Bought an iMac 3 years ago. Never been used.
It's about time to put my current iMac to rest. Am I going to face a software nightmare trying to migrate from the "old" system to the new one? What would be the best protocol for handling this situation to ensure the OS and applications are uptodate?
iMac 21.5″, macOS 13.7
Don't over think it.
The key to success is to carefully follow the Setup Assistant prompts.
Just turn on the new iMac and let the Setup Assistant walk you thru the steps.
also see > Set up your iMac - Apple Support
macOS can easily skip versions and play catch-up at any time.
If the setup assistant prompts updating first, then follow those instructions.
If the setup assistant prompts transferring first, then follow those instructions.
Fire up the new iMac and migrate from the old iMac during the initial setup.
see > Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support
If you plan to put the old Mac "to rest", you may want to do this to it after you have transferred everything and doubt-checked that it transferred OK.
What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support
I've reviewed the document and it sounds rather straight forward. It states MacOS needs to be uptodate for both systems. Since the "new" system has never even been turned on, does this mean 3years worth of software updates will be required before attempting the migration? The old system is uptodate. Thanks for your reply.
Yes, I'm unfamiliar with all this. So, your replies are quite helpful. Thank you.
You’re welcome.
Thanks for the tip. I sure want to make certain as it'll be nearly 10 years worth of data involved!
Software migration and updates for an unused 3-year-old iMac
