Want to use an iMac as a second monitor, extend your PC screen, or turn that gorgeous Retina panel into an iMac external monitor, but Apple keeps saying “nope”? You’re not imagining it. iMacs were never designed to accept HDMI or Windows input, which is why every attempt to use an iMac as a monitor for a PC ends in frustration, adapters, and more frustration.
Good news: there is a modern, cable-free way to turn your iMac into a crisp second display for your PC. No outdated Target Display Mode. No compatibility headaches. No tech sorcery required.
Meet DeskIn, the smarter way to do what Apple never intended.
Recommended Reading:
How to Connect Mac to PC for Remote Desktop Screen Share?
Why People Want to Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC
It’s a totally fair question; can you use an iMac as a monitor? The short answer: you can, but not the way most people expect.
But before we get into the technical pitfalls, let’s talk about why so many users keep trying this combo:
1. Because iMac screens are stunning
Retina resolution. Pin-sharp detail. Wide color gamut. High brightness. Whether you’re a designer tweaking colors, a gamer who loves beautiful visuals, or someone who just lives with way too many browser tabs, the iMac display is a dream. No budget second monitor can compete with it.
2. Work-from-home setups demand more space
When you are balancing multiple Zoom calls, spreadsheets, email threads, and documents, working with only one screen is like typing with one hand tied behind your back. Many people want to use an iMac as a second monitor for a PC simply to get more workspace without buying another monitor or rearranging the whole desk.
3. Gamers crave the aesthetic + performance
Let’s be honest: pairing a powerful Windows gaming PC with the clean minimalism of an iMac looks incredible. Gamers want the vibe and the performance. Being able to mirror or extend your PC screen to an iMac would give you a beautiful, space-saving setup with hardware you already own.
4. Creative professionals want cross-platform freedom
Photographers, illustrators, editors, and 3D artists often switch between macOS and Windows workflows. They want Windows apps but still want the iMac’s superior color accuracy for previews. Using the iMac as an external monitor feels like the perfect hybrid solution, on paper, at least.
5. Older iMacs still have world-class displays
Even iMacs from 2010–2014 have great panels. Many users think: “If the computer is slow, at least the screen is still premium. Why not repurpose it?”
Which leads to hours of research on how to use an iMac as a monitor, and the inevitable discovery that it’s not that simple.
But here’s where the plot twists… what seems like an obvious idea runs into years of Apple-specific limitations and hardware roadblocks. And that’s exactly where a smarter software-based solution changes everything.
Why It's Technically Challenging to Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC
You’d think connecting your PC to an iMac would be as simple as plugging in an HDMI cable. But nope. Apple made sure it’s not that simple.
Let’s debunk the myths and explain what actually works, what doesn’t, and why DeskIn is the smarter solution.
The Target Display Mode Myth
If you’ve searched “how to use iMac as monitor,” you’ve probably stumbled onto something called Target Display Mode, often treated like a secret cheat code for turning an iMac into a second screen. But here’s the truth behind it:
TDM only worked on certain 2010–2014 iMacs
It required Mini DisplayPort (2009–2010) or Thunderbolt 1/2 (2011–2014)
It supported Mac-to-Mac input, not Windows
It only worked on older macOS versions (High Sierra or earlier)
In other words, Target Display Mode is a feature from another era. It doesn’t exist on modern Retina iMacs, and it’s disabled entirely on macOS Big Sur and up. So if your iMac is newer than 2014, or your OS is newer than High Sierra, Target Display Mode isn’t an option anymore.
Even worse, TDM never supported HDMI or DisplayPort input from a Windows PC. So anyone trying to use an iMac as a monitor for a PC hits a wall instantly.
HDMI + Thunderbolt Adapters Do Not Work
Thousands of people have tried chaining adapters like: PC → HDMI → Adapter → Thunderbolt → iMac
Here’s why it fails:
Thunderbolt ports on iMac do not accept video input
iMacs were never designed to be external displays
Windows PCs cannot output the signal iMacs expect
No adapter will magically turn your iMac into a plug-and-play monitor. (If you’ve bought five adapters already, sorry.) So hardware solutions, while tempting, are dead ends for almost everyone.
Even Older iMacs Face Compatibility Issues
Let’s say you do have a 2011 or 2012 iMac. You still face major obstacles:
You must run an old macOS version
Your PC must output via the DisplayPort protocol
Most GPUs don’t output the exact signal iMacs expect
Newer Windows PCs can’t handshake with old iMac ports
Some models work only with specific cables or chipsets
So even supported iMacs often fail to activate Target Display Mode in real-world setups.
