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Use 2011 iMac as an external display AND external disk for a 2017 iMac?

I'd really like to use my 2011 iMac as an external display AND external disk for a 2017 iMac.

Plenty of articles on how to do each separately but not at the same time. (I have done both).


Currently both use High Sierra (10.13.6)

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Feb 6, 2021 10:01 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 6, 2021 1:36 PM

Hi Tony Baczynski,


Both is not possible at the same time. However, you can do just one or the other using the same cables and adapters. You will need a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple and an Apple Thunderbolt Cable (2.0 m) - White - Apple.


Please also note that the Target Display Mode will NOT work if the 2017 iMac is running Big Sur. The 2011 iMac MUST ALSO be running High Sierra or earlier. However, the Disk mode will always work.


You can also read about Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support and Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support.


Cheers,


Jack

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 6, 2021 1:36 PM in response to Tony Baczynski

Hi Tony Baczynski,


Both is not possible at the same time. However, you can do just one or the other using the same cables and adapters. You will need a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple and an Apple Thunderbolt Cable (2.0 m) - White - Apple.


Please also note that the Target Display Mode will NOT work if the 2017 iMac is running Big Sur. The 2011 iMac MUST ALSO be running High Sierra or earlier. However, the Disk mode will always work.


You can also read about Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support and Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support.


Cheers,


Jack

Use 2011 iMac as an external display AND external disk for a 2017 iMac?

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