Guide: Switching from Windows to Mac – this is how you do it

When you, as a Windows user, get a MacBook or iMac for the first time, you naturally want to transfer your data. With this guide, we will show you step-by-step how to switch from Windows to Mac.

Switching from Windows to Mac: this is how you do it

Apple desperately wants Windows users to make the switch to the Mac, which is why the company has created the Windows Migration Assistant. This program will help you transfer contacts, calendars, email accounts and more to your new Mac.

From macOS Mojave you can also transfer third-party apps with this program, as long as they also have a Mac version in addition to Windows. For example, if you use Outlook as mail, your Mac will help you transfer your entire mailbox, including the app for macOS, from now on.

Before switching

Before you start switching from Windows to Mac, there are a few things you should check. Below we list the things you need in the form of a checklist:

• A PC with the most recent version of Windows;
• Make sure the PC and Mac are connected to the same WiFi network;
• Check with ‘Check Disk’ on your Windows PC if your disk has no problems. Follow the on-screen steps here to resolve any issues;
• Have your username and password for your administrator account ready.

Transfer data from Windows to Mac

If you’ve done all of the above, it’s time to transfer your data. Boot your Window PC and turn on your new Mac. Then go through the following steps.

1. Make sure all your programs are closed on both your Mac and PC;
2. Download and install the Windows Migration Assistant on your Windows PC:
   Download for macOS Sierra and newer
   Download for OS X El Capitan and below
3. Open the assistant and follow the steps on the screen.

Your Windows PC is now ready to transfer data. So now is the time to grab your Mac. Do you have a new Mac? Then the assistant opens automatically. Users who are already using their Mac can find the assistant in the Utilities folder.

Transfer data to your Mac with Migration Assistant

1. Start up the Mac and open the Migration Assistant;
2. Follow the steps on the screen until you can choose to transfer ‘Data from a Windows PC’. Select this option and click on ‘Continue’;
3. Enter the administrator username and password;
4. Choose the PC from which you are transferring data from the list, an access code will now appear on both your Mac and PC;
5. Make sure this code is the same on both devices. If so, click Next;
6. Wait for the scan to complete, it may take a while;
7. Now choose the data you want to transfer to your Mac. You do this by ticking the box for each folder. At the bottom of the screen you can see how much data is being transferred.

Your data will now be transferred. You can see how far the progress is on both your Mac and Windows PC. Keep in mind that this may take a while depending on the files you have selected.

What now?

Once the scan is complete, you can complete the installation of your Mac. Note that once you’ve logged in, don’t forget to authorize your Mac through iTunes. Do this before syncing or downloading stuff from the iTunes Store. Fortunately, authorizing happened in no time.

This is how you authorize your Mac for iTunes

1. Open iTunes;
2. Log in with your Apple ID;
3. Select ‘Account’ in the menu bar and go to ‘Permissions’;
4. In this window, click on ‘Authorize this computer’.

Are you done transferring all the data? Then it’s time to get to know your Mac! In our comprehensive Mac beginner’s guide you can read all about how to get off to a good start with Apple’s laptops.