Troubles migrating photo library to new MacBook Air

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Troubles migrating photo library to new MacBook Air

Using Migration assistant to put all files into my new MacBook Air i got that message that Library did not migrate and could not be opened. There is nothing there yet but all photos are still on my iphone and in the cloud. I thought I could just sync with photos in cloud but icloud photos is off and will not turn on. First I had trouble remembering Apple ID but it was accepting the new ID, then I thought it was the fact that I had two step authentication in place but the sync toggle never asked for a code number. It just accepted the password and stopped dead. Is there an easier way to get my photo library into my new computer (in photos)

and get icloud photo to say it is on instead of off. All other icloud accounts are on.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.4

Posted on Apr 18, 2024 6:51 AM

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Answer 1

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léonie

Level 10

200,777 points

Apr 18, 2024 8:51 AM in response to NancyVK

When you want to restore your Photos Library from iCloud, try to start over with a new, empty Photos Library. Do not use the old library, that could not be transferred properly.

Quit Photos, if it is running.
Launch Photos again while holding down the options key ⌥ firmly, until you are seeing the diolog to select a library. Then select to create a new library. Select to create in your Pictures folder.
When Photos opens on the new, empty library open the Photos > Preferences (or Settings) from the man menu bar in the Photos menu.
In the General tab of the preferences click "Use as System Photos Library"
In the iCloud tab set the checkmark for iCloud Photos.
Then close the dialog and let Photos run, until the library has been downloaded. It will be faster, if you initially use the option "Optimize Mac Storage" instead of "Download Originals". You can enable this later, if your have enough free storage.

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Troubles migrating photo library to new MacBook Air

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