Best Practices when migrating from 2013 iMac to 2024 Mac Mini

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Level 1

4 points

Best Practices when migrating from 2013 iMac to 2024 Mac Mini

I wonder if I could get real life experiences and advice on migrating from a 2013 iMac (intel) to 2024 Mac Mini (m4). Specifically, what are the best practices given that pretty much all of my OS, apps and programs are now obsolete.

The programs that I use the most can be updated so here's where I would like advice:

Should I install all of my programs with the latest version before migrating user data? Or should I just do a full migration and then update the programs?

Note that I have already set up user profile on the new Mini so this will be via Migration Assistant, not Setup assistant.

I welcome any and all tips and experience that you can share when performing this task.

Thank you in advance.

LV

Mac mini (M4)

Posted on Apr 3, 2025 06:26 AM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

23,535 points

Apr 3, 2025 06:34 AM in response to ellvee99

The OS is not migrated. Non-compatible apps are not migrated.

Read Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support first.

I would not migrate any apps; probably none of them from a 2013 iMac would even run on a 2024 Mac mini anyway. I would install all apps fresh on the new mini so you have a clean, compatible copy of each app.

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Answer 2

ellvee99 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 3, 2025 06:38 AM in response to MartinR

Thank you, MartinR.

What about user/application data? For example, browser bookmarks, Outlook users? Can these sort of things be migrated to newer versions of programs?

Also, install new apps on the mini FIRST, correct?

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Answer 3

MartinR

Level 7

23,535 points

Apr 3, 2025 08:28 AM in response to ellvee99

What version of macOS is on your 2013 iMac? What version of Outlook and any other 'significant' app(s) you may already have? It may make some difference in what is migrated.

User data is generally migrated (documents, photos, music, etc.). You will probably need to set up your email account(s) again in Outlook on the new mini. Safari bookmarks are probably migrated although since I don't use Safari myself I cannot say for sure.

I would install new apps on the mini after doing the migration from your iMac.

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Answer 4

ellvee99 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 3, 2025 08:45 AM in response to MartinR

Hi MartinR,

Late 2013 iMac = 10.15.7 Catalina.

Outlook 16.66.2 (last version that runs on on my OS).

All significant apps other than Firefox and Chrome are no longer being patched and updated.

Thanks for the tip(s).

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Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,068 points

Apr 3, 2025 10:17 AM in response to ellvee99

That is the best method, bar none! If you have not read the information in the link yet please look it over and you will understand. If you already read it, I'd urge you to read it another 2-3 times so you pick up everything that's in it.

If you don't follow the instructions in it your migration will likely have some types of problems.

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Answer 6

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,068 points

Apr 3, 2025 10:56 AM in response to ellvee99

Prior to migrating per the practice I recommended update all third party apps possible. If you cannot update them then just migrate pre the recommendation and then update all of your third party apps. The same holds for the opposite case, if you don't want some of the old apps (or their updates) then simply uninstall prior to migrating or you can migrate them and then remove them after the fact. Either way it really makes no difference.

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Answer 7

Apr 4, 2025 06:13 AM in response to ellvee99

FWIW, since the age difference is 11 years, it is likely you have accumulated a lot of flotsam and jetsam over the years.

I would take this as an opportunity to start fresh by re-installing the apps you really need and forget apps that have been sitting on the machine for years that never get used. I would then just get another drive if needed and go through your user files and copy those you really need and just toss those files that you really no longer have any use for. You might be surprised at how much you will come across and say, "Why do I even still hanging on to this?" It is a bit tedious but in the end you will have fresh, clean machine.

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