iMac Will Not Enter Target Display Mode

I think I have the same setup as you - or very similar.

• Mid-2011 27" iMac using the factory provided bluetooth silver keyboard.
• 2017 MacBook Pro
• Thunderbolt cable between the two
• with adapter for Thunderbolt 3.

I'm using the Command + F2 and the Command + fn + F2, but I get nothing. This is very frustrating. Where did you install the virtualkvm? On the iMac or the MacBook Pro?

Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support

If Command-F2 doesn't work

If your iMac doesn't switch to Target Display Mode when you press Command-F2, check these things:

• Make sure that the iMac you're trying to use as a display supports Target Display Mode.
• Target Display Mode works only when your primary Mac is logged in to a macOS user account. For example, if your first Mac is at the FileVault login screen, pressing Command-F2 on your iMac does not enable Target Display Mode. You must first log in to your Mac (using a regular display, if necessary) before you can use an iMac in Target Display Mode.
• Make sure that you're pressing Command-F2 on the keyboard that's connected to the iMac you want to use as a display.
• In Keyboard System Preferences, if the checkbox is enabled for "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys," the key combination changes to Command-Fn-F2.
• Make sure that your Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt cable is connected to both computers.
• If you're currently logged in on the iMac you want to use as a display, try logging out to return to the login window. Then press Command-F2 again.
• Some older Apple keyboards and third-party keyboards might not allow Command-F2 to toggle display modes. If this happens, use the keyboard that came with your iMac to toggle Target Display Mode on and off.
• If your iMac is currently started up in Windows, it won't enter Target Display Mode. Target Display Mode isn't supported in Boot Camp.

Hello,

I have the same problem - iMac will not enter into target display mode using keyboard. I have to use a third party app virtualkvm to get it to do so, then it works fine.

I've tried all the steps you've mentioned above, I'm using a 2017 macbook pro and a 2011 iMac connected via thunderbolt. As I say it works once I use the app.

My keyboard is the Apple one that came with the iMac, so a 2011 Apple bluetooth one. Is this the problem ie the keyboard is too old and I need a newer one?

Thanks

Hello,

I have the same problem - iMac will not enter into target display mode using keyboard. I have to use a third party app virtualkvm to get it to do so, then it works fine.

I've tried all the steps you've mentioned above, I'm using a 2017 macbook pro and a 2011 iMac connected via thunderbolt. As I say it works once I use the app.

My keyboard is the Apple one that came with the iMac, so a 2011 Apple bluetooth one. Is this the problem ie the keyboard is too old and I need a newer one?

Thanks

Hello,

I have the same problem - iMac will not enter into target display mode using keyboard. I have to use a third party app virtualkvm to get it to do so, then it works fine.

I've tried all the steps you've mentioned above, I'm using a 2017 macbook pro and a 2011 iMac connected via thunderbolt. As I say it works once I use the app.

My keyboard is the Apple one that came with the iMac, so a 2011 Apple bluetooth one. Is this the problem ie the keyboard is too old and I need a newer one?

Thanks

Hello,

I have the same problem - iMac will not enter into target display mode using keyboard. I have to use a third party app virtualkvm to get it to do so, then it works fine.

I've tried all the steps you've mentioned above, I'm using a 2017 macbook pro and a 2011 iMac connected via thunderbolt. As I say it works once I use the app.

My keyboard is the Apple one that came with the iMac, so a 2011 Apple bluetooth one. Is this the problem ie the keyboard is too old and I need a newer one?

Thanks

Hello,

I have the same problem - iMac will not enter into target display mode using keyboard. I have to use a third party app virtualkvm to get it to do so, then it works fine.

I've tried all the steps you've mentioned above, I'm using a 2017 macbook pro and a 2011 iMac connected via thunderbolt. As I say it works once I use the app.

My keyboard is the Apple one that came with the iMac, so a 2011 Apple bluetooth one. Is this the problem ie the keyboard is too old and I need a newer one?

Thanks

Can I assume you have a Thunderbolt cable connecting the two together?

sorry about multiple posts - I kept getting a message saying it hadn't posted.