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

Upgrading from macOS Catalina with a Time Machine backup

I have macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a late 2013 iMac and I have been warned I cannot upgrade this OS any further. I want to buy a new Mac before this one dies (again). I have a Time Machine backup on an external USB drive, but troubleshooting articles say these existing backups can only be used on macOS Catalina. How can I get my apps and files on my Time Machine backup to the new computer that will have a more recent operating system?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 29, 2022 9:38 AM

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User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
84,973 points

Posted on Jan 30, 2022 4:43 AM

If the new computer is going to be the Apple Silicon M1 Equipped Computer - would suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.


1 - Apple Silicon with either Big Sur macOS 11 or Monterey macOS 12 Only Support everything 64 bit and there is no workaround.


2 - Issues that may exist on the older computer will be migrated to the New Computer. This would badly pollute the new Original and Pristine installation of the new OS.


3 -  Applications, extensions and Software Drivers may or may not even work on the new computer.


4 - IMHO - it would be best to only install new application etc Directly from the Developer or the Apple Apps Store.


5 - Due Diligence on New Applications and make sure they are Monterey / Big Sur compatible and factor in the ARMs CPU of the Apple Silicon Computer  

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User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
84,973 points

Jan 30, 2022 4:43 AM in response to hulladh

If the new computer is going to be the Apple Silicon M1 Equipped Computer - would suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.


1 - Apple Silicon with either Big Sur macOS 11 or Monterey macOS 12 Only Support everything 64 bit and there is no workaround.


2 - Issues that may exist on the older computer will be migrated to the New Computer. This would badly pollute the new Original and Pristine installation of the new OS.


3 -  Applications, extensions and Software Drivers may or may not even work on the new computer.


4 - IMHO - it would be best to only install new application etc Directly from the Developer or the Apple Apps Store.


5 - Due Diligence on New Applications and make sure they are Monterey / Big Sur compatible and factor in the ARMs CPU of the Apple Silicon Computer  

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Upgrading from macOS Catalina with a Time Machine backup

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