Buying a New MacBook Pro - Big Sur to Monterey

Hi,

I have 2014 Macbook Pro running Big Sur - this model does not support upgrading to Monterey.

I am purchasing a new MacBook Pro that will have Monterey installed. Will I be able to use Migration assistant to move my files. I see that a lot of documents indicate the 2 computers need to be on the same operating system?


Thanks

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Mar 14, 2022 8:24 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 14, 2022 8:33 AM

Move your content to a new Mac There is no specific mention on having to running the same version of macOS. Though, for better results as close to same version is better especially of moving to Apple Silicon M1 computer.


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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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 14, 2022 8:33 AM in response to GizmoJen

Move your content to a new Mac There is no specific mention on having to running the same version of macOS. Though, for better results as close to same version is better especially of moving to Apple Silicon M1 computer.


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  

Mar 14, 2022 9:14 AM in response to GizmoJen

It is NOT a requirement that your old and new Mac must be on the SAME MacOS version.


The article suggests you update EACH Mac to the latest version That particular Mac can run, to eliminate any issues that may have already been seen and solved.


Migration Assistant will be moving your files and Applications (or exactly the subset you specify). It does NOT move MacOS.

For this purpose and File Sharing in general, MacOS is widely compatible across old and new versions.

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Buying a New MacBook Pro - Big Sur to Monterey

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