand but I attempted it! I posted earlier about trying the correct method, but it’s really time-consuming. The only feasible solution seems to be a smart KVM that can switch both devices and displays simultaneously when one machine starts, or perhaps with just one button press. There must be a way to work comfortably from home without constantly switching things manually. Even though I thought connecting via the router and VPN would keep things safe, it still feels manageable. I referred to the BrowserStack section because it’s similar, except here my own PC and phone are used instead of their servers.
I believe you’re overlooking the main idea I’m making. You shouldn’t be able or should not link your personal computer to a company network. They can’t manage what runs on your private machine, and that lack of control makes trust difficult. What do you mean by attempting the process as intended? I don’t see any clear “correct” method for connecting a personal PC to a work network…
I aimed to use a KVM for switching peripherals and screens between devices. My intention was to test this method, though I initially wanted to proceed that way. Now I’m ready to continue where I am.
Certainly, when working remotely, you should use your company’s laptop during business hours and your personal PC outside those times. If your company laptop feels slow, address it with IT—it’s wasting time and money. Using your personal device for work isn’t allowed; the security of your tasks belongs to the employer, not you.
KVM is the best solution. Avoid connecting your personal PC to the shared network. No extra info needed, others have already covered much of this, just steer clear. I’m working remotely with my own PC and three monitors. My work laptop is a Surface Pro; only one monitor is linked via KVM—just a side view. The main display uses DVI from my personal PC, while HDMI connects to the work PC. The third monitor stays on my personal machine. I switch between displays by adjusting inputs on the main screen and using KVM switches with the dedicated button. Contact IT and HR—they can provide this at a reduced rate or even free for fully remote roles. As @Alex Atkin UK mentioned, if your work laptop is too slow, reach out to IT and let them know.
I spent three years at this company before receiving this laptop. Its main goal was to retrieve sensitive information because I previously attempted to use a VM BOX for their VPN, but it consistently failed. I've repeatedly informed both my manager and his supervisor that I'm using my PC only for non-VPN tasks. If they had concerns about my current configuration, they would have addressed them.