Why DeskIn Stands Out?
All the usual roadblocks, Target Display Mode, outdated macOS versions, incompatible ports, and adapter experiments make one thing obvious: iMacs were never designed to work as plug-in PC monitors.
A software solution like DeskIn flips the script.
Instead of forcing the iMac to accept video input it simply can’t handle, DeskIn uses a modern, software-first approach that bypasses every hardware limitation. No cables to match, no vintage iMac hunt, no compatibility roulette.
In short, DeskIn turns the question “can you use an iMac as a monitor?” from a complicated puzzle into a simple yes.
Try DeskIn: A Smarter Way to Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC
DeskIn, a cross-platform, high-performance remote desktop + screen extension tool designed for:
Windows → macOS
macOS → Windows
Mobile ↔ Desktop
Desktop ↔ Mobile
Mobile ↔ Mobile
Key Features That Make DeskIn the Perfect Fit
Cross-platform control (PC ↔ iMac)
Connect your Windows PC directly to your iMac, control everything from macOS (or vice versa), and switch seamlessly between devices. Or vice versa.Ultra-low latency (2K240FPS / 4K60FPS support)
DeskIn delivers smooth, near-instant responsiveness with support for 2K240FPS and 4K60FPS. Whether you’re gaming, designing, or working, the stream feels natural, not laggy or compressed.Fast File Transfer Between PC and Mac
Move files across devices effortlessly: drag, drop, done. Perfect for designers, editors, and multitaskers switching between platforms. See the full file-transfer guide here.Wireless screen sharing/extension
Mirror your PC screen to the iMac or use it as a true extended screen. It’s the clean, cable-free answer to traditional dual-monitor setups.Built-in Voice Chat & Whiteboard Tools
Collaborate, troubleshoot, or guide someone remotely with voice chat and annotation tools. A lifesaver for cross-system remote collaboration, tech support, or team training.
Step-by-Step: Use DeskIn to Extend PC to iMac
Turning your iMac into a second monitor with DeskIn takes just a few minutes.
Step 1: Download DeskIn from the Official Site on Both Devices
Install DeskIn on your Windows PC and your iMac. Launch DeskIn and log in or create a free account. Once both apps are open, you’re ready to extend the devices.
Step 2: Choose Mirror or Extend Mode
In DeskIn, go to “Screen Mgt” and select how you want to use your iMac:
Mirror My Screen: Show your PC screen on the iMac
Extend My Screen: Use the iMac as a true second display
Step 3: Optimize Your Display
Pick your resolution, screen size, and frame rate (from smooth 60FPS to high-performance modes). Enable full-screen, adjust picture quality, and fine-tune the setup until everything looks perfect on your iMac display.
It only takes 3 minutes to connect your PC and iMac using DeskIn. Try it today and enjoy a clutter-free dual-screen setup. Start your first session now!
Use Cases: Who Needs to Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC
DeskIn turns the idea of using your iMac as a PC display into something surprisingly smooth and genuinely exciting. With a mix of everyday convenience and high-performance tech, here’s where this setup shines the most:
Remote Workers – Multitasking, Upgraded
The old-school one-screen shuffle, with Zoom here and spreadsheets there and a million tabs everywhere, gets old quickly. Making your iMac a second display will get you the space you need to work smarter instead of harder, without having to buy new hardware or rework your entire desk.
Gamers – High-FPS Meets High Aesthetic
Gamers need visibility, clarity, and space. Using the iMac as a second monitor for your PC gives you room for maps, chats, Discord, stream controls, or monitoring performance stats while keeping your main gameplay on your primary screen. DeskIn makes the setup seamless—smooth, low-latency streaming with the added bonus of your iMac’s stunning display. RGB tower on the right, Retina display on the left; clean, powerful, functional.
Read More: Screenshare Your Game in Full HD with Low Latency
Designers & Creatives – Pixel Perfection on Demand
Designers often rely on dual-screen setups to maximize efficiency: editing on one screen, reference assets or tool panels on the other. Using an iMac as a second monitor gives creatives the clarity of a Retina panel for previews while still running Windows-only software (3D suites, CAD tools, visualizers). DeskIn bridges the two worlds, letting you work across systems without sacrificing display quality.
Read More:
Remote Work Software for Creatives: True Color, Real Speed
Presenters & Tech Support Pros – Clearer Screens, Cleaner Demos
Live demos, workflow explanations, and troubleshooting sessions all look better on a bigger, sharper display. Using your iMac as an extended screen gives you more room to manage tools, windows, and instructions without fumbling for space.
