Using an 2017 iMac 5k as an external monitor for PC - any new / software solutions?

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Using an 2017 iMac 5k as an external monitor for PC - any new / software solutions?

I need to use my 2017 5k iMac as an external monitor for an employer-provided Windows 10 laptop. I understand that Apple discontinued support for Target Display mode for the 5k iMacs. (Wish I'd realized that before I bought it :( ). Looking for SOME kind of work-around. Are there any 3rd-party applications for the iMac that would enable using it as a monitor for the laptop?

A youtube video suggests running Windows on the iMac (in bootcamp), which makes "Project" mode available from the PC. This apparently works, but I don't relish the thought of purchasing Windows and setting up a bootcamp partition. Hoping there's a simpler solution.

Also, people have suggested installing an RDP client (for the Mac) on the iMac, and then connecting to the PC using RDP. Sounds like a good idea, but I don't have admin rights on the employer-provided laptop and work in a highly-secure environment, so I doubt that I can enable RDP connections to the laptop.

Anyone know of any other solutions to this problem?

Posted on May 4, 2020 4:45 PM

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Answer 1

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KenLanc Author

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May 9, 2020 3:04 PM in response to MrHoffman

Thanks for the response. I telework a lot, and the physical space I have at home is pretty limited - I use a standing desk that will only accommodate one monitor, and don't really have another place to work with enough space for two. Given my constraints, sounds like bootcamp is my best bet for now.

OR ... buy a bigger house. But that would take a better job. Which would probably be with a better company - and they probably give their employees Macs :). PROBLEM SOLVED!

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Answer 2

BDAqua

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245,183 points

May 4, 2020 5:48 PM in response to KenLanc

One possibility, don\t know if it works with Windows but Ask them...

I haven't tried it, but Turn any Mac or iPad into a second display...

https://lunadisplay.com/

Review by NAK005, you may not be happy with it…

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251259038?answerId=252422503022#252422503022

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Answer 3

May 4, 2020 6:01 PM in response to KenLanc

Boot Windows as a guest on the Mac, or boot Windows natively. A Microsoft Windows license is cheaper than purchasing many monitors, too. “Surplus” the Windows laptop back to your employer. A TV would be another potential option, if there’s one of those around with a compatible input with or without dongles.

RDP would be the closest software analog, and that’s really clunky. And probably not at all what you expect or want.

For what you specifically seek, no. your iMac is not old enough to be useful as a display. As you’re well aware, and as still gets asked around here. Those older iMac models that do work: Use your iMac as a display - Apple Support

Booting Windows natively or as a guest will be the most straightforward.

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Answer 4

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,706 points

May 4, 2020 5:50 PM in response to KenLanc

The work around is getting an external display for the PC, there are no other viable work arounds. Your iMac is a computer and was never intended to be an external display for a PC. Sorry if that sounds a little harsh but it is correct, your question comes several times a day on these forums and the answer is always the same.

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Answer 5

KenLanc Author

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10 points

May 9, 2020 2:18 PM in response to BDAqua

Thanks for the response. Looks like an interesting product. The Luna website is a little light on information, but unfortunately, the best I can tell, it only works for Apple to Apple, not PC to Apple.

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