I used to run a proxmox server with windows in a VM that had a GPU via gpu passthrough. Then connected to it via parsec. On my laptop connected to the local network it was pretty good.

The reboot probably sent him straight to a virtual console.

Except they are using the power they have with people using their browser to divert people away from the alternative to their product.

Is it me, or is that pretty anti consumer?

You could look at KVM switches which allow you to switch input with the touch of a button, although they could be pricey.

Second idea that comes to mind is installing something like parsec on your laptop and just remoting into it from your desktop.