Migrating files to new iMac

[Joeag45]

Upgrading from a 2009 21-1/2” to a new 2021 24” iMac M1. Can I transfer only select profiles and documents using migration assistant? If I use time machine everything gets restored, correct? I’m want to keep the new machine as clean as possible, switching from a 2TB HHD to a 1 TB SSD. I also plan on getting a new external drive for Time machine backup as well as moving all photos to iCloud as well.

 

[IWT]

If I use time machine everything gets restored, correct?

No. If you use Migration Assistant (MA), you can select what you want to transfer from a Time Machine backup. This can include all your settings, email accounts and their contents, and all your passwords. More or less, as you wish.

This seems to me a better and possibly easier option than using MA to transfer data directly from one rather Mac to a brand new one.

What might help too, is to know which Operating System (OS) your 2009 iMac is currently running.

Ian

 

[Joeag45]

The old one is running High Sierra

 

[IWT]

The old one is running High Sierra

In that case, what I said about using MA to transfer data from your TM backup is still the better option my view.

Ian

 

[Joeag45]

Thanks for the help, the usb A to usb C adapter will be arriving tomorrow so I can use the external drive.