I have been backing up my files on an external drive using time machine for the last few years. When I bought a new laptop (MacBook Pro 2020, Mac OS 11.1) and connected the external drive, the backup reads only to the date of the new laptop from a few months ago. Where are my files going back a few years?
When I connect that same external drive to my old laptop, all the files are present.
Try holding down the Option key when entering Time Machine and select "Browse Other Backup Disks…" from the menu. Then select the same disk and see if that will let you go back further in time.
If that doesn't help see if this Apple document is of any help: If your new Mac inherits your backup history - Apple Support
Try holding down the Option key when entering Time Machine and select "Browse Other Backup Disks…" from the menu. Then select the same disk and see if that will let you go back further in time.
If that doesn't help see if this Apple document is of any help: If your new Mac inherits your backup history - Apple Support
Missing time machine files
