Computer Work Setup at Home

monkeydo on 26/04/2025 - 11:00

Hi all,

I started work for a company to work from home doing 3d imagery. They have provided me with a 13' laptop that has the Remote Desktop setup and IT connections so I must use it.

For work we make a lot of Webcam calls through Microsoft Teams so I need to use the Webcam on the laptop through the day. What that means is while I'm remotely working (within its window) and I get a call, I have to leave the Remote Desktop window and access Microsoft Teams locally on the laptop so it's hard to have the Remote connection and Teams at the same time unless I drag Windows around and it's very annoying.

At home I have a setup of 2 big monitors connected to my personal Pc. So I need help having a system to switch from work mode to home pc mode using the same 2 monitors, keyboard and mouse.

Work mode.
Have the work laptop connected to 2 big screens (HDMI for both). Laptop has a USB-C, 2x USB-A and one HDMI connection.
The 2 big screens to have the Remote Connection Window. The laptop screen to use it purely for Microsoft Teams locally on the laptop.
Also all this connected to one wireless keyboard (with USB receiver) and wireless Mouse (Bluetooth)

Home mode.
Pc connected to the 2 big screens, same keyboard and same mouse as above.

I looked into Mouse Without Borders (from Microsoft) to use the mouse/keyboard and in the current setup works OK but it's not a clean solution.

I was told best way to setup 2 screens is with a dock, but then I'm looking into KVM switches but I find them complicated not sure what to get for what I need.

I'm trying to not spend over a 100 bucks in this so any help would be very appreciated.

Thank you all.

Computing

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  • AustriaBargain on 26/04/2025 - 11:32

    I have to leave the Remote Desktop window and access Microsoft Teams locally on the laptop so it's hard to have the Remote connection and Teams at the same time unless I drag Windows around and it's very annoying.

    It's not that annoying. Why not just connect one or both of your monitors to that work laptop, run the desktop window in one of them, and have the video chat app going in another screen.

  • AndyC1 on 26/04/2025 - 11:39

    Do the 2 screens have only one HDMI or multiple HDMP or HDMI and DP? Makes it easier if they have DPMI and DP.

    To support two decent monitors with a decent refresh rate you need to be carefull with the docking station you pick. You may get away with a ceap one like https://www.msy.com.au/product/simplecom-usb-c-13-in-1-multi… , but check the reviews to see if it will do what you want. I have a j5create jcd543, which is an overkill for my setup, but it was the only docking station available for pickup during covid I could find.

    I have a USB KVM to share the keyboard and mouse.

  • tenpercent on 26/04/2025 - 11:44

    If you don't want to use a KVM switch you can just plug both your home PC and work laptop into the monitors using different ports and then use the buttons or menu options built into the monitors to cycle between the two input sources. But then you're also stuck messing around unplugging and plugging back in a wired mouse and
    wired keyboard, although some bluetooth mouses you can just cycle between computers with a button on the base.

  • Brotality on 26/04/2025 - 11:47
    +2

    There are dual monitor KVM switches on Amazon that can do the trick.
    https://amzn.asia/d/95hFIa5

    I would buy the more expensive HDMI 2.1 for future proofing.

    • freefall101 on 26/04/2025 - 16:33

      I had this model of one to solve OPs problem - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C4DJYK7R - worked a treat.

      I had a desktop and a laptop, so I kept a USB-C dock as part of the setup to send USB+power to the laptop, then the KVM went directly into the desktop (which had it's own permanent power).

      It wound up being a lot of cables so in the end I bought a single widescreen monitor with a KVM built into it, but sometimes I wish I kept the old setup, it was nice to use.

  • p1 ama on 26/04/2025 - 12:30

    At home I have a setup of 2 big monitors connected to my personal Pc. So I need help having a system to switch from work mode to home pc mode using the same 2 monitors, keyboard and mouse.

    Either KVM, or what I do is to plug the work machine into HDMI, and personal machine into Displayport, plug all peripherals into a USB switcher (which you can get on Amazon for a few buckaroos).

  • Gdsamp on 26/04/2025 - 16:41
    +1
    1. Buy wireless keyboard with bluetooth that can pair to multiple devices and switch easily, same with mouse (e.g. mx master 3)
    2. Home PC connected to monitors with HDMI
    3. Dock for connecting to monitors & single cable out to laptop
    4. Webcam plugged into dock
  • JIMB0 on 26/04/2025 - 21:36
    +2

    They have provided me with a 13' laptop

    I would have thought a 13 foot screen would be plenty big enough.

  • knobbs on 28/04/2025 - 09:24

    If you aren't using both computers at the same time you don't need a full on KVM. I too have a work laptop and home PC, I plugged both into the monitors and have a $10 USB hub switch (I think orico or ugreen from AliExpress). When you turn on one machine the auto input from the monitors switches it over and all you need to do to swap the KB and mouse is, one button on the hub.

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