Question Using IMAC as a external monitor

[Boblins]

Hi, I’m trying to connect my Windows laptop to use my IMAC 27” monitor 2012 model as a monitor. I’m told you have to put it in display mode but have not been able to?

 

[COLGeek]

How are you physically connecting your laptop to the iMac? Do you have the laptop configured (press the right FN key typcally) to display to an external display?

 

[Boblins]

How are you physically connecting your laptop to the iMac? Do you have the laptop configured (press the right FN key typcally) to display to an external display?

I think that may be part of my issue is the cables I am using. I have tried using a mini display port to mini display port cable from my Dell Latitude E7270 laptop into the back of the IMAC but I don’t think it is compatible. I performed the FN key to extend the displays but didn’t work.
Do you know what cables I should be using?

 

[COLGeek]

You've done this?

https://itstillworks.com/use-imac-pc-monitor-9320.html

 

[Boblins]

You've done this?

https://itstillworks.com/use-imac-pc-monitor-9320.html

Yeah, I saw that but I think I tried plugging in the mini display cable into a port that isn’t mini display. It was the thunderbolt. I don’t think I have one port like that. I’ve attached a link of a photo that looks like the back of my IMAC. It’s the photo on the right.https://apple.stackexchange.com/que...7-inch-imac-thunderbolt-as-a-display-for-a-pc