Migration from MacBook 12" to MacBook Pro 14" (Intel to M1 apps)

eugenio.bartolo wrote:

1. Hi All,

What's the best way to ensure a smooth migration of environment (user profiles, data, settings, etc.) from an Intel-based MacBook 12", to an M1-based MacBook Pro 14" ?

Would you envisage I do this:

Create a temporary admin user on the MBP 14"

2. Install all M1-optimised apps on the MBP 14"

Connect the two devices (via Ethernet, for example) and run Migration Assistant to migrate everything except the apps1. from the MB 12" to the MBP 14" (I don't know if this is even possible ?)

How have you managed to have everything working well as part of the transition from Intel to M1 ?

Thank you for your inputs.

The most trouble free way to move to a new machine, is using the Setup Assistant on the initial boot of a brand new machine— you have one shot here. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205749

The second best way is use the Migration Assistant.

How to move your content to a new Mac https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350

There is no need for the extra calisthenics.

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204350 and Uncheck Applications and System & Network

As a small addition to what leroydouglss said: I recommend that you choose to migrate only the user accounts. Your mac may have old system extensions or daemons that may not work well in a new OS and a different hardware platform. It is always best to do so, and installing applications is no so much of a hassle nowadays.

Would suggest only Migrating the User Account to the the new Apple Silicon computer.

Reasons

1 - Any issues existing on the old computer may be migrated to the New Computer

2 - Migrating from Intel to Apple Silicon comes into play

eugenio.bartolo wrote:

Thanks for your replies; I imagine selecting the User Accounts would ensure the related data (e.g. Documents, Music, etc.) are also migrated?

Yes. All your documents, music, photos, mail etc will be transferred.

Welcome and thank you too.

Enjoy the new computer