Transferring To A New mac: How ?

[Robert11]

Hi,

Think my desktop mac has major problems, and will
probably have to be replaced.

Assuming it is still running, more or less O.K., what's the
easiest way of transferring "everything" to the new machine ?

Is there a program that will do it "automatically" ?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[MacsBug]

Hi Bob,

When you start your new Mac, it will ask you to migrate the info from the old Mac. But, depending on what Mac you have will determine the best way to do this.

 

[Lufbrarunner]

I have had to do this a few times and my go to method is Time Machine.
Make a Time Machine backup of the old machine and then when setting up the new Mac you will be prompted to migrate your info choose the Time Machine backup as your source.

 

[Rodananne]

Either way if you have any doubts about the old device's reliability create a full Time Machine backup now. If you have any questions about doing this please ask.

Importantly if you use either a Time Machine backup or Migration Assistant to Restore or Transfer your account and data to your new Mac there are some important do's and dont's to be aware of.

Personally I prefer Migration Assistant but you must ensure you perform the Transfer immediately after first start up and you must recreate the same user account name almost like cloning wirelessly from the old to the new device. Apple's instructions offer two options on this step and their instructions are somewhat confusing.

So, get back to us with any questions you might have.