There is not enough free space to complete the migration

Question

There is not enough free space to complete the migration

Hi, folks--Using Migration Assistant from 4GB, late 2011 (High Sierra) MB Pro to an 8GB, brand new (Monterey 12.5) MB Pro and I've received the message "there is not enough free space to complete migration" on the new computer. The old computer said, "25, 886 items processed" if that's important. I went ahead and selected all four options for transfer: applications, my user account, other files & folders, and system & network. Have any ideas why this might be happening?

Apple Support is having me update the new computer to Ventura as a first step and then attempt MA again. This will take nearly 2 days bc of wifi connection and, really, how is Monterey to Ventura going to help?? MA will already take a looong time via my wifi.

Appreciate any solutions...

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Dec 11, 2022 10:38 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

DagnyNewberry Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 13, 2022 2:07 PM in response to DagnyNewberry

Embarrassingly, I must admit that I WAS conflating “memory” with storage/disk space and purchased a new computer without adequate space! Duh! I will be returning this one and purchasing the 512 tomorrow.

I appreciate your answer and your time!!

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Answer 2

ku4hx

Level 7

23,688 points

Dec 13, 2022 1:16 PM in response to DagnyNewberry

The 4GB and 8GB you mention is likely RAM, not disk space. Having made no mention of the size of the two drives .....

If you can't use MA, or if it's impractical, you'll need to do it manually by copying and pasting via Finder from an external drive you've put the dafa on. But lack of space is lack of space. If your target disk is smaller than your source disk, you'll need to decide what exactly to transfer.

Keep in mine, your operating system needs 15%-20% of your disk completely unused at all times to do its job. The OS needs room to operate.

Apple is nearly always going to suggest you go to the latest OS. But again, lack of space is lack of space.

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Answer 3

Drew_7

Community Specialist

Dec 13, 2022 4:08 PM in response to DagnyNewberry

Hello DagnyNewberry,

From what you've described it sounds like you're comparing the memory or RAM of your devices. This amount is different than available storage. This page can help you identify available storage on both devices: Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

If your used storage on your older Mac is larger than available storage on your new Mac then you will need to free up space or select less options in order to complete Migration Assistant.

Regards.

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There is not enough free space to complete the migration

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