Opinion: Fresh Install or Restore from TM/Migration

[nyc2pdx]

I've had a few macs for the last 10 years or so, and never done a fresh install (well, since my first one). How easy is it to get my keychain over, mail, etc...? Apps I am not worried about as most are in the App Store.

I should have my new mac later this week, so I am just thinking about it.

Thoughts?

 

[keysofanxiety]

Providing your Time Machine backup is running the latest version of Sierra, there shouldn't be an issue restoring from backup. Migration Assistant is a little different in that the OS can be older.

However as a matter of course I normally like to go with a fresh start and don't restore/migrate anything from the old computer. If there are any documents you need, you can transfer those over with the ol' drag-and-drop. If you have iCloud Keychain enabled, then simply signing into iCloud on your Mac's first setup should retain that information.

It's up to you of course, though there wouldn't be a problem whichever course you decide to take.