You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: The Closeman
The Closeman Author
User level: Level 1
23 points

Migrate from High Sierra to Big Sur Time Machine Issues

I am trying to migrate using a Time Machine backup to a newer Macbook that runs Big Sur. However, the old Macbook uses High Sierra. So the BIg Sur version doesnt recognise the old Time Machine version because its not APFS format drive. So I tried formatting the drive to APFS and then take a new Time Machine cut. However, the High Sierra will not do a Time Machine version on APFS strangely.


I have also tried to migrate using the assistant over the network but it doesnt see the other Macbook to migrate from.


So how do people recommend that I migrate to the Big Sur Macbook?





Posted on Jun 20, 2022 6:56 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
91,765 points

Posted on Jun 21, 2022 2:17 AM

Move your content to a new Mac


If the new computer is going to be the Apple Silicon M1 / M2 Equipped Computer - would suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.


Some have had success and others have been left with a mess when Migrating everything.


1 - Apple Silicon with either Big Sur macOS 11 or Monterey macOS 12 Only Support everything 64 bit and there is no workaround.


2 - Issues that may exist on the older computer will be migrated to the New Computer. This would badly pollute the new Original and Pristine installation of the new OS.


3 -  Applications, extensions and Software Drivers may or may not even work on the new computer.


4 - IMHO - it would be best to only install new application etc Directly from the Developer or the Apple Apps Store.


5 - Due Diligence on New Applications and make sure they are Monterey / Big Sur compatible and factor in the ARMs CPU of the Apple Silicon Computer  

View in context

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
91,765 points

Jun 21, 2022 2:17 AM in response to The Closeman

Move your content to a new Mac


If the new computer is going to be the Apple Silicon M1 / M2 Equipped Computer - would suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.


Some have had success and others have been left with a mess when Migrating everything.


1 - Apple Silicon with either Big Sur macOS 11 or Monterey macOS 12 Only Support everything 64 bit and there is no workaround.


2 - Issues that may exist on the older computer will be migrated to the New Computer. This would badly pollute the new Original and Pristine installation of the new OS.


3 -  Applications, extensions and Software Drivers may or may not even work on the new computer.


4 - IMHO - it would be best to only install new application etc Directly from the Developer or the Apple Apps Store.


5 - Due Diligence on New Applications and make sure they are Monterey / Big Sur compatible and factor in the ARMs CPU of the Apple Silicon Computer  

Reply

Migrate from High Sierra to Big Sur Time Machine Issues

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up