Students – Study Space, Simplified
Modern student life is multitasking at its core: video lectures, research, notes, assignments, online tools, and tutorials often open all at once. Turning the iMac into a second monitor for a PC gives students the space to learn more comfortably: lecture on one screen, notes or assignments on the other. DeskIn turns any study session into a cleaner, more efficient setup without needing to buy a new monitor.
FAQ
Can you use an iMac as a monitor for a PC wirelessly?
Yes, but not through HDMI, Thunderbolt, or any direct cable connection. A software solution like DeskIn offers the easiest and most reliable way to use an iMac as a monitor for a PC without fighting hardware limitations.Does Target Display Mode still work for using an iMac as a second monitor?
Only on very old iMacs (2010–2014) running older macOS versions. It does not work with modern iMacs, and it doesn’t support Windows input at all. DeskIn bypasses the need for Target Display Mode entirely, working on both older and current iMac models.Can old iMacs be used as monitors for PCs?
Only a few early models technically support Target Display Mode, and even then, compatibility can be hit-or-miss. DeskIn removes all of those limitations, allowing any iMac, old or new, to function as a PC display through a simple, wireless software setup.Will there be lag if I use DeskIn to mirror my PC to an iMac?
DeskIn is engineered for ultra-low latency, offering smooth performance up to 2K240FPS or 4K60FPS. Whether you’re working, designing, or gaming, the experience feels responsive and natural.Is DeskIn safe to use for remote access and screen sharing?
Yes. DeskIn uses AES-256 encryption, secure device login, permission-based access, and optional privacy features like privacy screen and view-only mode to protect your workspace. It’s built for professional remote access while keeping your data, screens, and sessions secure.
Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC Effortlessly with DeskIn
Using an iMac as a second monitor for your PC doesn’t have to be complicated. Forget about the cables, old Target Display Mode how-to’s and compatibility hurdles, DeskIn makes the whole process effortless. With a simple, wireless setup that works on any iMac, you get a smooth, high-quality display experience without the hardware hassle.
Whether you’re working, gaming, or creating, DeskIn delivers a clean, reliable, cross-platform setup that just works
Turn your iMac into a high-performance PC display in minutes. Try DeskIn for free and enjoy the advanced features with zero upfront cost.
Want to use an iMac as a second monitor, extend your PC screen, or turn that gorgeous Retina panel into an iMac external monitor, but Apple keeps saying “nope”? You’re not imagining it. iMacs were never designed to accept HDMI or Windows input, which is why every attempt to use an iMac as a monitor for a PC ends in frustration, adapters, and more frustration.
Good news: there is a modern, cable-free way to turn your iMac into a crisp second display for your PC. No outdated Target Display Mode. No compatibility headaches. No tech sorcery required.
Meet DeskIn, the smarter way to do what Apple never intended.
Recommended Reading:
How to Connect Mac to PC for Remote Desktop Screen Share?
Why People Want to Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC
It’s a totally fair question; can you use an iMac as a monitor? The short answer: you can, but not the way most people expect.
But before we get into the technical pitfalls, let’s talk about why so many users keep trying this combo:
1. Because iMac screens are stunning
Retina resolution. Pin-sharp detail. Wide color gamut. High brightness. Whether you’re a designer tweaking colors, a gamer who loves beautiful visuals, or someone who just lives with way too many browser tabs, the iMac display is a dream. No budget second monitor can compete with it.
2. Work-from-home setups demand more space
When you are balancing multiple Zoom calls, spreadsheets, email threads, and documents, working with only one screen is like typing with one hand tied behind your back. Many people want to use an iMac as a second monitor for a PC simply to get more workspace without buying another monitor or rearranging the whole desk.
3. Gamers crave the aesthetic + performance
Let’s be honest: pairing a powerful Windows gaming PC with the clean minimalism of an iMac looks incredible. Gamers want the vibe and the performance. Being able to mirror or extend your PC screen to an iMac would give you a beautiful, space-saving setup with hardware you already own.
4. Creative professionals want cross-platform freedom
Photographers, illustrators, editors, and 3D artists often switch between macOS and Windows workflows. They want Windows apps but still want the iMac’s superior color accuracy for previews. Using the iMac as an external monitor feels like the perfect hybrid solution, on paper, at least.
5. Older iMacs still have world-class displays
Even iMacs from 2010–2014 have great panels. Many users think: “If the computer is slow, at least the screen is still premium. Why not repurpose it?”
Which leads to hours of research on how to use an iMac as a monitor, and the inevitable discovery that it’s not that simple.
