How to migrate mid 2012 Catalina MBP to new M1 Pro MBP??

sweater wrote:

Buying the new 16" MBP with M1 Pro chip. But how do I migrate from a 16" MBP mid 2012 retina running on Catalina? My trust old MBP is not eligible for Big Sur or Monterey!!

The most trouble free way to move to a new machine, is using the Setup Assistant on the initial boot of a brand new machine— you have one shot here. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205749

The second best way is use the Migration Assistant.

How to move your content to a new Mac https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350

leroydouglas has the answer to what software to use. Regarding the connection:

Running the exact same version of MacOS is NOT a requirement -- MacOS Networking and File Sharing are widely compatible across versions.

You CAN use your home Wi-Fi Networking File Sharing, but it will be really slow. All afternoon to 'All afternoon and overnight' are typical reports (and complaints).

You can use your old Time Machine backup drive, if you can adapt it to a port on the new Mac.

You can try to find a compatible cable connection, such as ThunderBolt-3 <-> TthunderBolt-2 adapter AND ThunderBolt-2 cable, but the adapters can get pricey for a one-off transfer.

To use an Ethernet connection, you must connect each computer to your Router and enable Mac File Sharing on each computer.

When connected directly with no Router, they have nothing to say to each other.