How to remotely access a work computer from home

What you should know before accessing your computer remotely

From remote access software to tools, such as Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), you can find at least a few options for your virtual network computing. However, before choosing the option that best suits your needs, you should consult with your company’s IT department to see if they have any security concerns. Since your home computer operates on a different network than your work computer, you will also need to set up port forwarding or use a remote access VPN solution (with the blessing of IT support).

While the two of the abovementioned ways work fine, you can access your work computer even more easily with just a few simple steps.

How can I access my work computer from home?

To safely access work computer from home, consider using Meshnet, NordVPN’s virtual network feature. It allows your computer to access connected devices without the need for open ports on the router or firewall rule configuration, reducing potential cyber risks. Think of it as your own encryption-fortified network that connects only those devices that you choose, allowing you to bypass unnecessary connections.

How to access a work computer from a home Windows device

Setting up a remote connection between your home and work devices requires only a few small steps. Here’s how to establish a remote network on Windows devices while using Meshnet.

Prepare your devices for remote connection

Before setting up your remote connection, make sure that:

• Both the Windows device you wish to access remotely (remote PC), and the device you’re using to connect, are linked over Meshnet.
• Your office PC is on.
• Your office PC runs Windows 10 or 11.

Enable remote desktop connection on a work computer

To set up a remote desktop connection on Windows, you’ll need to access and enable the Remote desktop feature in home and office computer systems’ settings. The process of doing that is similar on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and proceeds in this order:

1. Go to “Start” > “Settings.”
2. Select “System” > “Remote Desktop” (Windows 11) or “Remote Desktop” on the left toolbar (Windows 10).
3. Turn on the “Remote Desktop” toggle ( Windows 11) or the “Enable Remote Desktop” toggle (Windows 10).
4. Select “Confirm” when prompted.

Enter authentication details

When trying to enable remote access, the system will prompt you to enter your authentication details. Depending on which one you use, you’ll be asked to authenticate your credentials via a Microsoft or Windows account.

1. Microsoft account. Type in your Microsoft account email and password or your Windows account username and Microsoft account password.
2. Windows account. Type in your Windows account username and password.

Tip: You can find your Windows account username in PowerShell while running the code “$env:username”

Access a work computer from home

Once you’ve established remote access, connect your home PC to your work PC by following these steps:

1. Open your NordVPN app.
2. In the app, locate and copy the Nord name or Meshnet IP of the device you want to access.
3. Find the “Remote Desktop Connection” app in your computer’s search bar and run it.
4. In the pop-up window, enter either the Nord name or Meshnet IP of the PC you want to access.
5. Click “Connect.”
6. Enter your remote PC account name and the password you use to log in to your remote PC and click “OK.”
7. The system may warn you that the identity of the remote computer cannot be verified. When connecting to a trusted computer, such as one on your Meshnet, click “Yes” to continue.

Following these steps should connect your home computer to your office computer seamlessly. However, if you encounter any problems, contact NordVPN support or look for more tips in the Meshnet docs.

How to access a work computer from a home Mac device

Like Windows, using Meshnet to set up a remote connection on Mac computers requires only a few short steps.

Prepare your devices for a remote connection

Before setting up your remote connection, make sure both Mac computers are on and linked via Meshnet. It is also a good idea to look up the Nord name or Meshnet IP address of the Mac you’re connecting to in your NordVPN app. To copy this information for later use, go to Meshnet, click the device’s Nord name or IP address, and choose to copy it.

Enable screen sharing

After you set up your devices for remote connection, continue the remote access setup process with the following steps.

1. Open the Apple menu and select “Settings.”
2. Navigate to “General” and select “Sharing.”
3. For basic tasks, under “Content & media,” turn on the “Screen sharing” toggle. For more advanced control, such as installing software, under “Advanced,” select “Remote management.”

For older versions of Mac, in step 3, turn on the screen toggle on “Screen sharing” for basic tasks, and “Remote management” for advanced tasks (MacOS13). Or from the Apple menu navigate to “System preferences”, then choose “Sharing,” and accordingly pick the option best suited for your tasks (MacOS12 and older).

Access a work computer from home

Once you enable remote access, connect to your office Mac by following these final steps:

1. From your home computer, open the NordVPN app, locate and copy the Nord name or Meshnet IP of the Mac you want to access.
2. Open Finder.
3. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click “Go” and select “Connect to server.”
4. Type “vnc://” followed by the Nord name or Meshnet IP of the Mac you want to access and click “Connect.” For example:
   
   vnc://100.94.97.211
   
   or
   
   vnc://secret.raccoon-alps.nord
5. When the prompt pops up, enter the name and password of your account on the Mac you’re trying to access.
6. Click “Connect.”

Following these steps should connect your home Mac computer to your office Mac computer seamlessly. However, if you encounter any problems, contact NordVPN support or look for more tips in the Meshnet docs.

Are there other ways to access my work computer from home?

As we’ve mentioned in the beginning, you can choose among various remote access software options. However, before finding an alternative, you would prove wise to take a closer look at them. While some tools can be a suitable substitute for Meshnet, others leave much to be desired, especially in terms of security. Therefore, before installing new software, make sure to carefully evaluate whether they are secure enough for your needs.