What if I don't want to transfer all my documents to my new MacBook? Can I select the ones I want to transfer?

iMac 24″, macOS 13.3

Posted on Apr 30, 2023 3:27 PM

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With the migration assistance, can you select certain files you want to transfer to the new Mac? I don’t want everything transferred from the old to new. With the migration assistance, can you select certain files you want to transfer to the new Mac? I don’t want everything transferred from the old to new.
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Why have all my files from my old Macbook Pro synched to my desktop only I just bought a new macbook pro and began to set it all up. I was asked to update to the latest macOS Ventura, which I did. When it was all installed and restarted, literally ALL my files (from various folders / downloads etc) from my old Macbook Pro synched and appeared on my desktop. Now my desktop is filled with hundreds of files and documents and appear to be linked to my old macbook. Why did this happen? If I delete a document from the desktop's new laptop then it deletes it from the relevant folder from the old laptop. Is there a way of sorting these documents back to their rightful locations without deleting them or manually moving hundreds of files one by one which will be extremely time-consuming? Will these files always be linked to my old laptop? This has never happened previously when I have bought new Macs.
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4 replies

John Galt

Level 10

153,856 points

Apr 30, 2023 5:57 PM in response to TeddyBearInCA

You have options, either before migrating, or after, if sufficient space exists to migrate all content.

Optimize storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

John Galt

Level 10

153,856 points

Apr 30, 2023 3:39 PM in response to TeddyBearInCA

You may only choose among the broad categories of items the Migration Assistant offers to transfer.

Apr 30, 2023 4:46 PM in response to John Galt

Drat

Apr 30, 2023 4:48 PM in response to TeddyBearInCA

Thank you. Maybe Apple will see this and try to make the adjustment in the future.

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What if I don't want to transfer all my documents to my new MacBook? Can I select the ones I want to transfer?