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Use Apple’s built-in Migration Assistant to move eligible files, user accounts, apps, and settings to a new MacBook. You can transfer directly from another Mac, from a Time Machine backup or other storage, or from a Windows PC—and you can do it during initial setup or later. Migration Assistant does not erase the old Mac or replace macOS on the new one, Apple says in its Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant guide.
Choose the source you have
Migration Assistant is built into macOS. The right route depends on whether you can use the old computer or have a backup available.
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| Source | What to do | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Another Mac | Run Migration Assistant on both Macs and connect them over Wi-Fi, Thunderbolt, or Ethernet. | Direct Thunderbolt or Ethernet is often faster than Wi-Fi, Apple says, but is optional. |
| Time Machine backup or other storage | On the new Mac, select the backup or storage device as the source in Migration Assistant. | If the new Mac inherits the old Mac’s Time Machine backup history, that history can no longer be used by the old Mac. |
| Windows PC | Use the Windows Migration Assistant version for the macOS installed on the new Mac. | Some Windows settings and passwords are not transferred. |
When to run Migration Assistant
You can transfer during the new MacBook’s initial setup or after you have finished setting it up. If you choose to do it later, open Migration Assistant from Applications > Utilities, find it with Spotlight, or—in current System Settings—go to General > Transfer or Reset > Open Migration Assistant. Menu labels can vary by macOS version, so follow the prompts shown on your Mac.
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- Update macOS on both Macs and turn on Wi-Fi for a wireless migration. Keep the computers near each other and connect laptops to power.
- Apple advises temporarily turning off antivirus, firewall, and VPN software until the transfer is complete.
- The Macs do not need to run the same macOS version. If either Mac uses OS X El Capitan or earlier, or you are unsure which version it uses, connect both to the same Wi-Fi network for a wireless transfer.
- If convenient, connect the computers directly with Thunderbolt or Ethernet; Apple says a direct connection is often faster than Wi-Fi. It is not required.
Transfer from another Mac
- On the new MacBook, open Migration Assistant and choose the option for transferring from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
- On the old Mac, open Migration Assistant and choose the option to transfer information to another Mac.
- When the old Mac appears on the new Mac, select it. Confirm that the security code shown on both computers matches when prompted.
- Choose the accounts and categories you want to move, then continue. Depending on what is available, you can select applications, user accounts, other files and folders, privacy and security settings, and system and network settings.
You can also select specific folders within a user account, such as Documents, Pictures, Movies, Desktop, and Downloads, rather than transferring all eligible content.
#1 Best Overall
- AN AMAZING MAC AT A SURPRISING PRICE — With an incredibly portable and durable aluminum design, up to 16 hours of battery life,* and the A18 Pro chip, MacBook Neo is ready to go wherever school takes you.
- FOUR STUNNING COLORS. ONE DURABLE DESIGN — Choose from four beautiful colors — Silver, Blush, Citrus, or Indigo — each with a color-coordinated keyboard. And MacBook Neo is made with a durable recycled aluminum enclosure that helps it reach 60 percent recycled content by weight — the most ever in any Apple product.*
- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
Transfer from a Time Machine backup or storage device
- Connect the Time Machine backup drive or other storage device to the new MacBook, if needed.
- Open Migration Assistant on the new Mac and choose Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk as the source.
- Select the backup or storage source, then choose the accounts and categories to transfer and continue.
A backup can be used to restore personal files, apps, and user account content. If the Mac needs macOS reinstalled before it can start properly, reinstall macOS before restoring with Migration Assistant; Apple explains this in its Restore your Mac from a backup instructions.
Decide what to do with Time Machine history
If you plan to keep using both Macs, pay attention if the new Mac asks to inherit the old Mac’s Time Machine backup history. Apple says to choose to create a new backup history for the new Mac if you intend to keep using both computers. Inheriting the history means the original Mac can no longer use it. See Apple’s About Time Machine backup history guidance before accepting that choice.
Rank #2
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- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Transfer from a Windows PC
- On the new MacBook, open Migration Assistant and choose the option for transferring from a Windows PC.
- On the PC, download and open the Windows Migration Assistant release that matches the destination Mac’s macOS version. Apple’s Move from a PC to a Mac with Migration Assistant guide covers the process.
- Follow the prompts on both computers. Apple documents transfers from Windows 10 or later over a wired or wireless network; Bluetooth must be on.
- When the PC appears on the Mac, select it and follow the on-screen instructions, then choose the content to transfer.
Selected Windows user content can include pictures, movies, music, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, and POP/IMAP email settings. Computer settings may include the desktop picture, selected language, and location. Network settings and passwords do not transfer. To migrate more than one Windows user, sign in as each user and run Windows Migration Assistant again.
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What may not transfer cleanly
Migration Assistant offers selectable categories; it is not a promise of a bit-for-bit copy. An app may not transfer if it is incompatible, and an app with a newer version already installed on the new Mac may not transfer either. Some transferred apps may still not work as expected. Apple displays a migration summary when it detects issues, including documents that could not transfer or incompatible software.
Rank #3
- AN AMAZING MAC AT A SURPRISING PRICE — With an incredibly portable and durable aluminum design, up to 16 hours of battery life,* and the A18 Pro chip, MacBook Neo is ready to go wherever school takes you.
- FOUR STUNNING COLORS. ONE DURABLE DESIGN — Choose from four beautiful colors — Silver, Blush, Citrus, or Indigo — each with a color-coordinated keyboard. And MacBook Neo is made with a durable recycled aluminum enclosure that helps it reach 60 percent recycled content by weight — the most ever in any Apple product.*
- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
- Read the migration summary before finishing, and note any listed files or apps that need attention.
- Afterward, open your essential documents and check that the apps you rely on work on the new Mac.
- For a Windows move, plan to set up network access and passwords again; those are not transferred.
If you want to transfer without Migration Assistant
For a full move of eligible accounts, apps, and settings, Migration Assistant is Apple’s built-in route. If you only need a few files, you can instead copy them manually using storage you already have, such as an external drive, or move them through a service you use. Manual copying does not reproduce user accounts or system settings, and apps may need to be installed and configured separately.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FAST RUNS IN THE FAMILY — The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip brings next-generation speed and powerful on-device AI to personal, professional, and creative tasks. With all-day battery life, double the starting storage,* and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display, it’s pro in every way.*
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- BUILT FOR AI — Apple silicon, and every major component that powers it, is designed to run demanding on-device AI workloads like LLM inference and training. And Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.*
- MACOS RUNS APPS FAST — All your go-to apps run lightning fast in macOS, including built-in apps like FaceTime and Messages. Plus, built-in virus protection and free software updates help keep your Mac running smoothly and securely.
Rank #4
- AN AMAZING MAC AT A SURPRISING PRICE — With an incredibly portable and durable aluminum design, up to 16 hours of battery life,* and the A18 Pro chip, MacBook Neo is ready to go wherever school takes you.
- FOUR STUNNING COLORS. ONE DURABLE DESIGN — Choose from four beautiful colors — Silver, Blush, Citrus, or Indigo — each with a color-coordinated keyboard. And MacBook Neo is made with a durable recycled aluminum enclosure that helps it reach 60 percent recycled content by weight — the most ever in any Apple product.*
- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
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