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Moving applications and files to a new computer

I am looking to upgrade my iMac and was wondering if it is possible to recreate my the new device with all of my existing applications along with my data files. I want to avoid having to reinstall and repurchase applications I already use.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Dec 5, 2020 5:59 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 5, 2020 6:55 AM

The fastest and easiest way, is to migrate from your old Mac's Time Machine backup during the initial setup.

see > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350


It is far more reliable than trying to migrate computer to computer over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

5 replies

Dec 5, 2020 7:36 AM in response to AppleSupport9871

In addition the the previous answers: old 32-bit apps won't work on Catalina or Big Sur. You can update them or replace them by alternatives. To give you an example: Office 2007 won't work. You could buy a new version, e.g. Microsoft 365 or replace it by the free Office Libre. It's also possible you'll need new drivers for e.g. a printer (check on the manufacturer's website if there is a printerdriver that is compatible with Big Sur (or Catalina).

No big deal and not difficult to do, but worth checking before moving old applications to a new Mac

Moving applications and files to a new computer

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