To set up a new Mac, choose during Setup Assistant whether to migrate from a Mac, Windows PC, Time Machine backup or startup disk, use an eligible nearby iPhone or iPad, or start fresh. You can also skip migration and run Migration Assistant later. After setup, review your settings, check that migrated apps work, install anything missing, and configure a separate backup.
Before you turn on the new Mac
Have a reliable internet connection and access to the computer or backup you plan to use as a transfer source. If you expect to migrate from another Mac later, Apple advises updating macOS on both computers first. Keep laptops connected to power during migration. Apple also advises turning off antivirus, firewall, or VPN software during the transfer if those tools are installed; this is migration preparation, not a requirement for every new Mac setup.
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Choose a setup path
Setup Assistant walks you through initial preferences and offers data-transfer choices. The best route depends on what source you have and whether you want to carry an old setup forward or begin clean.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| Setup path | Use it when | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Another Mac | Your old Mac is available. | Migration Assistant can transfer selected documents, apps, accounts, and settings. Wi-Fi is an option; Apple says a direct Thunderbolt or Ethernet connection is often faster. |
| Time Machine backup or startup disk | You have a backup or suitable disk but may not have the old Mac available. | You can select it during setup or migrate later with Migration Assistant. |
| Windows PC | You are switching from a PC. | Use the Windows Migration Assistant version that corresponds to macOS on the new Mac. Apple says the PC needs Bluetooth and both computers need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. |
| Nearby iPhone or iPad | You have an eligible device and want to use Apple’s assisted setup flow. | It can bring over some settings and retrieve iCloud content according to the device’s iCloud settings; it is not a complete disk migration. |
| Set up as new | You want a clean start or do not have a source ready. | Nothing is transferred automatically, but you can run Migration Assistant after setup. |
Using an iPhone or iPad
Apple’s support instructions surfaced in 2026 list these minimum versions for nearby-device setup: macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later on the Mac, iOS 18.4 or later on an iPhone, or iPadOS 18.4 or later on an iPad. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled. Requirements can change, so check Apple’s current instructions for setting up a Mac with iPhone or iPad if your devices do not meet the stated versions or the option does not appear.
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Transfer data from your old computer or backup
Apple Support describes the core purpose this way: “Migration Assistant transfers documents, apps, user accounts and settings from one Mac to another.” It moves data to the new Mac; it does not erase the old Mac or replace macOS on the new one. See Apple’s Migration Assistant instructions for the steps and supported sources.
From another Mac
Choose the Mac as the source in Setup Assistant, or open Migration Assistant after setup. Wireless migration uses Wi-Fi. Apple says a direct Thunderbolt or Ethernet connection is often faster, though the right cable or adapter depends on the ports on your Macs.
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From Time Machine or a startup disk
Select the backup or disk as the migration source when prompted, or use Migration Assistant later. This route is useful if you no longer have the old Mac, provided the backup or disk is available and readable.
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Install the Windows Migration Assistant version that matches the macOS on the new Mac, then follow the on-screen instructions on both computers. Apple’s setup guide specifies Bluetooth on the PC and the same Wi-Fi network for both computers. See Apple’s Migration Assistant guidance for current details.
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Choose what to migrate
Migration Assistant lets you select categories such as applications, user accounts, other files and folders, privacy and security settings, and system and network settings. For a user account, you can select particular folders and content rather than bringing over everything. Review the migration summary: it may identify content that could not transfer or software that is incompatible. Some email may require you to sign in again in the mail app.
If you already finished setup
You do not need to erase the Mac to transfer your data. Open Migration Assistant later from System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, then follow the prompts to select a Mac, Time Machine backup, startup disk, or Windows PC. Menu labels can vary by macOS version; Apple’s Migration Assistant support page has the current procedure.
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Review personal settings
During setup, choose the privacy and accessibility options and other preferences that suit you. Prompts can include appearance, location services, Siri, and Touch ID on models that support it. Not every prompt appears on every Mac or in every region, and many choices can be changed later in System Settings. Apple’s Mac setup guidance describes the setup flow.
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Check migrated apps and install what is missing
Do not assume that every app from the old computer will transfer or run. Apple notes that incompatible apps, or apps for which a newer version is already installed, may not be transferred or usable. Open the apps you rely on and check for missing items in Migration Assistant’s summary. For anything missing or incompatible, obtain a version that supports your Mac and macOS from the app’s official source; the exact installation steps depend on that app. Some apps may also require you to sign in again or restore a license.
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Set up a separate backup
Migration is a one-time move, not an ongoing backup. Apple recommends keeping a Time Machine backup somewhere other than the Mac’s internal disk. A supported external hard drive is one option. Apple explains how to configure it in its Time Machine backup guide.
iCloud sync and Time Machine serve different purposes: iCloud keeps selected content in sync across devices according to your settings, while Time Machine backs up Mac files and supports restoring them. iCloud syncing alone does not back up the entire Mac. For backup options and the distinction, see Apple’s Time Machine guidance and iCloud backup and sync explanation.
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