Time Machine Backup
Accidentally moved all Time Machine backup files to Trash, need to put them back to external HD. Can I do this in Time Machine instead of Terminal?
Mac mini (M1, 2020)
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Yes, you can restore your Time Machine backup files from the Trash to your external hard drive directly through Time Machine. Here's how:
- Connect your external hard drive to your Mac.
- Open the Time Machine interface by clicking on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar or searching for "Time Machine" in Spotlight.
- Once the Time Machine interface opens, navigate to the specific date and time when the files were backed up and are present in the Trash.
- Use the navigation arrows on the right side to browse through the backups until you locate the files you want to restore.
- Select the files or folders you want to restore by highlighting them.
- Click on the "Restore" button at the bottom of the Time Machine interface.
- Time Machine will prompt you to choose a location for the restored files. Select your external hard drive as the destination.
- Click on "Restore" to initiate the restoration process.
Time Machine will then begin transferring the selected files from the backup in the Trash to your external hard drive. Please note that depending on the size of the files and the speed of your external hard drive, the restoration process may take some time.
If issues continue, contact Apple support.
Additional information: Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support