Can I use the same backup for 2 machines?

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Can I use the same backup for 2 machines?

I have two iMacs in two different states, when I travel I need the same information on both, eliminating the need to carry one machine around. I used an external hard drive with Time Machine, and when I initiated the remote computer, if I inherited the Time Machine backup, I would not be able to use it on the original computer. I started a second backup on that HD, would iCloud work the same way? Or is it shareable between two computers?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Oct 4, 2023 8:34 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

bruno75

Community Specialist

Oct 6, 2023 12:26 PM in response to Robert Treadway

Hey there Robert Treadway,

Regarding your first question about using an external hard drive for Time Machine, it's recommended that you have one dedicated one for each Mac you want to back up, so we recommend purchasing another one to use with your second Mac.

For your other question regarding syncing files with iCloud, you can sign in to the same Apple ID for iCloud on both of your Mac models. That way, files you save in iCloud will sync on both, any any changes you make on one will reflect in the other.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

Oct 6, 2023 1:51 PM in response to bruno75

Hello Bruno75,

Thank you for that information, using a second Time Machine backup drive would defeat the purpose, I need to take that information with me to keep each computer current. So the information from the original computer is stored on my drive as Robert's Macintosh HD, & the new backup on the remote computer is stored as Robert's HD. When I get back to the original computer (Robert's Macintosh HD), will I be able to use the Robert's HD backup to update it & make it current? The system told me that if I "inherited" info from Robert's Macintosh HD, I would no longer be able to use it on the original computer. The question is will I be able to use the HD backup on the Macintosh HD computer?

As far as iCloud, that seems like the way to go, but will iCloud store everything (Applications, Preferences, etc)? I have some applications that are no longer supported by their developer that I want to keep. Will they migrate with iCloud?

Can Time Machine use iCloud as a destination drive? I see there is an Airport Time Capsule option, but is that just a WiFi enabled external drive?

Thank you for the help, it is appreciated,

-Robert

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Can I use the same backup for 2 machines?

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