Recover all files from a Time Machine backup - what is the correct sequence for Monterey
I want to help a friend with an Intel Mac do a complete system recovery using Time Machine from the Mac OS Recovery environment. I've provided a bootable USB installer in order to minimize time spent downloading Monterey. I've been looking at Apple's support document for Monterey - HERE. When I'm in the recovery environment for Monterey, I see the usual 4 options. However, the Apple Support document clearly states:
You must first install Mac OS before you can restore from a Time Machine backup. But if I click on Restore from Time Machine in the Monterey recovery environment, I'm immediately told that it will first erase my internal hard drive.
Is there something I'm missing here? Why would I start up from my USB media, install Mac OS, click on Restore from Time Machine backup, and have my internal disk immediately erased? Wouldn't it make more sense if immediately after clicking Restore From Time Machine, the disk was erased, and then macOS Monterey was installed?
I know how to erase the internal disk using Disk Utility, install Mac OS and then use either Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant for user files and apps. But I was hoping Restore from Time Machine Backup would involve less user interaction for my friend.
As it stands, I'm not sure what purpose the Restore from Time Machine Backup option serves. If my friend first chooses Install MacOS Monterey as per the support document, my recollection is that they will immediately go into Setup Assistant after the installation completes.
Thanks in advance for looking.
Earlier Mac models