Getting ready to use Migration Assistant for the first time

When using Migration Assistant will applications from my old Mac replace apps that already exist on my newer Mac - or will the apps from the old Mac simply be added?


iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Dec 14, 2023 11:47 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 15, 2023 10:07 AM

To be specific, some Apple apps such as Mail are installed as part of the Mac's operating system, therefore you can look at the new computer's Application folder to see what is already installed. Below are some useful notes which should be helpful. Migration Assistant is a program provided by Apple for transferring your files from your old computer to your new computer. It is very easy to use. Be sure to read and follow its instructions. Basically, the process is as follows.

You first begin by starting the process of setting up your new computer. You will be asked if you wish to transfer files. Respond YES and follow the instructions you will be given.

·      You will be told to turn both computers on and activate Migration Assistant in the old computer.

·      The computers should be connected with a cable to facilitate the transfer. Wi-Fi is not suited for a transfer of so much data and corruption often results. If you must use it, make sure the two computers are located close together.

·      You will be given several options of what to transfer. You will likely want to transfer your settings and preferences.

·      You can transfer all or none of your files. You do not have an option to select certain files to transfer. If you wish to do that, then do so manually. You can transfer all or none of your installed apps. Some people elect to download fresh installations to the new computer instead. Keep in mind that, depending upon which OS your old computer has installed, some older 32 bit apps will no longer work in the new computer. They will have to be updated.

·      The old computer's operating system will not be transferred. No data from the old computer is erased.

·      Allow for up to an hour for the transfer process to complete once you start it.

·      It should set up the new computer the same as the old one.

·      When that is successful, you can log into the new Mac with the old User Account name and password and delete the brand-new user or leave it in place as a second admin account.

Enjoy your new Mac.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 15, 2023 10:07 AM in response to Kats_4

To be specific, some Apple apps such as Mail are installed as part of the Mac's operating system, therefore you can look at the new computer's Application folder to see what is already installed. Below are some useful notes which should be helpful. Migration Assistant is a program provided by Apple for transferring your files from your old computer to your new computer. It is very easy to use. Be sure to read and follow its instructions. Basically, the process is as follows.

You first begin by starting the process of setting up your new computer. You will be asked if you wish to transfer files. Respond YES and follow the instructions you will be given.

·      You will be told to turn both computers on and activate Migration Assistant in the old computer.

·      The computers should be connected with a cable to facilitate the transfer. Wi-Fi is not suited for a transfer of so much data and corruption often results. If you must use it, make sure the two computers are located close together.

·      You will be given several options of what to transfer. You will likely want to transfer your settings and preferences.

·      You can transfer all or none of your files. You do not have an option to select certain files to transfer. If you wish to do that, then do so manually. You can transfer all or none of your installed apps. Some people elect to download fresh installations to the new computer instead. Keep in mind that, depending upon which OS your old computer has installed, some older 32 bit apps will no longer work in the new computer. They will have to be updated.

·      The old computer's operating system will not be transferred. No data from the old computer is erased.

·      Allow for up to an hour for the transfer process to complete once you start it.

·      It should set up the new computer the same as the old one.

·      When that is successful, you can log into the new Mac with the old User Account name and password and delete the brand-new user or leave it in place as a second admin account.

Enjoy your new Mac.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck.

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Getting ready to use Migration Assistant for the first time

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