But here’s where the plot twists… what seems like an obvious idea runs into years of Apple-specific limitations and hardware roadblocks. And that’s exactly where a smarter software-based solution changes everything.
Why It's Technically Challenging to Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC
You’d think connecting your PC to an iMac would be as simple as plugging in an HDMI cable. But nope. Apple made sure it’s not that simple.
Let’s debunk the myths and explain what actually works, what doesn’t, and why DeskIn is the smarter solution.
The Target Display Mode Myth
If you’ve searched “how to use iMac as monitor,” you’ve probably stumbled onto something called Target Display Mode, often treated like a secret cheat code for turning an iMac into a second screen. But here’s the truth behind it:
TDM only worked on certain 2010–2014 iMacs
It required Mini DisplayPort (2009–2010) or Thunderbolt 1/2 (2011–2014)
It supported Mac-to-Mac input, not Windows
It only worked on older macOS versions (High Sierra or earlier)
In other words, Target Display Mode is a feature from another era. It doesn’t exist on modern Retina iMacs, and it’s disabled entirely on macOS Big Sur and up. So if your iMac is newer than 2014, or your OS is newer than High Sierra, Target Display Mode isn’t an option anymore.
Even worse, TDM never supported HDMI or DisplayPort input from a Windows PC. So anyone trying to use an iMac as a monitor for a PC hits a wall instantly.
HDMI + Thunderbolt Adapters Do Not Work
Thousands of people have tried chaining adapters like: PC → HDMI → Adapter → Thunderbolt → iMac
Here’s why it fails:
Thunderbolt ports on iMac do not accept video input
iMacs were never designed to be external displays
Windows PCs cannot output the signal iMacs expect
No adapter will magically turn your iMac into a plug-and-play monitor. (If you’ve bought five adapters already, sorry.) So hardware solutions, while tempting, are dead ends for almost everyone.
Even Older iMacs Face Compatibility Issues
Let’s say you do have a 2011 or 2012 iMac. You still face major obstacles:
You must run an old macOS version
Your PC must output via the DisplayPort protocol
Most GPUs don’t output the exact signal iMacs expect
Newer Windows PCs can’t handshake with old iMac ports
Some models work only with specific cables or chipsets
So even supported iMacs often fail to activate Target Display Mode in real-world setups.
Why DeskIn Stands Out?
All the usual roadblocks, Target Display Mode, outdated macOS versions, incompatible ports, and adapter experiments make one thing obvious: iMacs were never designed to work as plug-in PC monitors.
A software solution like DeskIn flips the script.
Instead of forcing the iMac to accept video input it simply can’t handle, DeskIn uses a modern, software-first approach that bypasses every hardware limitation. No cables to match, no vintage iMac hunt, no compatibility roulette.
In short, DeskIn turns the question “can you use an iMac as a monitor?” from a complicated puzzle into a simple yes.
Try DeskIn: A Smarter Way to Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC
DeskIn, a cross-platform, high-performance remote desktop + screen extension tool designed for:
Windows → macOS
macOS → Windows
Mobile ↔ Desktop
Desktop ↔ Mobile
Mobile ↔ Mobile
Key Features That Make DeskIn the Perfect Fit
Cross-platform control (PC ↔ iMac)
Connect your Windows PC directly to your iMac, control everything from macOS (or vice versa), and switch seamlessly between devices. Or vice versa.Ultra-low latency (2K240FPS / 4K60FPS support)
DeskIn delivers smooth, near-instant responsiveness with support for 2K240FPS and 4K60FPS. Whether you’re gaming, designing, or working, the stream feels natural, not laggy or compressed.Fast File Transfer Between PC and Mac
Move files across devices effortlessly: drag, drop, done. Perfect for designers, editors, and multitaskers switching between platforms. See the full file-transfer guide here.Wireless screen sharing/extension
Mirror your PC screen to the iMac or use it as a true extended screen. It’s the clean, cable-free answer to traditional dual-monitor setups.Built-in Voice Chat & Whiteboard Tools
Collaborate, troubleshoot, or guide someone remotely with voice chat and annotation tools. A lifesaver for cross-system remote collaboration, tech support, or team training.
Step-by-Step: Use DeskIn to Extend PC to iMac
Turning your iMac into a second monitor with DeskIn takes just a few minutes.
Step 1: Download DeskIn from the Official Site on Both Devices
Install DeskIn on your Windows PC and your iMac. Launch DeskIn and log in or create a free account. Once both apps are open, you’re ready to extend the devices.
