If your old computer was a Mac, the easiest way to transfer everything is by using Migration Assistant. If you have a Time Machine backup on your external drive, connect it to the new Mac and follow these steps: Open Migration Assistant (Applications > Utilities). Select "From a Mac, Time MachineRead more
If your old computer was a Mac, the easiest way to transfer everything is by using Migration Assistant. If you have a Time Machine backup on your external drive, connect it to the new Mac and follow these steps:
Open Migration Assistant (Applications > Utilities).
Select “From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.”
Choose your backup as the source and transfer your files, apps, and settings.
If you don’t have a backup, you can manually copy files and reinstall apps from the App Store or developer websites. Some apps may require fresh installations, especially if your old Mac was Intel-based and your new one is Apple Silicon.
If your old computer was a Windows PC or Chromebook, the applications won’t transfer since macOS runs different software. However, most of your files—like documents, music, and photos—will still work. You’ll need to install Mac-compatible versions of your apps manually.
For those looking to save space, macOS Sequoia 15.1 and later allows you to install large apps directly onto an APFS-formatted external drive. To do this, format the drive correctly and choose it as the install location when downloading apps.
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If you just need extra space for big files, an external hard drive is your best bet—it gives you the most storage for your money. If you want something small and portable for quick file transfers, a USB thumb drive works well, but it’s not great for long-term storage. An SD card is mainly useful forRead more
If you just need extra space for big files, an external hard drive is your best bet—it gives you the most storage for your money. If you want something small and portable for quick file transfers, a USB thumb drive works well, but it’s not great for long-term storage. An SD card is mainly useful for specific devices (like cameras or laptops with SD slots), but it’s not the best choice for general storage expansion.
For the best mix of speed, reliability, and space, go for an external SSD—it’s faster and more durable than a regular hard drive, though a bit pricier.
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