How to Use Migration Assistant While Switching To A New Mac – Guide
If you’ve just bought a new Mac, you may be wondering whether to migrate your old files or do a clean install. It’s recommended to do the latter: start fresh with a new operating system and manually copy over the files you need from your old Mac. Here’s how to migrate your data.
System requirements
To transfer data from one Mac to another, the Migration Assistant tool can be used. If the destination Mac already has a user with the same name, it is necessary to change the name of the user being migrated. Otherwise, a new user will be created with all of the transferred data.
In order to access certain services, you must have either a valid ID, a passport, or a driver’s license.
For a Windows PC
To successfully migrate data from a PC to a Mac, the PC must be running Windows XP Service Pack 3 or higher, have the Windows Migration Assistant program installed, and be able to join a network. Malware can prevent successful migration.
For a Mac running macOS
Mac users can migrate data from a Time Machine backup, even if their Mac’s hard drive is no longer functional. This is the best way to do this, and it works with a Time Capsule on a network as long as the Mac is running macOS 10.6.8 Snow Leopard or later. Those using Leopard or Tiger will need to copy the data manually.
Copying data from a Mac’s hard drive can be done by connecting it to another computer via Firewire or Thunderbolt in target disk mode. If the old Mac is still functional, data can also be transferred over a network.
What does he copy?
From a Mac
Copying data from one Mac to another? It’s all-inclusive: your data, preferences, programs and even the background image and icon locations. But it also means you’ll be transferring any garbage or debris that may have accumulated on your old hard drive. So if you’re looking for a fresh start with a new computer, this isn’t the way to go.
From a PC
Migration Assistant can’t transfer all files from a PC to a Mac, as some programs are incompatible. However, it will copy most of the user’s home folder items such as images, documents and music by default. Additionally, if the user is using Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail or Live Mail for mail, contacts and calendars these will be transferred to Mac equivalents.
Windows users who rely on Thunderbird or other email programs won’t be able to use the Migration Assistant to copy bookmarks from Chrome. The tool only works with Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari.
Users of the Chrome browser on Mac can now sync their data with the latest version of the software.
Updating your PC to the latest version of your operating system is essential for copying iTunes correctly, ensuring libraries and settings are in place.
The Migration Wizard may attempt to copy your home page and other system settings, such as background images, but this often fails due to third-party applications. If the copy doesn’t work, you’ll need to manually set these options.
Problems with the migration wizard
The Migration Assistant is a masterpiece when it works, allowing for a seamless transition between Macs. To ensure the best results, users should use a newer model of Mac with the latest operating system and target disk mode.
The wizard often crashes due to network or hard drive issues, and fails to recover. It doesn’t provide any warning, leaving users stuck in limbo and their migration incomplete.
Migrating a user from Mac to Mac in destination disk mode can take up to 8 hours, and if unsuccessful, the user must be deleted and the process started again.
Copying data from an older Mac to a newer MacBook with an SSD drive may be challenging due to limited space. To ensure you don’t exceed the capacity, use the Migration Wizard’s disclosure triangle next to the user’s name and deselect items such as music and photos that take up more space.
You can use the migration wizard to transfer your main settings and applications from your old Mac to the new one. To manage the size of photos and music, you may need to prune them down and copy them manually.
You may need to keep your external hard drive if you don’t have enough room for the files.
Migrating to Mac-Mac? Most programs should work on the latest operating system, but those designed for PowerPC and Snow Leopard may not be compatible. To ensure your programs run, you may need to find a newer version or replace them altogether. Additionally, some software like Microsoft Office or Adobe products will require a serial number to function on a new computer.
Migration Assistant Best Practices
No matter the approach, patience is key. The Migration Assistant will give an initial estimate of how long the migration will take, which is usually accurate. As data is transferred, the time estimate may change. It may appear to be stuck but it’s likely just working hard. To ensure progress isn’t stalled, keep an eye on the progress bar - if it hasn’t moved in four hours or more, cancel and restart the process.
Migrating from a Mac
Using Time Machine backups is the best way to ensure a smooth transition when migrating from an old Mac to a new one. However, it’s important to note that any data created after the migration has begun will not be copied over. This backup should only be used for browsing purposes while the new Mac is copying data.
Migrating from a Time Machine backup? No need to set up a new one - the Mac will offer to “inherit” the old one. This is also a great way to test your backup system - if it doesn’t work, you know there’s an issue. If you don’t have a Time Machine backup, make sure to set one up.
Backing up your data is essential, and Time Machine makes it easy and affordable. To ensure your data is safe, I recommend manually backing up with Time Machine, shutting down your old Mac, and plugging the time machine into the new one. After that’s done, you can either browse the web on the old Mac or leave it be.
If your Mac won’t boot up and you don’t have a Time Machine backup, target disk mode is the next best option. This mode allows you to use Migration Assistant to access data on the hard drive, even if the computer won’t turn on. An external SATA to USB adapter can be used to copy this data.
To successfully migrate a network, users must open the Migration Wizard on both computers and verify that the codes match, similar to pairing Bluetooth devices.
Migrating from a PC
PC Migration Assistant can take days to complete on a home network, especially if it’s using Wi-Fi. To ensure the best chance of success, both computers should be connected to wired networks when using the Migration Wizard.
Copying files from a PC to a Mac is best done with an external hard drive or flash drive. Place documents in the same folder on your Mac, and use iTunes and Photos to import photos and music from the external device. PC Migration Assistant is only useful for transferring email data between the two systems.
Web-based email users should forgo the Migration Assistant and manually copy their files instead.
To migrate your network, open the program on both your PC and Mac. Download the program to the PC if necessary. Then, select which files you want to transfer from your PC to your Mac.
The value of a manual migration
Migrating data to a new computer can be a hassle, as all of your old preferences and unused programs are copied. To avoid this, it’s best to start from scratch and manually migrate only the necessary files. This involves copying music, photos and documents to an external hard drive before placing them in the correct folders on the new Mac. Additionally, reinstalling programs with their latest versions is recommended; if you don’t have the installer, you can copy the program directly onto the new machine.
After transferring files from an old Mac to a new one, I reinstalled programs with the latest version and copied those without installers.
Final note
If you’re switching to a new Mac, the Migration Assistant can help make the transition easier. Got questions? Reach out for assistance. And don’t forget to share the guide with your friends.
