Best way to setup new MacBook, use Time Machine backup or do an iMac-to-MacBook transfer?

[Luba]

What’s the best way to setup a new MacBook, especially a “clean install” so that my new MacBook has the most storage space as possible. I read over the years devices “install” or create many new files to macOS that really add up.

I suppose device-to-device setup is the easiest but that just moves everything over including the “junk”, correct?

Setting up from a Time Machine backup also include all the “junk”?

How do I do a “clean install” without losing important data? I believe all my data files (Word files, photos, music, movies, books) are on iCloud. So I setup my new MacBook as a new user device and then manually reinstall apps from the Mac App Store and from app downloads site from apps not on Mac App Store, finally just sign into my iCloud account? Am I missing any steps?

Thanks in advance!

 

[decafjava]

I'll be watching this as I hope to do an iMac to Mac Mini transfer this year.

 

[ISKOTB]

What’s the best way to setup a new MacBook, especially a “clean install” so that my new MacBook has the most storage space as possible. I read over the years devices “install” or create many new files to macOS that really add up.

I suppose device-to-device setup is the easiest but that just moves everything over including the “junk”, correct?

Setting up from a Time Machine backup also include all the “junk”?

How do I do a “clean install” without losing important data? I believe all my data files (Word files, photos, music, movies, books) are on iCloud. So I setup my new MacBook as a new user device and then manually reinstall apps from the Mac App Store and from app downloads site from apps not on Mac App Store, finally just sign into my iCloud account? Am I missing any steps?

Thanks in advance!

I do not use iCloud, I did a TM backup/restore to my new 14” with no issues. You can do a TM backup and restore individual files if you like

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

If both ways still work (I know the TM way does), either should be equally good.

However, if you truly want "clean(est)" install, the very cleanest approach is the manual way in which you reinstall each app you want on the new one, hand select exactly what documents to migrate over, etc. Yes, that's a much bigger, time-consuming task. However, a way to do this is to first clone the existing main Mac so you have all of the files on a smallish external drive and then carry that external around with you for the next few weeks/months. As you need apps or files on the old system not yet installed on the new one, install them as you need them.

Eventually, all you really need on the new one will be migrated and you'll find you are just about never going back to the external. At that point, you are very cleanly migrated. Maybe put that external in a secure spot in case one more need shows itself in the longer term.

 

[Fishrrman]

Migration is easy -- IF you follow a few simple steps.

I will assume that you don't yet have the new MacBook, correct?

When you bring the new MacBook into the house, unbox it, put it on the table, but DO NOT OPEN the lid yet (because it will boot from "moment zero" when you open the lid, and you don't want to begin setup until you're ready).

You should now run your "last tm backup" on the OLD Mac.
The idea is to "capture" what was on it the moment you switched over to new.

Connect the time machine backup to the new MacBook.
NOW open the lid.
It will boot to the welcome screen.

Start clicking through.
Setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another drive.
YES, you do, so "point the way" to the tm backup.

Give setup assistant some time to "digest" everything.
SA will present you with a list of stuff to migrate:
accounts
apps
settings
data

If you don't want to migrate apps, you can UNcheck this option.
But remember that with applications, it's "all or nothing".
If you don't migrate apps, you'll have to restore your 3rd-party (non-Apple) apps all over again.

I recommend that you migrate everything else. Things will just go easier that way.

OK, turn setup assistant loose and let it do the migration.
When done, you should see your old login screen, like before.

So... log in and "look around".
Good luck.

Final thought about apps:
You didn't tell us in your opening post what version of the OS you're using right now.
If it's "recent" (even 2-3 years' back), you might just migrate the apps, too.
My GUESS is that most of them will still work fine.

Those that don't, you could use the free utility "AppCleaner" to remove -- it does a bang-up job at removing all the old files.

 

[decafjava]

Migration is easy -- IF you follow a few simple steps.

I will assume that you don't yet have the new MacBook, correct?

When you bring the new MacBook into the house, unbox it, put it on the table, but DO NOT OPEN the lid yet (because it will boot from "moment zero" when you open the lid, and you don't want to begin setup until you're ready).

You should now run your "last tm backup" on the OLD Mac.
The idea is to "capture" what was on it the moment you switched over to new.

Connect the time machine backup to the new MacBook.
NOW open the lid.
It will boot to the welcome screen.

Start clicking through.
Setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another drive.
YES, you do, so "point the way" to the tm backup.