Step 2: Choose Mirror or Extend Mode
In DeskIn, go to “Screen Mgt” and select how you want to use your iMac:
Mirror My Screen: Show your PC screen on the iMac
Extend My Screen: Use the iMac as a true second display
Step 3: Optimize Your Display
Pick your resolution, screen size, and frame rate (from smooth 60FPS to high-performance modes). Enable full-screen, adjust picture quality, and fine-tune the setup until everything looks perfect on your iMac display.
It only takes 3 minutes to connect your PC and iMac using DeskIn. Try it today and enjoy a clutter-free dual-screen setup. Start your first session now!
Use Cases: Who Needs to Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC
DeskIn turns the idea of using your iMac as a PC display into something surprisingly smooth and genuinely exciting. With a mix of everyday convenience and high-performance tech, here’s where this setup shines the most:
Remote Workers – Multitasking, Upgraded
The old-school one-screen shuffle, with Zoom here and spreadsheets there and a million tabs everywhere, gets old quickly. Making your iMac a second display will get you the space you need to work smarter instead of harder, without having to buy new hardware or rework your entire desk.
Gamers – High-FPS Meets High Aesthetic
Gamers need visibility, clarity, and space. Using the iMac as a second monitor for your PC gives you room for maps, chats, Discord, stream controls, or monitoring performance stats while keeping your main gameplay on your primary screen. DeskIn makes the setup seamless—smooth, low-latency streaming with the added bonus of your iMac’s stunning display. RGB tower on the right, Retina display on the left; clean, powerful, functional.
Read More: Screenshare Your Game in Full HD with Low Latency
Designers & Creatives – Pixel Perfection on Demand
Designers often rely on dual-screen setups to maximize efficiency: editing on one screen, reference assets or tool panels on the other. Using an iMac as a second monitor gives creatives the clarity of a Retina panel for previews while still running Windows-only software (3D suites, CAD tools, visualizers). DeskIn bridges the two worlds, letting you work across systems without sacrificing display quality.
Read More:
Remote Work Software for Creatives: True Color, Real Speed
Presenters & Tech Support Pros – Clearer Screens, Cleaner Demos
Live demos, workflow explanations, and troubleshooting sessions all look better on a bigger, sharper display. Using your iMac as an extended screen gives you more room to manage tools, windows, and instructions without fumbling for space.
Students – Study Space, Simplified
Modern student life is multitasking at its core: video lectures, research, notes, assignments, online tools, and tutorials often open all at once. Turning the iMac into a second monitor for a PC gives students the space to learn more comfortably: lecture on one screen, notes or assignments on the other. DeskIn turns any study session into a cleaner, more efficient setup without needing to buy a new monitor.
FAQ
Can you use an iMac as a monitor for a PC wirelessly?
Yes, but not through HDMI, Thunderbolt, or any direct cable connection. A software solution like DeskIn offers the easiest and most reliable way to use an iMac as a monitor for a PC without fighting hardware limitations.Does Target Display Mode still work for using an iMac as a second monitor?
Only on very old iMacs (2010–2014) running older macOS versions. It does not work with modern iMacs, and it doesn’t support Windows input at all. DeskIn bypasses the need for Target Display Mode entirely, working on both older and current iMac models.Can old iMacs be used as monitors for PCs?
Only a few early models technically support Target Display Mode, and even then, compatibility can be hit-or-miss. DeskIn removes all of those limitations, allowing any iMac, old or new, to function as a PC display through a simple, wireless software setup.Will there be lag if I use DeskIn to mirror my PC to an iMac?
DeskIn is engineered for ultra-low latency, offering smooth performance up to 2K240FPS or 4K60FPS. Whether you’re working, designing, or gaming, the experience feels responsive and natural.Is DeskIn safe to use for remote access and screen sharing?
Yes. DeskIn uses AES-256 encryption, secure device login, permission-based access, and optional privacy features like privacy screen and view-only mode to protect your workspace. It’s built for professional remote access while keeping your data, screens, and sessions secure.
Use an iMac as a Monitor for a PC Effortlessly with DeskIn
Using an iMac as a second monitor for your PC doesn’t have to be complicated. Forget about the cables, old Target Display Mode how-to’s and compatibility hurdles, DeskIn makes the whole process effortless. With a simple, wireless setup that works on any iMac, you get a smooth, high-quality display experience without the hardware hassle.
Whether you’re working, gaming, or creating, DeskIn delivers a clean, reliable, cross-platform setup that just works
Turn your iMac into a high-performance PC display in minutes. Try DeskIn for free and enjoy the advanced features with zero upfront cost.
