Transfer backup to new Mac

A backup created on a Mac using the Time Machine program can be used to transfer programs, files, and settings to a new/other Mac running OS X 10 Yosemite or later. Don’t have a backup yet? You can read how to make the backup with Time Machine in the article ‘Time Machine backup (Mac)’.

If you just got a new Mac, you will be given the option to transfer user accounts, settings and documents to this new computer via, for example, a Time Machine backup. You will then encounter parts of the steps below. If you did not use this when setting up the computer, you can use the instruction below to transfer the data. This method is suitable if your old computer has at least OS X Snow Leopard v10.6.8.

The Migration Assistant helps you transfer the Time Machine backup.

• Connect the external hard drive where the Time Machine backup was made to the new Mac.
• Open the Migration Assistant. To do that, click the Finder icon (left on the Dock) and then apps (macOS 10.15 Catalina or later) or Programs (macOS 10.14 Mojave or earlier).
• Click Utilities.
• Double click on Migration Assistant.

• The Migration Assistant introduction window opens. click on Continue.
• Enter the administrator password if prompted and click OK.
• click on From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
• click on Continue.

• Click on the disk where the backup is located.
• click on Continue.

An overview of the most recently created backups on the disk opens. There may be several if you are using the drive to back up multiple devices.

• Click on the copy you want to transfer.
• click on Continue.

By default, all data that can be transferred is selected. Think of programs, documents and user settings. If there are multiple user accounts on the backup, you can check or uncheck them individually and make the underlying parts visible via the arrow in front of the account name.

• Do you want to transfer only part of the backup? Then uncheck the items you don’t want.

A user account may say “This user needs your attention before they can be migrated.” This happens if you have created a user account on your new Mac with the same name as on the old Mac. You will soon be given the choice whether you want to replace the existing user on the Mac or whether you want to create a new user account for the copy that is being transferred.

• click on Continue.
• Choose ‘Replace [naam account] on this Mac” if you want your new Mac to be set up just like your old Mac. It is important that no important settings and files are stored in the user account’s home folder on the new Mac. A copy of it is saved in the ‘Users’ folder under ‘Deleted users’, so you won’t lose it.
• Choose a new user account with a different name if you want to have a user account next to it.
• click on Continue.

The data is now being transferred, migrated. This may take a while. How long that is depends on the amount of data to be transferred. Towards the end of the migration, the computer will reboot. The migration is complete. The ‘Migration Complete’ window appears. click on Stop.

There are a few final steps required if you are using an Apple ID.

• A window will appear asking you to enter your Apple ID password. Enter your password.
• click on Continue
• click on Agree to agree to the terms.
• Click again Agree.

You can now continue working on your new computer, using your old settings, programs and files.