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: hulladh
hulladh Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Upgrading from macOS Catalina with a Time Machine backup

I have macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a late 2013 iMac and I have been warned I cannot upgrade this OS any further. I want to buy a new Mac before this one dies (again). I have a Time Machine backup on an external USB drive, but troubleshooting articles say these existing backups can only be used on macOS Catalina. How can I get my apps and files on my Time Machine backup to the new computer that will have a more recent operating system?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 29, 2022 9:38 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
91,783 points

Posted on Jan 30, 2022 4:43 AM

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


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

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
91,783 points

Jan 30, 2022 4:43 AM in response to hulladh

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


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

Upgrading from macOS Catalina with a Time Machine backup

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