Last Updated on May 5, 2024 by Adams
How To Use An iMac As a Monitor?
The iMac features one of the excellent displays in the market, and the vibrant screen is likely to make your workflow more entertaining. So, if you want to use it as an external monitor for your Windows-based PC, you might think is it possible to use an iMac as a PC monitor? Ok, no worries! The answer is yes! It is possible; however, you require a suitable iMac and a PC with a specific cable. So here in this short guide, we will provide step-by-step guidance on how to do it. Ok, let’s dive right in.
Requirements:
First of all, you need to check whether your iMac can be used as a secondary monitor. To know this, look out the iMac thoroughly if it features a Thunderbolt or Mini Display Port. But in case if you don’t find these ports, no worries! Yes, you can use an HDMI or Display port with a compatible adapter.
Step 1:
Firstly, you have to turn off the iMac and PC then plug the cable into the Thunderbolt, HDMII or Display port on the Windows desktop. After this, plug the cable into the Thunderbolt or Mini Display port on the iMac. However, if you are using an adapter, then you should connect the cable to the adapter first and then insert the male end into the Mini Display/Thunderbolt port on the iMac.
Step 2:
After connecting cables, turn on both the iMac and the PC and hold Cmd + F2 or Cmd + Fn + F2 on your iMac keyboard to trigger Target Display Mode. After a few seconds, you will see the screen of your PC intimated on the iMac.
iMac as a Second Display:
Step 1:
First of all, ensure that your iMac is booted in Windows and connected to the same network as PC, it may be Ethernet or WI-FI. Go to Windows Settings on the iMac, choose the system, and see the menu bar on the left hand side. Select “Projecting to this PC.”
Step 2:
After selecting “Projecting to this PC,” you will see the first drop-down menu. From there, you can choose “Available everywhere.” After that, open the “Ask to Project to this PC” and select the option “First time only.” Further, you will see an option “Require pin for Pairing.” It is not compulsory, so you skip that option. Also, give your computer a name, especially if you have multiple machines at your home. You can provide a name for the computer at the bottom of the window.
Step 3:
Now come on to the PC and access the Action Center from the bottom-right corner. From there, choose the Project tile and select “Connect to a wireless display.” You will see your iMac will appear in the option for available displays on your PC. Now click on the iMac option, and your PC display will glimmer by adding another display to the system. Further, you can go into the Display Settings and change the resolution. In this way, it will look the same on both machines, but it depends on the actual iMac and PC model you are using.
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