Choose the iMac and your PC must show both display devices. The PC will search for available display devices and your iMac must appear in the results. Choose the ‘Project’ tile and click on the ‘Connect to a wireless display.’ Now come to your PC and move to the ‘Action Center’ from the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Under ‘Projecting to this PC,’ click on the first popup menu and select ‘Available everywhere.’ Click on ‘First time only’ under ‘Ask to project to this PC.’ It is not compulsory to ‘Require PIN for pairing,’ so you can keep this option off.Īt the bottom of the window, remember to assign your computer a name, especially if you have more than one machine at your home.
First MilestoneĮnsure that your iMac is on and running Windows, then connect it to the same network with which your PC is connected via Ethernet or WiFi.Ĭlick on Windows Settings on the iMac, select ‘System’, and click on ‘Projecting to this PC’ from the menu bar on the left.
Let’s explain it in milestones for your convenience.
But you must be aware that the iMac requires running Windows 10 Home or Pro for this trick to work.Īpple has released more guidelines on running Windows on Mac via Boot Camp here.
Shortly, you can mirror the PC display to an iMac even if it’s the latest 5K. Using An iMac As A Second DisplayĪside from the iMac model you have, it can be set as a second screen for your PC. You will get the related information here. If you want to see the resolution of your iMac, select the Apple logo in the taskbar, click on ‘About This Mac,’ and click on the ‘Displays’ tab. Next, Target Display Mode may not be available. These iMacs have a resolution of 5120 x 2880 by default which could be hard to match if you are using a laptop. However, Apple presented 4K retina displays across the 27-inch line in 2014. In general, setting the video output to 2560 x 1440 on your PC should match the screen resolution of old models of iMac (2009, 2010, 2011, and some 2014 models). Screen Resolution Mattersįor best display quality, it’s very essential to set the screen resolution appropriately. In a couple of seconds, you would be able to see the screen of your PC mirrored on the iMac. Switch on the iMac and the PC, then hold Cmd + F2 or Cmd + Fn + F2 on the iMac keyboard to trigger Target Display Mode. Note: If you are using an adapter, plug the cable into the adapter first, then connect the male end to the Mini Display/Thunderbolt port of the iMac. Then, connect the cable into the Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort and your iMac. Switch off your iMac and PC, then plug the cable into the Thunderbolt, HDMI, or Display port on your PC. Once you’re sure that your Mac meets the criteria to get connected with your PC, let’s start to work on setting up the system. Click the Apple symbol at the top of your Mac screen and select ‘About this Mac.’ Next, review the pop-up for the essential information. If you don’t know about the age of the Mac you’re working with, it’s easy to deal with it. Of course, Mini Display, Thunderbolt, or HDMI cable is also needed. For example, you can use an HDMI to Mini Display adapter or Mini Display to Display Port adapter. If your PC doesn’t have these ports, you can use an HDMI or Display port with an appropriate adapter. As for the other conditions, you also need a PC that has the features of a Mini Display or Thunderbolt port. However, the late 2014 5K retina iMac doesn’t have the feature of Target Display Mode. Some other models of iMac (up to late 2014) might also be used as a secondary display. Mid-20 iMacs have the feature of a Thunderbolt port. Late 2009 and mid-2010 27-inch iMacs have the feature of a Mini Display port, However, things aren’t actually as easy as that, so check out the compatible models: have a look at the ports, and if your iMac has a feature of Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort, it can be your secondary monitor. Equipment, To Be Readyįirst of all, you need to check if your iMac can be used as a secondary monitor or not. Here are the details you need to know to connect your iMac to your PC. Setting up your iMac as a PC monitor is much simpler than you might think, but it needs a compatible iMac model and cable to work. Without wasting much time, let’s dive right in.
This article is providing you with a step-by-step detailed guide on how to do it, as well as an overview of the essential gear. If your iMac has a Retina Display, then this is not possible. However, you are in need of a compatible iMac and PC, and a special cable/adapter. The right answer to the question is – yes, it is possible to use your iMac as a monitor. 7 Summing Up Can You Use An iMac As a Monitor?