2 macbook, 1 hard disk. How to use time machine?

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luke_alber Author

Level 1

4 points

2 macbook, 1 hard disk. How to use time machine?

Hi everyone!

I have 2 mac book pro but only 1 external hard disk.

Is it possible, with Time Machine, to save 2 different back ups?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.1

Posted on Jan 2, 2023 6:12 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

133,351 points

Jan 2, 2023 8:20 AM in response to luke_alber

The DRIVE is shared, nothing else.

I use a shared backup destination to maintain two COMPLETELY separate machines on my home network. The files are not held in common and none are intermingled.

The destination drive has two separate directories, each of which holds the back-up set for a particular Mac.

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Answer 2

Jan 2, 2023 7:40 AM in response to luke_alber

If you are running 10.13 High Sierra or later, you can allow a folder or the entire drive to be a "Shared Backup Destination" for use across your network, by setting up a special case of

Sharing > File Sharing ...on the destination Mac

Use a shared folder with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support

follow the procedure VERY carefully, it is NOT intuitive. At one point you have to Control-click on the folder and make a selection off a pop-up menu that appears to get access to the feature.

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Answer 3

luke_alber Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 2, 2023 7:57 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you Grant, I'll have a look at the link as well.

I am not sure if this is what I need. I usually run the back up just to save the documents I have in case the mac get stolen.

Basically one mac is for work the other for private life, so I don't need the two mac to have the same files or softwares. They are completely different.

Does your method work the same for my needs?

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