Give setup assistant some time to "digest" everything.
SA will present you with a list of stuff to migrate:
accounts
apps
settings
data

If you don't want to migrate apps, you can UNcheck this option.
But remember that with applications, it's "all or nothing".
If you don't migrate apps, you'll have to restore your 3rd-party (non-Apple) apps all over again.

I recommend that you migrate everything else. Things will just go easier that way.

OK, turn setup assistant loose and let it do the migration.
When done, you should see your old login screen, like before.

So... log in and "look around".
Good luck.

Final thought about apps:
You didn't tell us in your opening post what version of the OS you're using right now.
If it's "recent" (even 2-3 years' back), you might just migrate the apps, too.
My GUESS is that most of them will still work fine.

Those that don't, you could use the free utility "AppCleaner" to remove -- it does a bang-up job at removing all the old files.

Thanks for this, I will be doing this in the near future so it will be helpful though I am going iMac -> Mac Mini.

 

[raythompsontn]

The migration can be done without a Time Machine backup by using both machines in close proximity and let the machines establish a wireless connection. I did that when I upgraded to the M4 pro. A USB-C cable can also be used connecting both machines. My migration took a couple of hours using the wireless method. I suspect the TM or cable connection would be faster.

 

[donawalt]

I have done several migrations to new Macs in the last few years, and these days in my opinion, the migration Mac to Mac with a fast thunderbolt cable is the fastest and cleanest. I have done the time machine migrations; it seems to me, while I may be wrong, that the Mac to Mac ends up with less apps needing to be logged in, etc. I make sure I have a current backup on Time Machine just in case things go awry. But I’ve been extremely happy with how well the Mac to Mac conversion goes.

 

[Luba]

Migration is easy -- IF you follow a few simple steps.

I will assume that you don't yet have the new MacBook, correct?

When you bring the new MacBook into the house, unbox it, put it on the table, but DO NOT OPEN the lid yet (because it will boot from "moment zero" when you open the lid, and you don't want to begin setup until you're ready).

You should now run your "last tm backup" on the OLD Mac.
The idea is to "capture" what was on it the moment you switched over to new.

Connect the time machine backup to the new MacBook.
NOW open the lid.
It will boot to the welcome screen.

Start clicking through.
Setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another drive.
YES, you do, so "point the way" to the tm backup.

Give setup assistant some time to "digest" everything.
SA will present you with a list of stuff to migrate:
accounts
apps
settings
data

If you don't want to migrate apps, you can UNcheck this option.
But remember that with applications, it's "all or nothing".
If you don't migrate apps, you'll have to restore your 3rd-party (non-Apple) apps all over again.

I recommend that you migrate everything else. Things will just go easier that way.

OK, turn setup assistant loose and let it do the migration.
When done, you should see your old login screen, like before.

So... log in and "look around".
Good luck.

Final thought about apps:
You didn't tell us in your opening post what version of the OS you're using right now.
If it's "recent" (even 2-3 years' back), you might just migrate the apps, too.
My GUESS is that most of them will still work fine.

Those that don't, you could use the free utility "AppCleaner" to remove -- it does a bang-up job at removing all the old files.

The MacBook is still in the box and my iMac is on the latest macOS 15.2

I'll do a final TM backup.

I don't have many 3rd party apps, mainly Microsoft Office and a few 3rd party utility apps.

Actually, what's taking up a lot of storage are all the music loops from Logic and Final Cut Pro. That used to be a hobby of mine, but don't really use them now. Long ago, I should have installed those loops on an external drive. So it sounds like I should NOT migrate apps.

Settings would be a real pain to set back up, so I would migrate Settings.

Data is mostly on iCloud which has my Photos, Music, Movies from iTunes Store, so in my case I should migrate Data.

So sounds like the time consuming thing to do is install Apps (Apple and Microsoft Office and a 3rd party few Utility apps)?

 

[Luba]

I have done several migrations to new Macs in the last few years, and these days in my opinion, the migration Mac to Mac with a fast thunderbolt cable is the fastest and cleanest. I have done the time machine migrations; it seems to me, while I may be wrong, that the Mac to Mac ends up with less apps needing to be logged in, etc. I make sure I have a current backup on Time Machine just in case things go awry. But I’ve been extremely happy with how well the Mac to Mac conversion goes.

