Target Display Mode Switch without Apple Keyboard

Question

Target Display Mode Switch without Apple Keyboard

Hi all,

I have old iMac and my Windows Notebook. In order to use iMac 27' as a external monitor, I have a cable and I use CMD+F2 combination to switch mode.

iMac info

macOS High Sierra

27-inch Mid 2010

A few days ago the apple keyboard broke and I replaced it with a classic keyboard with usb cable.

Unfortunately with this keyboard the "win key + f2" combination does not work and to make the switch I have to unplug and attach the cable.

I tried to search a alternative solution on the internet but nothing works.

Alternatives valid for me

Replace the combination with a new key combination
Create a command executable via ssh from the remote pc

Help me please

Luca

Posted on Jan 23, 2021 3:49 AM

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Answer 1

Joseph_S.

Community Specialist

Jan 25, 2021 11:38 AM in response to Luca Santaniello

Hello Luca,

It sounds like after replacing your keyboard, you were not able to use Target Display Mode. We understand important this is to you and we are here to help.

First let's try an NVRAM reset: Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac and test to see if anything changes.

If the issue persists, we would recommend testing with another keyboard. Since this issue started once the keyboard was replaced, the keyboard appears to be what caused this particular issue.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Feb 5, 2021 8:50 AM in response to Luca Santaniello

Hmmm, is it an old/used KB?

Might try Karabiner...

https://pqrs.org/osx/karabiner/

You can also easily make custom keyboards with...

http://scripts.sil.org/ukelele

Thanks to Old Toad…

You can do what you want with Keyboard Maestro and a whole lot more .

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Answer 3

Feb 5, 2021 7:01 AM in response to BDAqua

After NVRAM Rese, the keyboard works. Thanks

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Answer 4

mingoslkd

Community Specialist

Feb 4, 2021 6:51 AM in response to Luca Santaniello

Luca,

You mentioned your Apple Keyboard was broken. It sounds like your classic keyboard still works, you are just not able to use Target Display Mode.

You would use your working keyboard to reset your NVRAM and then attempt to enter Target Display Mode.

If your classic keyboard isn't working at all, you would need to use a working Keyboard.

Take Care!

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Feb 5, 2021 8:22 AM in response to Luca Santaniello

Good news, take care my friend! :)

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Answer 6

Feb 4, 2021 1:08 PM in response to mingoslkd

Thanks @mingoslkd for your reply and sorry for misunderstanding. I have classic keyboard and it works but It is a NO MAC keyboard. I do'nt have CMD key or Option.

What is the combination to reset my NVRAM with classic keyboard?

Thanks in advance for your support

Luca

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