What is the best way to setup a new Mac Studio with your data from a 2014 iMac?

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Level 1

33 points

What is the best way to setup a new Mac Studio with your data from a 2014 iMac?

I’m about to receive a new Mac Studio to get a slight bump in computing power from my old late 2014 iMac 🤓

Most of my data is in the cloud except for iMovie files - 700gb.

Is it ok to transfer via cable using Apples data transfer method? I used this method when I updated my 2009 iMac to the 2014 and the Apple method worked perfectly.

however this time there seem to be a few quirks with 2014 and wondered if it might be better to stick with clean install on the new Mac Studio and manually transfer the files? And reinstall the apps I need?

iMac 27″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Dec 29, 2022 3:01 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

85,252 points

Dec 31, 2022 6:35 AM in response to Ian Adkins

The new Mac Studio should not need a fresh install.

Use your Apple ID and Skip Migration during the initial setup.

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Answer 2

Ian Adkins Author

Level 1

33 points

Dec 30, 2022 9:45 PM in response to Ian Adkins

OK, basically I have 2 replies each suggesting 1 of the 2 options I outlined.

An article in MacWorld years ago suggested the best was to use Setup Assistant but not to transfer the Apps.

I'm inclined to follow WheelieNick's advice of a fresh setup and do the transfer manually because of the quirks I have in emails and install the app anew. The iCloud email is fine in the cloud but my local ISP email is not.