Can Migration Assistant selectively transfer files from an old Mac to a new one?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can Migration Assistant selectively transfer files from an old Mac to a new one?

Hi, I am soon to upgrade my 10 year old intel iMac to a new M4 iMac (long overdue)

I see that Migration Assitant can move your files and folders from your old Mac to your new one.

Will it move everything? as after 10 years I will have some rubbish which I have accumalated which I do not wish to transfer to my new shinny computer.

Do I have an option of deciding what files move over ?

Thanks

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Migration Assistant

iMac 27″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Sep 8, 2025 10:11 AM

Reply

Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,422 points

Sep 8, 2025 10:13 AM in response to Johndrenn

Please simply read Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant and it will explain all of your questions.

If you want to clean up what is migrated, it is wise to do that on the old Mac prior to migration!!!!!!!!!!

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,422 points

Sep 8, 2025 11:37 AM in response to Johndrenn

Your welcome.

Yes you should have much better performance. Also, remember that when you buy the new computer it is NOT upgradeable at all. So please buy with at least 16GB of RAM (all new Macs have at least 16GB of RAM) and get adequate storage.

Another option (highly recommended) is get yourself a M4 based Mac Mini and select the display of your choice. This provide more flexibility in display size and resolution than an iMac. Also, MM's tend to be less $$ than iMacs for similar performance. If you have not considered this then you should do a little bit of studying up before pulling the trigger on a new Mac.

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Answer 3

Johndrenn Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 8, 2025 11:26 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thnak you. Very helpful.

PS - Will I notice a big improvment in performace with the M4?

Thnaks again.

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