Darn, should have bought a Thunderbolt 5 cable when I bought the MacBook

 

[Luba]

Is this the cable I should get? Thunderbolt 5 (USB‑C) Pro Cable (1 m)

 

[donawalt]

Is this the cable I should get? Thunderbolt 5 (USB‑C) Pro Cable (1 m)

Yes - unless there is a lower one that you need for some reason. But for this exercise that should be plenty long enough. An Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable would be fine as well if money is an issue, as I think only the new Mac supports TB 5, not the old one....but for future-proofing having a TB 5 cable is better.

 

[Fishrrman]

I'll repeat what I posted above:
Just use your time machine backup.
Don't bother with thunderbolt.
Skip the apps if you wish.

Do this, and I predict that things will go fine.

 

[penelope_bk]

What’s the best way to setup a new MacBook, especially a “clean install” so that my new MacBook has the most storage space as possible. I read over the years devices “install” or create many new files to macOS that really add up.

I suppose device-to-device setup is the easiest but that just moves everything over including the “junk”, correct?

Setting up from a Time Machine backup also include all the “junk”?

How do I do a “clean install” without losing important data? I believe all my data files (Word files, photos, music, movies, books) are on iCloud. So I setup my new MacBook as a new user device and then manually reinstall apps from the Mac App Store and from app downloads site from apps not on Mac App Store, finally just sign into my iCloud account? Am I missing any steps?

Thanks in advance!

You're on the right track! For a clean install and to save storage, set up the new MacBook as a fresh device. This way, you won’t bring over any unnecessary files or "junk" from the old device or Time Machine backup. After that, just reinstall apps from the Mac App Store or their official sites, and sign into iCloud to get your files back. Make sure to back up your data (even if it's on iCloud) and double-check everything is synced before starting to avoid losing anything.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

You're on the right track! For a clean install and to save storage, set up the new MacBook as a fresh device. This way, you won’t bring over any unnecessary files or "junk" from the old device or Time Machine backup. After that, just reinstall apps from the Mac App Store or their official sites, and sign into iCloud to get your files back. Make sure to back up your data (even if it's on iCloud) and double-check everything is synced before starting to avoid losing anything.

Sign into iCloud to get your files back is poor, borderline misleading advice for macOS. Time Machine or Mac to Mac are the way to go.

 

[Miss Terri]

Migration is easy -- IF you follow a few simple steps.
...

When you bring the new MacBook into the house, unbox it, put it on the table, but DO NOT OPEN the lid yet (because it will boot from "moment zero" when you open the lid, and you don't want to begin setup until you're ready).

Connect the time machine backup to the new MacBook.
NOW open the lid.
It will boot to the welcome screen.

Hi Fishrrman:

Thank you so much for explaining how to get to "Setup Assistant." I was starting to think it had gone away and only "Migration Assistant" was left. I've use SA in the past and am a fan.

But.... despite what you say about the Time Machine backup as the donor drive (and I do have one), I would really like to use the donor computer (Early 2015 MBP) instead (I just like the idea of having a screen to see on both computers during the process).

If I were doing that, what would be the order of things? I'll write down what I think, but would welcome any corrections:

1) DO NOT open new Mac (will be a new MBA).

2) Connect the donor Mac and the new Mac with a cable (which I have yet to figure out what that would be).

3) Then....... turn on the donor Mac? (The 2015.)???

4) Then finally open the lid to the new MBA and away we go (?)

It's mostly two things I'm unsure about:

---Step 3 (when do I turn on the donor Mac - the 2015 MBP)

---And what cable to use (2015 has Thunderbolt 2 or "square" USB - I have no Thunderbolt 2 cable yet).

I would like to order any needed cable or adapter at the same time as the Mac, because I'm hours from any Apple store or even any Best Buy or etc.

Thank you so much!

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Hi Fishrrman:

Thank you so much for explaining how to get to "Setup Assistant." I was starting to think it had gone away and only "Migration Assistant" was left. I've use SA in the past and am a fan.

But.... despite what you say about the Time Machine backup as the donor drive (and I do have one), I would really like to use the donor computer (Early 2015 MBP) instead (I just like the idea of having a screen to see on both computers during the process).

If I were doing that, what would be the order of things? I'll write down what I think, but would welcome any corrections:

1) DO NOT open new Mac (will be a new MBA).

2) Connect the donor Mac and the new Mac with a cable (which I have yet to figure out what that would be).

3) Then....... turn on the donor Mac? (The 2015.)???

