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Using old Time Machine external drive with a new computer

I know that files on a disk with Time Machine backups cannot be accessed by another Mac using Time Machine. I do not need to access the old files.


My question is, will the old files continue to take up space on the external drive after I start using it for Time Machine backups with a new Mac?

MacBook Air Apple Silicon

Posted on Jul 7, 2022 9:34 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 7, 2022 9:41 AM

Kluunsi wrote:

I know that files on a disk with Time Machine backups cannot be accessed by another Mac using Time Machine. I do not need to access the old files.

My question is, will the old files continue to take up space on the external drive after I start using it for Time Machine backups with a new Mac?


If you want to preserve those old backups start a new backup device.


ref: If your new Mac inherits your backup history - Apple Support



otherwise if you want to recover all the drive space—


Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac

Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support




If you value your user data

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite.

More than one device, more than one backup methodology.



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 7, 2022 9:41 AM in response to Kluunsi

Kluunsi wrote:

I know that files on a disk with Time Machine backups cannot be accessed by another Mac using Time Machine. I do not need to access the old files.

My question is, will the old files continue to take up space on the external drive after I start using it for Time Machine backups with a new Mac?


If you want to preserve those old backups start a new backup device.


ref: If your new Mac inherits your backup history - Apple Support



otherwise if you want to recover all the drive space—


Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac

Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support




If you value your user data

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite.

More than one device, more than one backup methodology.



Using old Time Machine external drive with a new computer

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