IMac – I would like to use iMac as a display, but without loading an OS

displayimactarget-display

I have a late 2009 27" iMac, but recently the internal hard drive completely died. When I try to power it up, the iMac gets stuck on the white Apple loading screen. So instead I would now like to use it just as a display.

Is there a way to do this without replacing the internal hard drive? I have used it as a display before when it was working, so I know it can be used that way.

Best Answer

If your main priority is just not to replace the HDD, why not install macOS onto a USB flash drive and use that purely so you can use the iMac in Target Display Mode?

To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Boot your iMac from the USB flash drive
  2. Ensure the other Mac is also booted up and logged into a user account
  3. Connect the two Macs with a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt cable
  4. Press Command F2 on the keyboard of the iMac (i.e. The one you want to use as a display).

For more information you should read Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode

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