Jun 24, 2020 This method works well, but it has one drawback: Migration Assistant is an all-or-nothing process when it comes to moving data. It copies everything from one Mac to another. You may not be interested in transferring everything to your new Mac.
- Transferring Software To New Mac
- Transferring Software From Mac Book Pro To Another Computer
- Transferring Software From Mac Book Pro To Another Mac
Migration Assistant makes it super easy to move data from your old Mac to your new one, either directly or from a Time Machine backup. You can connect two Macs with Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet, or even just using the same Wi-Fi network if you don't have one of these cables. Migrating your old data to your new computer will make it possible for you to start working on your brand new Mac without missing a beat.
If you are new to Mac, you can also migrate your old PC data.
Before you start
- Update your software - If your old Mac is running OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or earlier, you will need to update your software first.
- Name your old Mac - If you haven't done so already, make sure your old Mac has a name. Open System Preferences > Sharing > and enter a name in the Computer Name field.
- Connect your old and new computers to a power source - Both devices need to be plugged into a power source to ensure that you don't run out of juice in the middle of the migration process.
- Get your Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable ready - Direct connection is the fastest way to migrate your data from your old Mac to your new. If you don't have the required cable, you can use your local Wi-Fi network instead, but the process will be slower.
How to migrate your old Mac's data to your new Mac
Start with your old Mac
- Connect the Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable from your old Mac to your new Mac.
- If you are using local Wi-Fi, make sure both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open your new Mac
- Launch a Finder window by clicking on the Finder icon in your Dock.
- Click on Applications in the sidebar.Source: iMore
- Double-click on the Utilities folder.
- Double-click on Migration Assistant.Source: iMore
- Click Continue.
- Enter your administrator password if prompted.
- Click OK.Source: iMore
- Click From a Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
Go back to your old Mac
- Launch a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in your Dock.
- Click on Applications in the sidebar.Source: iMore
- Double-click on the Utilities folder.
- Double-click on Migration Assistant.Source: iMore
- Click Continue.
- Enter your administrator password if prompted.
- Click OK.Source: iMore
- Click To a new Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
Go back to your new Mac
- Migration Assistant will be looking for a source. Select your old Mac (if you are using a Time Machine backup, select your Time Machine hard drive).
- Click Continue.
- A security code will display on the screen.
Source: iMore
Go back to your old Mac
- Confirm that the code on your old Mac is the same as the one on your new Mac.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
Go back to your new Mac
- Select the files, settings, apps, and other information you want to transfer to your new Mac.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
This will probably take a while, so grab a cup of coffee and watch your favorite movie while the process takes place.
When you're done
Your new Mac should have all of the data that you selected to transfer. If you migrated everything, your new Mac will look almost exactly like your old one.
If you are planning on selling your old Mac, don't forget to clean it before transferring to its new owner.
Questions?
Let us know in the comments below!
Updated May 2020: Up-to-date for macOS Catalina.
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Contents
- iTunes from Mac to Mac
Part 1: How to Transfer iTunes Library from Mac to Mac
Often, Mac users will have more than one Mac in their home. It is the nature of the beast, as they may be so pleased with their exclusive Mac environment that there may suddenly be a MacBook or an iMac in the house where there may have been only one Mac computer previously. So, like households with both PC and Mac systems in them, households with more than one Mac may decide that it’s time to copy their iTunes library from one Mac to another. There are a number of steps to follow when transferring iTunes from one Mac computer to the other, just as there are when you transfer iTunes from PC to Mac. Here is how it’s done:
Step 1. Open iTunes. Go to Preferences > Advanced
From there, click “Keep iTunes Media folder organized” in order to see your iTunes folder stay properly organized and keep the transition from one computer to the other smooth.
Step 2. Deauthorize your computer from the iTunes store
It’s important to ensure that you deauthorize your old computer from the iTunes Store if you are planning on not using your old computer on iTunes anymore. All you need to do is go to Store>Deauthorize this computer, and your old computer will be deauthorized.
Step 3. Move your iTunes Media Folder
From here, it’s simply a matter of closing iTunes on your old computer and moving your iTunes Media folder across the network to your new computer. Locate the Music folder (~/Music) and use either an external hard drive or a wired or wireless network to get the job done.
Step 4. Change the Library on the new computer
Move the iTunes folder to the same location on the new machine as you had it on the old machine. This will help your iTunes on your new computer locate all the music files on your new machine.
Step 5. Launch iTunes while holding down the Option key
A dialog box will open, asking whether you want to 'Cancel', 'Create a new library', or 'Choose an Existing Library'. Select 'Choose Library', then navigate to where you moved the iTunes folder. Remember that you will overwrite any existing music files in your library.
![Transferring Software From Mac Book Pro To Another Transferring Software From Mac Book Pro To Another](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126293318/997359151.jpg)
Step 6. Authorize the new computer in the iTunes Store
Transferring Software To New Mac
This allows you to get any authorized purchases in your iTunes account.
While Mac may be the platform of choice for many iTunes users, there are multiple users who have iTunes for PC and may be looking at transferring iTunes to another PC system. Therefore, it is important to know how to transfer iTunes from one PC to another.
Transfer iPhone/iPad/iPod touch music, videos and photos to Mac and iTunes.
Transferring Software From Mac Book Pro To Another Computer
One-click backup to iTunes and manage your songs, videos, and photo albums.
Transferring Software From Mac Book Pro To Another Mac
- Copy music from iPhone, iPod, iPad to Mac or iTunes.
- Export videos from iPhone, iPad, iPod to iTunes/Mac.
- Transfer all photos from photo album to Mac or iTunes.
- Copy playlists with rating and play counts to iTunes.