[embeddedsystems]

Should I just try to expense a cheap Thinkpad then? To be clear, this was not a corporate issued device, it is my home PC that I installed the VPN client on - my work is largely done in a browser on a "LAN" website. The VPN client won't connect unless I have AV up to date and windows updates up to date

[viraptor]

Ah, that massively changes things. If they provide you a work laptop and you install private stuff on it, you've got a problem (they may know, it may be a point that gets brought up when someone has an issue with your performance, etc.).

If they expect you to work from your machine, it's completely their problem to protect their IT side. But it's also your potential problem that the company may get access to your private data.

Ideally, if you can, just request a work laptop. "Your VPN client doesn't work correctly on my laptop" should help. It helps both them and you if any issues arise.