4) Then finally open the lid to the new MBA and away we go (?)

It's mostly two things I'm unsure about:

---Step 3 (when do I turn on the donor Mac - the 2015 MBP)

---And what cable to use (2015 has Thunderbolt 2 or "square" USB - I have no Thunderbolt 2 cable yet).

I would like to order any needed cable or adapter at the same time as the Mac, because I'm hours from any Apple store or even any Best Buy or etc.

Thank you so much!

You can do it over Wi-Fi or, better, Ethernet, assuming you have the appropriate adapter for each Mac.
In that case, you open migration assistant on the old one, power on the new, connect both to the network, and click through the prompts. The old you will indicate is transferring TO another Mac, and the new will then see it as a source device.

 

[Miss Terri]

You can do it over Wi-Fi or, better, Ethernet, assuming you have the appropriate adapter for each Mac.
In that case, you open migration assistant on the old one, power on the new, connect both to the network, and click through the prompts. The old you will indicate is transferring TO another Mac, and the new will then see it as a source device.

Okay, a couple of notes:

1) I have very limited bandwidth. Basically 1 TB would cost me a lot of money (and time) over wi-fi. So I'd rather not do that. (Or does wi-fi somehow not use wi-fi data?)

2) I don't believe there is an Ethernet port on my Early 2015 MBP, nor is there one on the M4 MBA. Wouldn't Ethernet require an Ethernet port? Or does it somehow work over what I have (?).

3) So you are saying NOT to use Setup Assistant, in contrast to what @Fishrrman suggested above? Can you say why?

At this point I'm about ready to just keep using my 2015 MBP running Sierra! The reason I don't want to do that though is that half the time it does not power on, but just sits there with a black screen. Unpleasant. Also, I can no longer sign in to Apple, my bank, etc. etc. (browsers too old).

I buy new computers infrequently enough that I typically do have to look up how, to remind myself. That's okay, I don't mind spending a few days researching. But usually I can find more information that agrees with each other. This time it's many different concepts (I don't know enough to know which to choose), and I can't even figure out which cable(s) to buy.


Notes:

Early 2015 MBP ports:

USB (square type)
--Thunderbolt 2
--Magsafe
--HDMI
--SD card
--Headphone jack

MBA ports:
--Magsafe (tho I think it's a different generation)
--Thunderbolt 4
--Headphone jack

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Okay, a couple of notes:

1) I have very limited bandwidth. Basically 1 TB would cost me a lot of money (and time) over wi-fi. So I'd rather not do that. (Or does wi-fi somehow not use wi-fi data?)

2) I don't believe there is an Ethernet port on my Early 2015 MBP, nor is there one on the M4 MBA. Wouldn't Ethernet require an Ethernet port? Or does it somehow work over what I have (?).

3) So you are saying NOT to use Setup Assistant, in contrast to what @Fishrrman suggested above? (I've always used Setup Assistant in the past, FWIW, not Migration Assistant. I forget the details, but I came to this conclusion reading Apple info pages).

At this point I'm about ready to just keep using my 2015 MBP running Sierra! The reason I don't want to do that though is that half the time it does not power on, but just sits there with a black screen. Unpleasant.

I buy new computers infrequently enough that I typically do have to look up how, to remind myself. That's okay, I don't mind spending a few days researching. But usually I can find more information that agrees with each other. This time it's many different concepts, and I can't even figure out which cable(s) to buy.

I guess by now everyone is just going from M1 to M4? I'm so frustrated I almost feel like giving up.

Notes:

Early 2015 MBP ports:

USB (square type)
--Thunderbolt 2
--Magsafe
--HDMI
--SD card
--Headphone jack

MBA ports:
--Magsafe (tho I think it's a different generation)
--Thunderbolt 4
--Headphone jack

It transfers over your local network and won't count towards ISP usage -you can literally disconnect your coax/fibre cable and just connect over the Wi-Fi and it will work.
For the 2015 you need USB-A to Ethernet. For the Air, USB-C to Ethernet.
Alternatively, you can pay $100 for Apple Thunderbolt cables - Thunderbolt 3-2 adaptor and a Thunderbolt 2 cable.
I don't recommend this due to the price and the typically one time use of the cables, but up to you.
You're making this out to be more of an issue than it is. You're still using both Setup Assistant (new Mac) and Migration Assistant (old Mac). There is no difference if you were upgrading from M1 to 4.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

-

 

[Miss Terri]

It transfers over your local network and won't count towards ISP usage -you can literally disconnect your coax/fibre cable and just connect over the Wi-Fi and it will work.

