Troubleshooting a 2012 Mac mini: No display after erasing the drive
Your 2012 Intel Mac mini can run Windows 10, although Windows 10 reached the end of standard support on October 14, 2025. First, we need to restore video output. Erasing the internal drive removes the operating system, but should not prevent the Mac from showing its startup screen or entering Recovery.
1. Check power and display
- Disconnect the Mac mini from power for 30 seconds.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB devices and external drives.
- Connect HDMI, select the correct Samsung TV input, reconnect power, then turn on the Mac.
- Wait 30–60 seconds.
What appears?
- Apple logo: video works and the Mac is starting.
- Question-mark folder: no bootable system was found, which is expected after erasing the drive.
- “No Signal” or a blank screen: continue below.
2. Rule out HDMI issues
- Try another HDMI port and cable.
- If possible, test with a computer monitor.
- If HDMI still fails, try a compatible Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter on a Thunderbolt port.
Keep only the display, keyboard and power connected.
3. Reset NVRAM
Turn the Mac off. Turn it on and immediately hold Option-Command-P-R for about 20 seconds, then release. On many PC keyboards, use Alt-Windows-P-R. This resets startup settings; it does not reinstall macOS or erase the drive.
4. Try Internet Recovery
Connect a wired USB keyboard if possible. Turn on the Mac and immediately hold Option-Command-R until a spinning globe or other startup screen appears. Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet if prompted. If that fails, try Shift-Option-Command-R.
- Spinning globe: Recovery is loading.
- Recovery utilities: you can proceed to an operating system installation.
- Padlock: a firmware password may be enabled; this differs from a user account password.
- Still no picture: keep troubleshooting the display or hardware before installing Windows.
Apple's guide: How to start up from macOS Recovery - Apple Support (CA)
5. Install Windows
Option A > Reinstall macOS first (recommended):
The 2012 Mac mini supports macOS Catalina as its newest officially compatible macOS. In Recovery, open Disk Utility and check that the internal drive appears. If needed, erase it using the format and scheme appropriate for the installer. Quit Disk Utility, choose Reinstall macOS, and complete setup. Then open Applications > Utilities > Boot Camp Assistant and follow its instructions for Windows 10 and the Boot Camp support software.
Apple's guide: Install Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp Assistant - Apple Support (CA)
Option B > Boot from a Windows USB:
On another computer, download a legitimate 64-bit Windows 10 ISO from https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10ISO and create a bootable USB compatible with the Mac's firmware. Connect it, turn on the Mac while holding Option (Alt), and select the installer if it appears (often “EFI Boot” or “Windows”). Not every USB creation method works on older Macs.
Important: Windows 10 is no longer in standard support. Consider applicable Extended Security Updates or a supported alternative. If you delete all partitions during setup, you may lose any remaining recovery environment on the internal drive.
6. If there's still no display
Try another cable and display, a wired keyboard, and both Recovery key combinations. If no startup screen appears, consider having the Mac's hardware checked. An erased drive explains why macOS won't boot, but normally does not prevent the Apple logo or Recovery screen from appearing.
To narrow this down, please say:
- Does the TV show “No Signal,” a black screen, an Apple logo or a question-mark folder?
- Does the Mac's power light come on or can you hear the fan?
- Are you using a wired Mac/PC keyboard or a wireless one?
- Have you tried Internet Recovery, and what appeared?
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