Switching Displays on Mac OS 11.4

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Switching Displays on Mac OS 11.4

Is there an easy way to switch displays On/Off or to change mode (mirror, extend) on Mac Os 11.4 like it is convenient on Windows or Ubuntu?

I know the System Preferences/Displays Setting.

But: it does not allow to switch a display off, and additionally every time you must go to the settings to change anything.

Maybe it is my ignorance but I could not find a better solution.

On Windows 10 or new Ubuntu you just use Win+P and you cycle through possible options or choose an option quick and easy. So:

Is something like that available in Mac Os?
And how to switch a display off?

And if not, why would Apple decide not to implement something you could think of as a basic and fundamental feature?

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Jun 18, 2021 3:45 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 18, 2021 4:20 AM in response to memtrix

You can switch between mirroring and extended desktop by pressing Command-F1.

I am not aware of any way to switch off or ignore an attached display.

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Answer 2

memtrix Author

Level 1

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Jun 18, 2021 5:05 AM in response to memtrix

BTW. if I get it right, the CMD-F1 works on a Macbook only, unfortunately. On the Macbook Air M1 it is fine.

But, it is actually the "special" function of the F1, and actually the CMD+"Dim Backlight".

On my Mac Mini M1 it does not work. It would be much better to implement that MacOs wide with standard keys so working on any Mac Os computer.

I made a feature request, but doubt it will come alive :D

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Answer 3

Jun 18, 2021 6:39 AM in response to memtrix

It may have to do with the keyboard you are using. It has worked in every mac I have tried, for well over a decade, but I have only used it with Apple keyboards (either built-in on several laptops - since at least 2006, maybe earlier), or iMac. Maybe in the M1 Mini you have a third party keyboard it does not work.

I do remember that Command-F2 to set an iMac to target display mode only worked on the Apple keyboard and not a third party one.

EDIT: you are right about the Command-Dim. But that is what the F1 key corresponds to. It is just that (by default) the touchbar does not show the Function keys (but can be made to in system preferences - and then it is command-F1 again!). So I think there is consistency there.

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Answer 4

memtrix Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 18, 2021 4:30 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Oh cool, thanks!

that is a good beginning :)

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Switching Displays on Mac OS 11.4

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