How can I access files backed up to Time Machine on one computer (2021 16 inch MacBook Pro running latest OS) on another computer (2015 MacBook Pro running macOS Catalina 10.15.7). The 2021 MacBook is in the shop for repairs, and I back it up just beforehand. But I can't figure out how to access the files -there- on my old computer. Thanks!
Earlier Mac models
You can't reach into a random backup and modify a file. Your only recourse is to Restore (make a copy of) that file to another location.
To be able to restore a file from a backup, your need to "inherit" that backup, so that Time Machine thinks it's a backup of YOUR computer.
This may be tricky, because you probably don't want to add a recent backup from your current computer to the backup set form the other computer if the old computer is coming back soon. so I suggest you turn off automatic backups while you fiddle with this., and disconnect your current backup disk. BE SURE TO TURN BACK ON WHEN COMPETE.
The place where you can specify an additional backup to look at is to hold the Option key while you click on the Time machine Icon on the Menubar. You get a new choice named "browse other backups" and a window opens that allows you to see a list of backups that may or may not be currently associated with your machine.
Then launch Time machine.app, and you will get a view of the current folder, and its copies receding back, back, back in time. You can navigate (rather clumsily) to other folders and look for other files.
I did not find an Apple article on this subject.
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Attach the drive and "Enter Time Machine" is the correct procedure: https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/digitaltrendscomcomputinghow-to-restore-files-time-machine-mac/
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Thanks for this. I'm not trying to restore files from Time Machine. I'm trying, using Computer X (a 2015 Macbook Pro) to access files backed up to Time Machine--files that are a backup of Computer Y (a 2021 Macbook Pro).
Accessing Files Backup to Time Machine External Hard Drive on Another computer
