Re-downloading iCloud photos on Mac

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Level 1

9 points

Re-downloading iCloud photos on Mac

I am setting up a new computer with Migration assistant. Rather than transferring my photos I would prefer to download them from iCloud on the new computer. How do I do that?

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Jan 14, 2022 6:04 AM

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Answer 1

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tygb

Level 9

64,622 points

Jan 14, 2022 7:03 PM in response to ahostmadsen2

See the article Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device - Apple Support

You can uncheck the box of photos in Mac system preferences , syncing go photos with iCloud will stop .

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Answer 2

tygb

Level 9

64,622 points

Jan 14, 2022 9:02 AM in response to ahostmadsen2

Using migration assistant can take hours to transfer the data Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

Rather set up new Mac Set up your MacBook Pro - Apple Support

You have to sign in with same Apple ID and password with account credentials , set up iCloud Set up iCloud on your Mac - Apple Support

And turn on iCloud features in Mac system preferences Set up iCloud features on Mac - Apple Support

And then follow the articles Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

Change preferences in Photos on Mac - Apple Support

System Photo Library overview for Photos on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

ahostmadsen2 Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 14, 2022 7:42 AM in response to ahostmadsen2

I'm thinking I could do this

Switch off iCloud photos on the old computer
Delete the photos library on the old computer.
Use Migration assistant
On the new computer, switch on icloud photos with download originals.

Would that work? I don't want to risk screwing up.

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Answer 4

ahostmadsen2 Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 14, 2022 10:30 AM in response to tygb

Thanks, but it doesn't really answer my question. I will be using Migration assistant, that is already decided. So, the question is how I can move everything except my photos.

If you wonder, why not photos? The issue is that from previous experience, if I transfer the photos, iCloud will then try to reconcile the online library and the "new" library, i.e., check for duplicates. That takes about a week (!!) if constantly blowing fans. Then it's faster just to download photos again.

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Re-downloading iCloud photos on Mac

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