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User profile for user: CattyAboutRealEstate
CattyAboutRealEstate Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Can I transfer my desktop from my old mac to a new one?

Hello,


I have a very old mac. I actually think its a 2011. I'm pretty sure I'm signed into my icloud as well and have all my files on there. Its time to buy a new mac and I basically want my whole desktop with all my files on this one to be on my new one. Does it just transfer through iCloud or do I have to do something else? Also, what about my applications? I bought Adobe Lightroom years ago (before monthly memberships was a thing) and I would love to have that transferred as well.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.13

Posted on Jan 20, 2020 12:53 PM

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
60,578 points

Posted on Jan 20, 2020 2:01 PM

macOS 10.15 Catalina is the latest OS which will be installed on any new Mac you buy now. Catalina no longer supports 32bit apps, so it is unwise to transfer older apps to the new computer as they may be incompatible. You will most likely need to purchase, download, or upgrade to new versions compatible with Catalina. It is best to manually install the Catalina compatible apps to the new computer.


You can, however, safely migrate your user accounts from the old computer to the new one either using Setup Assistant during the initial setup of your new computer or by launching Migration Assistant later.


32bit app compatibility:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436


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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
60,578 points

Jan 20, 2020 2:01 PM in response to CattyAboutRealEstate

macOS 10.15 Catalina is the latest OS which will be installed on any new Mac you buy now. Catalina no longer supports 32bit apps, so it is unwise to transfer older apps to the new computer as they may be incompatible. You will most likely need to purchase, download, or upgrade to new versions compatible with Catalina. It is best to manually install the Catalina compatible apps to the new computer.


You can, however, safely migrate your user accounts from the old computer to the new one either using Setup Assistant during the initial setup of your new computer or by launching Migration Assistant later.


32bit app compatibility:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436


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Can I transfer my desktop from my old mac to a new one?

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