Time Machine encryption running extremely slow

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Time Machine encryption running extremely slow

I recently purchased a 2019 27-inch 3.7 GHz iMac with a 3TB Fusion Drive. The internal drive is now approximately half-filled, with 1.4TB free. I've connected a (new) 6TB Thunderbolt G-Technologies external hard drive to use as the backup drive. I started Time Machine about week ago, and the initial backup completed in less than about a day's time. Time Machine says that it's now encrypting the backup files. The encryption seems to stop occasionally to create an additional backup, but then goes back to encryption mode. The drive seems to run almost continuously, day and night, and after about a week still shows the status as "0% encrypted." Is this normal, or do I need to erase the drive and restart without encryption (or by encrypting the drive itself first)?

iMac 27", macOS 10.14

Posted on Jun 4, 2019 3:01 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

etresoft

Level 9

56,326 points

Jun 4, 2019 4:53 PM in response to RonK_DanaPoint

The quickest solution would be to reformat the Time Machine drive as HFS+ encrypted and then make a new backup. Make sure to tick the "encrypt the backup" checkbox. If the drive is already encrypted, it won't attempt to re-encrypt.

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Jun 4, 2019 4:48 PM in response to RonK_DanaPoint

Well, that is a good reason for Encrypting, I think but fear you must reformat & start over.

Maybe just use Encrypted Sparse Bundle instead?

http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/sparsebundledefined.html

https://blog.fosketts.net/2015/07/22/how-to-use-mac-os-x-sparse-bundle-disk-images/

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Answer 3

BDAqua

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Jun 4, 2019 4:07 PM in response to RonK_DanaPoint

Encryption is painfully slow, but 0% indicates you need to start over, I'd not use encryption unless you absolutely need to.

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

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Jun 4, 2019 7:37 PM in response to RonK_DanaPoint

Another slow report, but apparently not as bad as yours...

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250400675

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Answer 5

Jun 4, 2019 4:20 PM in response to BDAqua

Would simply restarting this fix it, or do I need to completely reformat the drive pre-encrypted? Apple advises using encryption with Time Machine, and since I've had a computer recently stolen, I'm a little sensitive about the possibility of having all my data unprotected.

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Answer 6

Jun 5, 2019 9:29 AM in response to etresoft

Right now the drive is formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). The other Mac OS options are:

Mac OS Extended (Journaled, Encrypted)
Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled)
Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled, Encrypted)

Would you suggest using #1 or 3? I'm not sure I understand the difference, or which of these equates to HFS+ encrypted (the one you recommend). Thanks!

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Answer 7

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Jun 5, 2019 9:37 AM in response to RonK_DanaPoint

#1 can't have files/folders like Test & test, as the os sees no diff.

#3 Can have files/folders like Test & test, as the os sees them as diff.

#1 is preferred for compatibility issues especially with Adobe or MS Apps.

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Answer 8

Jun 5, 2019 9:55 AM in response to BDAqua

So case-sensitivity is the only difference between 1 and 3 (as the name would imply), and by default Apple doesn't use it and it can conflict with some apps. Thanks, I'll use #1.

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Answer 9

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Jun 5, 2019 11:08 AM in response to RonK_DanaPoint

Yep, you got it Ron. :)

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Time Machine encryption running extremely slow

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