iankh
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Q: Target Display Mode Not Working (late 2013 iMac/10.11.1)

I have a 27-inch iMac, late 2013 and am running El Capitan, 10.11.1

 

I am trying to use Target Display Mode to use the iMac as a monitor with my Windows laptop from work.

 

I have a serial cable connected into the PC and at the other end, the serial cable into a Thunderbolt adapter and that plugged into one of the 2 Thunderbolt ports on the back.

 

When I press command + F2 on my Apple keyboard absolutely nothing happens at all. No response or change in behavior at all on the iMac.

 

How can I get this to work?

iMac (27-inch, Late 2013), OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Oct 29, 2015 10:21 AM

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iankh

Q: Target Display Mode Not Working (late 2013 iMac/10.11.1)

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  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Oct 29, 2015 10:26 AM in response to iankh
    Level 9 (58,924 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Oct 29, 2015 10:26 AM in response to iankh

    The short answer is it will not work. Apple explains this very clearly in Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support.

     

    Specifically the language says: "To use your iMac as a display, connect it to another Mac using the correct cable (see System Requirements below). Then press Command-F2 on the keyboard connected to your iMac. When you're done, press Command-F2 again."

     

    Please do not ask if there is any other way, there is not and this is known because your question comes up at least 1x per week on these forums.

     

    Sorry to be the bearer of bad news however that is it. If you need an external display for your PC then you will need to buy one.