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Use Apple’s Migration Assistant to move supported files and settings from a Windows laptop to a MacBook. You can run it during the Mac’s initial setup or later, and it does not erase files from the PC. Before you begin, update both computers, choose the Windows Migration Assistant version that matches the Mac’s macOS, and keep the Windows laptop until you have checked the transferred data.
Before you start
- Install available Windows and macOS updates, and close open apps on both computers.
- Keep the computers near each other with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. If the Mac runs macOS 13 or earlier, or you are unsure which connection setup applies, Apple recommends putting both computers on the same network or connecting them directly with Ethernet.
- If antivirus, firewall, or VPN software is installed on either computer, temporarily turn it off for the migration, then turn it back on afterward.
- Check Apple’s Windows Migration Assistant compatibility list before downloading. The utility version must match the destination Mac’s macOS.
Apple’s support page currently lists Windows Migration Assistant 3.2.0.0 for Windows 10 or later transferring to macOS 27, Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15, or Sonoma 14; version 2.4.5.0 for Windows 7 or later to Ventura 13 or Monterey 12; and version 2.3.1.0 for Windows 7 or later to Big Sur 11. These are compatibility details, not a guarantee that the list will remain unchanged; check Apple’s page for the current versions and older macOS releases.
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Transfer with Migration Assistant
- Prepare the Windows laptop. Download and install the Migration Assistant version listed for the Mac’s macOS from Apple’s transfer instructions. If you need documents from the Windows system disk or another available disk, run the utility as a PC administrator.
- Open Migration Assistant on the Mac. During initial setup, choose “From a Windows PC.” If the Mac is already set up, open Migration Assistant on the Mac and choose the option to transfer information from a Windows PC. Apple’s Mac Help guide covers selecting transfer categories.
- Pair the computers. Start Windows Migration Assistant on the PC. When the Mac displays a code, enter it on the PC and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Select what to bring over. Review the available users and categories, select the material you want, and begin the transfer. If you are migrating more than one Windows user, sign in to each Windows account and repeat the process for that account.
- Let the transfer finish, then check the result. Large transfers may take hours and can appear to pause. When Migration Assistant reports completion, sign in to the migrated Mac account using the password created during migration, review the migration summary, and inspect the expected folders and apps.
What moves, and where to find it
Migration Assistant lets you select from the categories it finds; exact items depend on the source data and software versions. Apple lists these common destinations:
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| Windows material | Where it goes on the Mac | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Documents and other files in the Windows home directory, including items such as Desktop, Downloads, pictures, movies, and music | The migrated user’s home folder and corresponding folders | Open the folders and confirm important files are present. |
| Non-system documents from the system disk or other available disks | The Shared folder in the Mac home folder | This category requires running Migration Assistant as a PC administrator. |
| Photos | The home folder | Photos may need to be added to the Photos app or imported from within Photos. |
| Outlook and Windows Mail email and settings | Check the migrated accounts and messages; POP/IMAP settings may be among the selectable items. | |
| Contacts and appointments | Contacts and Calendar | Open each app to confirm the entries arrived. |
| Outlook tasks | Reminders on macOS 13 or later | Apple lists this destination for macOS 13 and later. |
| Music, podcasts, audiobooks, films, and TV programmes | The corresponding Mac apps | Check the relevant app libraries. |
| Browser home pages and bookmarks from supported browsers | Safari | Review Safari’s bookmarks and home page. |
| Custom desktop pictures, language and location settings, and known Wi-Fi networks | Mac settings; known Wi-Fi networks are listed for macOS 13 or later | Confirm settings that matter to you; the Wi-Fi category is version-dependent. |
Check the Mac before retiring the Windows laptop
- Compare important documents, photos, and downloads with the originals on the PC.
- Open Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Reminders where applicable, and media apps to verify the items you expected.
- Import photos into Photos if they are present in the home folder but not in the app library.
- Check the Shared folder for documents transferred from other disks.
- Keep the Windows laptop and its data intact until you are satisfied the Mac has what you need. Apple says Migration Assistant does not delete information from the PC or replace macOS on the Mac.
If Migration Assistant appears stuck or fails
Do not assume every pause means the transfer has failed: Apple notes that a large transfer can take hours and may seem to pause occasionally. If it does not complete, check that both computers are set up as Apple specifies and that the Windows utility version matches the Mac’s macOS. Apple’s troubleshooting guidance also describes using Windows chkdsk to check for disk issues that may interfere with migration; follow Apple’s instructions for the relevant Windows version.
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Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver | USB-C Flash, Metal Housing, Swivel Design, Thumb Drive
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
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If the problem cannot be resolved, Apple recommends copying important files with an external storage device or file sharing. This is a fallback for selected files, not a requirement for Migration Assistant. Apple does not publish a speed comparison for these methods in its cited guidance, so choose based on what you need to recover and the connection or storage options available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When manual copying makes sense
For a small number of files, you can copy only the folders you need through external storage or file sharing rather than migrating categories and user accounts. Keep the original folder structure where useful, and check copied files on the Mac before removing the source. For a broader move that includes supported settings and app data, Migration Assistant is Apple’s documented starting point.
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Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive 256GB, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Up to 400MB/s | Transfer 4GB Files in 15 Secs, Compatible w/ USB 3.0/2.0, Waterproof, Storage for Computers & Mobile, Blue (MUF-256DA/AM)
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Lexar D40E 64GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver | USB-C Flash, Metal Housing, Swivel Design, Thumb Drive
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- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
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