How to Access Your Office Computer From Home Securely

Working from home is easier when everything you need is within reach. But your files, your software licences, an internal system or a powerful workstation may be sitting on a computer at the office. A remote desktop connection lets you see that computer on your home screen and use it as if you were there. This guide shows how to do it with a short code, what to prepare, and how to keep it secure.

First, ask the right questions

Before you install anything on a work computer, check with your IT team.

• Is remote access software allowed? Many organisations restrict it for security reasons, or provide an approved tool.
• Is the office network configured to permit it? Strict firewalls can block direct connections, in which case the relay is used.
• Who owns the data on the machine? If it holds client or regulated data, make sure remote access fits your policy.

Getting a quick yes avoids trouble later, and some companies will tell you which settings to use.

What you need

• The office computer, switched on and connected to the internet, with the PeerFlow desktop app installed from the download page.
• Your home computer or Android phone with the PeerFlow app.
• Someone at the office, or you before you leave, to start sharing and read you the short code.

Step by step

1. On the office computer, open PeerFlow, go to Remote access and press Share this device. Choose the entire screen.
2. Note the short code, or send it to yourself in a PeerFlow chat so you can tap Connect at home.
3. At home, open PeerFlow, choose Remote access, and enter the code.
4. The office desktop appears. Control is on, so you can use the mouse and keyboard, copy and paste between the two computers, and send files in either direction.
5. When you are finished, press Disconnect, and stop sharing on the office computer.

If you sign in to PeerFlow with the same account on both computers, your office PC is also listed under My devices, so you can connect without a code. You can even allow your own devices to connect without asking, in the desktop app's Settings, but only turn that on for a computer you control.

Making it feel like you are there

• Use Full screen so the Windows key and shortcuts like Alt+Tab go to the office computer rather than your home one.
• Pick the right quality. Sharp text suits documents, spreadsheets and code. Smooth motion suits video.
• Copy and paste between machines to move text, and send bigger files through the session's file button.
• Use the chat or a voice chat inside the session to talk to a colleague at the office.
• Reconnect automatically. If your home internet drops briefly, the session recovers by itself.

Keeping it secure

• Share the code only with yourself or a trusted person. It works for one session.
• Do not leave sharing running when you are not working.
• Watch for the badge on the office computer. It shows who is connected and has Stop control and Disconnect buttons, so anyone near the desk can see the session.
• Lock sensitive windows and keep the office computer updated.
• Never give a code to an unexpected caller. See is remote desktop safe? for the full checklist.

Limits to know about

The office computer has to be on and awake. Windows blocks remote input into the lock screen and into programs running as administrator unless PeerFlow runs with the same rights, so keep the PC unlocked while you work. For permanent, scheduled access to many machines, an enterprise tool with central management is a better fit; PeerFlow is best for individuals and small teams who want a simple, secure route in.

Related reading

If you want to compare tools, see our UltraViewer alternative and how to access another computer remotely guides. You can also control a PC from a phone, as described in control your PC from your phone. The feature overview is on the remote desktop page.