How To Use iMac As Monitor for PC - (2024 Solved)

How To Use iMac As Monitor for PC – (2024 Solved)

Use iMac As Monitor for PC

Use iMac As Monitor for PC: Because iMac is among the top features of its display, it’s well-known as one of the most sought-after monitors.

You could have a retina and a 4k monitor if you’re lucky enough. iMac has the brightest screen, making work more pleasing for the eyes.

In addition, you could use The Target Display Mode to link your MacBook to different versions of the Mac, such as those which are late 2009 or one that is in mid-2010.

Some users are inquiring if they can use the iMac as an external monitor for their PC.

The answer is Yes! This means you can use your iMac as a display for your computer. However, you’ll require the iMac device that can be used with a PC to achieve this. Additionally, you’ll need an adapter or cable for such a scenario.

This post will explain how to use the iMac as the PC’s monitor. While doing so, we’ll define the steps you must follow and an overview of the equipment you require.

Requirements for Using iMac as Monitor

To make use of an iMac as a monitor for a PC, the initial step is to verify that the system and the version of your device are supported. In terms of the operating system, it is recommended that the iMac must be running macOS High Sierra or an earlier version.

Additionally, the iMac you intend to use as a monitor must have a dual-directional Mini DisplayPort or a Thunderbolt port that allows your iMac to receive data input and function as a monitor on another device. There are several kinds of iMac that you can pick from.

  • 1. 27-inch iMacs were introduced between late 2009 and mid-2010. The type of port used by these models is called Mini Display Port.
  • 2. The iMacs were released between mid-2011 and early the iMacs that were released in mid-2011. The port type of these products is the Thunderbolt port.

Other models also come with the ports described in the previous paragraph. For example, the 5K retina iMac released in 2014 comes with a Thunderbolt port. However, it cannot function as a PC monitor since it does not support the “Target Display Mode.”

If you’re looking at the need for a PC, things are more accessible. All you need to do is make sure that your device has a Mini DisplayPort or a Thunderbolt port.

If your computer does not support these ports, you could utilize an HDMI for Mini Display adapter to allow it to be used. Be sure to make the proper cables to connect these devices.

Part 1: Things You Need to Use iMac As A Monitor for PC

Before you decide to install your iMac to be a display for your PC, you need to ensure that you have the following.

You’ll first have to check whether the iMac you have is compatible with an additional monitor. It would help if you verified the ports on your iMac.

If it has the Thunderbolt or Mini Display Port feature, you could likely use it as a second monitor. On the other hand, the results might not be as you expect. Therefore, you must verify compatibility.

  1. If you own the year 2009 in the late or mid-2010, you will have 27 inches or more in size and the Mini Port Display port.
  2. If you own a 2011 and 2014 iMac that has a Thunderbolt port.

In addition, there are also models from the latter half of 2014 that you could use as a second monitor. With regards to the latest 5k retina iMac, however, it doesn’t include the Target Display Mode.

For the other features you require as the norm, you need to ensure that your PC is equipped with a Mini Display Port or a Thunderbolt port.

If your computer does not have the required ports and you want to utilize an HDMI or your Display port by using a compatible adapter.

One example is using an HDMI connection to the Moni Display adapter, and it is also possible to utilize the Mini Display connected to a Display Port adapter. Another thing to note is that you’ll need the HDMI, Thunderbolt, and the Mini Display cables.

Part 2: How to Use the iMac as a Monitor for PC

How to Use iMac As A Monitor for PC

The iMac is a perfect choice if you’re searching for the ideal display. The built-in iMac’s built-in monitor is outstanding and provides outstanding clarity and color quality.

You can also count on it to meet the needs for speed and dependability when you are gaming or working. The iMac, as the ultimate display, meets all the requirements of other available monitors.

Utilizing the iMac as a display takes users to a new level of productivity and recreation. With its top quality and capabilities, that will provide excellent visual aid. It is possible to follow these steps to set up this iMac as a display for your computer:
  1. Turn off your computer as well as switch off your iMac.
  2. Connect your iMac to one of the Thunderbolt cables or Mini Display Port cable, based on their functions. Be sure they’re correctly and securely connected.
  3. Check that the gadgets are connected to and used correctly. Then, you can enable your Target Display Mode on your iMac. The iMac will begin reflecting your computer.
  4. Change to iMac or switch to your PC and.
  5. Press the keyboard with Cmdand Cmd + on your iMac keyboard.
  6. You’ll be capable of seeing your iMac Mirroring on your Mac screen.
  7. Don’t forget to alter the resolution of your screen for your Mac to get the best picture quality.
  8. Make sure you’re iMac is up-to-date and meets the requirements of your system. Follow the steps in the previous paragraph.
  9. Click on Command+F2 on the keyboard of the iMac. Then you should be able to see the desktop of another Mac.

