How to Set Up a Mac Mini Without Any Peripherals

Did you recently get a new Mac mini and want to use it as a network appliance? Or do you want to run a software on your Mac mini and do not have a monitor for it? Well, you can easily set up a Mac mini without a monitor or keyboard/mouse. Here's how:

Make sure your new Mac mini is configured correctly

If you want to set up your Mac mini without any peripherals, then you will have to connect it to a monitor and other peripherals. Does it sound confusing? Well, firstly you will have to set up your new Mac mini as you normally would, and then just tweak some local settings before detaching the monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

Enable the Screen Sharing Service

Firstly, you will have to enable Screen Sharing. After setting it up, you can remotely connect, install, or configure anything without having to connect a monitor to your new Mac mini.

1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Select Sharing.
3. Note down the name of the computer.
4. Ensure that Screen Sharing is enabled.
5. In order to connect using a non-Apple system, go to Computer Settings.
6. Place a checkmark next to VNC viewers may control screen with password.
7. Input a password and hit the OK button.
8. You will be asked to list the users who can remotely connect to your Mac mini.
9. Go to Allow Access For, and make the appropriate changes.
10. Click on Done.

You can now disconnect the monitor, keyboard or mouse from your Mac mini.

Hook up to your new Mac mini remotely

Using a different Mac, you can get access to Screen Sharing from the Finder.

1. Open Finder.
2. Select Network option located below Locations.
3. Double-click on the name of the computer.
4. Select Share Screen.
5. Input your username and password when required.
6. Log in.

You have successfully set up your Mac mini without any desktop and other peripherals. After completing the installation and configuration, you are free to use it.

Billy Mark is a technical expert who writes about productivity suites such as Microsoft Office. He writes blog posts, reviews, instruction manuals, news releases, and technical descriptions at office.com/setup