Ah, okay. I didn't understand that. I guess I'd still rather use a cable (if possible).

For the 2015 you need USB-A to Ethernet. For the Air, USB-C to Ethernet.

Ohh, so neither computer has to "have" Ethernet?

Alternatively, you can pay $100 for Apple Thunderbolt cables - Thunderbolt 3-2 adaptor and a Thunderbolt 2 cable.
I don't recommend this due to the price and the typically one time use of the cables, but up to you.

I did see that. I wasn't SURE it would even work with Thunderbolt 4, but even if so, as you point out, the adapter ($49!) is not only expensive but "makes" me buy a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 2 cable, which I would never use again. I was hoping there was a cable I could buy that might have a future use.

You're making this out to be more of an issue than it is. You're still using both Setup Assistant (new Mac) and Migration Assistant (old Mac). There is no difference if you were upgrading from M1 to 4.

Well thanks. From my perspective I don't know what I don't know, and if I'm finding like seven different explanations. I like to understand what I'm going to do before I do it, is all. What I've found in the past is there can be "glitches" when going from a much older computer to a much newer one. That's already a challenge, so I don't want to make it worse.

Since I can't just trip into the Genius Bar, I like to have a little more information at my disposal before I start in. Also, I have to order any cables ahead of time, since there is no place to buy any locally. Maybe that's why it seems like "I'm making it out to be more of an issue than it is."

I guess compare it to something you barely know how to do, that affects something that's very important to your daily life. Like you are going to do a complicated car repair and need to know what you are getting into.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

No, neither has to have an actual built-in Ethernet port. MacBooks dropped these after 2012 but still support transfers over Ethernet/Ethernet connections to the Internet, via adapters.

It's always worth empowering yourself, I'm just saying, you can do this and have nothing to fear.

 

[Miss Terri]

Thanks, Mr_Brightside-@

I didn't know that about Ethernet. Live and learn.

I'm sure it's frustrating for people like you who know what you are doing, when people like me come along and want to understand everything. And I know lots of people are just like "Oh I'll start trying stuff and see how it goes."

I guess that's just not my personality to begin with, but too, it's gotten me into trouble in the past, so now I'm "once burned, twice shy."

******

Just as one example -- and this was even at a Genius Bar! I went to transfer a new computer at the Genius Bar back in around 2008. Figured I'd let the Pros handle it for once and brought both computers in (brand new, plus old). Genius told me to start the new computer and make my account (name, password, etc.). Then he started the migration process with Migration Assistant. BUT, that was all messed up because since the old computer saw that my new computer already had a "Miss Terri" it would not use that but instead made my account "Miss Terri2" for all time. Oh come on! Then no-one at the Genius bar knew how to fix it.

I went home with my stupid "Miss Terri2" and did a bunch of research and finally figured out (Thank you Old Toad) how I could "nuke" the computer back as if it were new (IIRC I used some Terminal commands) and then I had to NOT make my account on the new computer but instead let the old computer start the process and also use Setup Assistant instead of Migration Assistant, and then it made my new computer a perfect copy of the old one, WITH Miss Terri. No stupid "2"

Ever since then I try to figure out what I can on my own, ahead of time!

(At least this may be easier than moving from my old, broken PowerPC to an Intel Mac. I think that time I had to learn how to use Target Disc Mode.)

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to help a person who only goes under the hood very infrequently.

 

[Miss Terri]

Just to add: I was chatting with a buddy and when I mentioned about planning to get a new computer and transfer over, he said oh by the way, he had a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, and a Thunderbolt 2/Thunderbolt 2 cord in storage that he would never use again, and would be happy to send them to me if I could use them. Sweet, because those things were going to be $$ for something I would only use once.

They should be here before the MBA (even if I order it right this minute). Yay.

Now I can concentrate my fears on "Migration Assistant" vs. "Setup Assistant" and Sierra to Sequoia.... 😂

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Thunderbolt is the way to go where possible.
Put your fears to bed - your options for the old Mac are either opening migration assistant on it (nothing wrong with that) or putting it into target disk mode by holding T on boot.
Either way, it gets it into the same state for SA on the new Mac to transfer data from it. Sierra to Sequoia won't be an issue. I migrated my 2013 Air to M3 Pro last year no issues.