Migrating to a new mac- time machine or clean install ?

[ferencav]

I think I just copied the Photos library from my Time Machine to the Pictures folder and then Photos recognized it. I am not completely sure, but there should be enough articles written about this.

Just keep your old Time Machine somewhere save at all times and you'll be fine.

 

[TorontoSS]

I think I just copied the Photos library from my Time Machine to the Pictures folder and then Photos recognized it. I am not completely sure, but there should be enough articles written about this.

Just keep your old Time Machine somewhere save at all times and you'll be fine.

thanks a lot!

 

[Luis Ortega]

"Does this not also transfer a lot of the crap accumulated over years of use?"

Yes, it probably will.
I see 2 ways to handle this.
You can either "clean out the old stuff" BEFORE you migrate...
or
You can do the migration and do the cleanup afterwards.

Of course, one can do a "manual migration", but it's more complicated and you've got to know what you're doing. I've done things manually myself.

I’m sorry, but you can never do a full cleanup, especially after 9 years of crap accumulate.
if he wants a clean computer, do a clean install.

 

[Fernandez21]

I use iCloud to store ALL my files, so I always just do a clean install, log into my apple id, and all my files are restored. Then it's simply re-installing my apps and setting up my dock.

Works great for me, keeps my MacBook and iMac in sync, all my files are available anytime and on any device (even my iPad and iPhone), and I don't have to worry about backups. Only downside is I have to pay $10/month for the 2tb iCloud plan.

 

[TorontoSS]

I use iCloud to store ALL my files, so I always just do a clean install, log into my apple id, and all my files are restored. Then it's simply re-installing my apps and setting up my dock.

Works great for me, keeps my MacBook and iMac in sync, all my files are available anytime and on any device (even my iPad and iPhone), and I don't have to worry about backups. Only downside is I have to pay $10/month for the 2tb iCloud plan.

I actually used this method. Easiest thing. Also my Mac doesn't have unnecessary storage on it. my old Mac was using so much more space than my new one. granted a lot are on the cloud but I don't need anything on my hard drive. best thing ever - clean install.

 

[SuperJack]

I think enabling File Sharing on your old Mac, and in the Finder of your new Mac (when connected on the same WiFi) you can easily access all your stuff to fill in the gaps. I have iCloud but only paying the basic tiers. It's. handy it sync all my settings, passwords. Now I just need to drag and drop my photos, musics etc from my old Mac via Finder.