How do I install a Time Machine back up without installing the OS that's is backed up to Time Machine?

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Level 1

4 points

How do I install a Time Machine back up without installing the OS that's is backed up to Time Machine?

Hello I hope this finds you well. I recently downgraded my OS because the software I need for work is more compatible. I checked before updating and their website said that their software works well with Sequoia, but that was a lie lol. I'm running a 2019 MBP 32RAM 2TB. So it could very well have something to do with the fact that I'm still on an Intel chip.

I have a Time Machine back up, but I don't want the OS in the back up. Does anyone know of a way I can restore ONLY the files to my now older OS? I'm running Monterey.

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Jan 17, 2025 5:42 AM

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Answer 1

dialabrain

Level 10

130,181 points

Jan 17, 2025 5:49 AM in response to quazelle

Migration Assistant transfers documents, apps, user accounts, and settings from one Mac to another. It doesn’t delete information from your old Mac or replace the operating system (macOS) on your new Mac.

Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support

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Answer 2

PRP_53

Level 10

94,297 points

Jan 18, 2025 1:34 AM in response to quazelle

quazelle wrote:

I have a Time Machine back up, but I don't want the OS in the back up. Does anyone know of a way I can restore ONLY the files to my now older OS? I'm running Monterey.

Time Machine Backup only backs up the User Account of this computer

It Does Not contain a Full and Functional version of the Operating System

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