Will migration assistant copy third party applications, plugins etc. to your new Mac?

Question

sradom1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Will migration assistant copy third party applications, plugins etc. to your new Mac?

Also, it is better to use Time Machine for the transfer?

Mac Pro, macOS 10.15

Posted on May 27, 2021 5:34 PM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

212,411 points

May 28, 2021 10:58 AM in response to sradom1

Just be forewarned that it will take a long time for Migration Assistant to complete the job if the TM drive is a rotational HD. It took me 6 ½ hours to migrate 350 GB from my 7200 rpm HD. So set it up to run all night, go have a nite cap and go to bed.

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Answer 2

sradom1 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 28, 2021 9:17 AM in response to den.thed

My current macOS is Catalina. If I use Time Machine to restore my Mac on the new iMac which will be running Big Sur that will be a problem want it? To avoid this should I update my Mac pro to Big Sur before using Time Machine?

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Answer 3

Jack-19

Level 8

46,116 points

May 27, 2021 6:17 PM in response to sradom1

It is best to use Time Machine.

And yes, it will transfer Applications and Plug-Ins. Just make sure to select to move everything that is offered to move.

Cheers,

Jack

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

85,354 points

May 27, 2021 5:52 PM in response to sradom1

The fastest, easiest way to migrate all of your user files and settings, is to plug your Time Machine backup drive into the new Mac during the initial setup.

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Answer 5

sradom1 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 27, 2021 6:11 PM in response to den.thed

While this may be the fastest way it doesn’t answer the question as to whether migration assistant will copy all applications including third-party applications and third-party plug-ins.