Part 3: How to Make Your iMac As Your Second Display

Despite the model of your iMac, it is still possible to make it a second display on your computer.

That means you can use the iMac to connect your laptop onto your iMac regardless of whether it sports 5k Retina. But, you must ensure that you’re running Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro to be able to do this.

With that said, now, here’s what you’ll need to know about this trick.

Step 1

You must also ensure that both your iMac and your Windows PC are on the same network. It is possible to connect with either Ethernet or WiFi connection, and it is recommended to use an Ethernet connection because it’s more stable than a WiFi connection.

From there, you need to navigate to the Windows Settings of your iMac and then click on System. Then, select”Projecting” or “Projecting for this PC” on the menu bar on the screen’s left.

Step 2

From the “Projecting to this PC” option, you need to choose the first drop-down and click”All-inclusive” or “Available everywhere.” After that, you can select “First time only” at the page’s bottom. “Ask to project to this PC.” You can also leave the selection “Require PIN for pairing” to be off.

make imac your second display

Under your screen below your window, you must ensure that you are using your machine. This is vital for those who have multiple devices that you share.

Step 3

On your computer, you can access your Action Center on the lower-right side of your display. Then, you can go to the Action Center, click on the Project tile, and click “Connect to a wireless display.”

Your PC will then look for any display available, and your iMac will be displayed in the result. Then, you can select your iMac, and your computer will begin to blink. This is a sign that it’s the addition of a display to your computer.

Step 4

There is also the possibility that you’ll need to open the Display Settings. This is due to an opportunity to alter the resolution on your screen to ensure that your iMac and your PC are of the identical solution.

How Do You Use The Trigger Target Display Mode?

A target display Mode is an option that turns the display of your iMac into a show. It is part of the iMac feature that lets your iMac be used as an external display for other computers.

Turning your iMac into an additional performance to your Mac is possible, and this can be used for your workstation, gaming, or any other reason.

To activate Target Display Mode, you must follow the steps below:

  1. Turn on your iMac and the PC you wish to connect to.
  2. Use the keys Cmd+F2or Cmd +Fn + f2on the keyboard of your iMac.
  3. This instantly triggers it to activate The Target Display Mode.

You’ll be able to observe the screen of your iMac reflect the PC’s screen when the process is finished.

What Are the Screen Resolutions Required for an iMac?

Screen Resolutions Required for an iMac

To get the highest iMac display, selecting the correct resolutions for the screen is crucial. You must change the output of your video on your computer to 2560 1440 pixels. Follow these easy steps:

1. Right-click on the QuickRes menubar icon and click on the Options options.

2. Click on the Apple logo within the menu bar about this Mac > Displays to determine your Mac’s display resolution.

3. Click on Advanced and then press Show Stretched Sizes.

show streched sizes

4. Make a second right-click to select the icon QuickRes. Now, choose your resolution. Could you set it to 2560 x 1440?

5. Connect your iMac to your Mac. Press on System Preferences.

6. Navigate towards Displays. Press on the Alt key or the Option key.

7. Once again, click on detect displays. This will take care of the display compatibility of your external monitor.

Apple launched a four-kilo Retina display in the year 2014. In addition, Target Display Mode may not be accessible.

Conclusion

When you’ve got the right kind of device and also the proper adapters or cables, you can utilize your iMac as your display for your PC.

If you’re uncertain about the release date and year of release, take note that iMacs, which are thin, do not come with an option called Target Display Mode that allows you to connect your iMac and serve as a display for your computer.

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FAQs

How do I use my iMac as a external monitor for Windows?

How to Use the iMac as a Monitor for PC

  1. Turn off your computer as well as switch off your iMac.
  2. Connect your iMac using or using the Thunderbolt cable or Mini Display Port cable, which differs based on their capabilities.
  3. Check that each device is connected and used correctly.
  4. Change to iMac or switch to your PC and.
  5. Press Cmd and F2 to access your iMac keyboard.

Can you use a Mac monitor with a Windows PC?

A computer can work alongside an Apple monitor, provided it has the mutual connectivity standard. Apple monitors work with three types of connections: VGA, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt. The latest monitors utilize Thunderbolt, while the older ones use VGA.

Can iMac accept HDMI input?

Mac PCs can use the HDMI connection cable or adapter that connects to a TV, monitor, or other gadgets.

Does my iMac have Target display Mode?

iMac models with the target display mode were made available from late 2009 until mid-2014, and models with Retina displays aren’t supported. The iMac in target display mode must have Mac OS X 10.6. 1 to 10.13. 6. macOS Mojave and later are not supported.

What Is the OS Requirement for iMacs to Use Target Display Mode?

Always ensure that your iMac runs macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 or earlier before connecting to a computer. Utilizing Target display mode in an older version of macOS is not feasible.dd