I have just purchased a private MacBook Air. It would be really efficient to migrate content from my existing employer managed MacBook Pro (e.g. scientific papers I work on, software that I am still entitled to so that I do not have to copy the settings, and so on).
Is this possible, or should I set the new Macbook Air up from scratch?
Thank you.
MacBook Air (M4, 2025)
Migration Assistant is a program provided by Apple for transferring your files from your old computer to your new computer. It is very easy to use. Be sure to read and follow its instructions. Basically, the process is as follows.
You first begin by starting the process of setting up your new computer. You will be asked if you wish to transfer files. Respond YES and follow the instructions you will be given.
· You will be told to turn both computers on and activate Migration Assistant in the old computer.
· The computers should be connected with a cable to facilitate the transfer. Wi-Fi is not suited for a transfer of so much data and corruption often results. If you must use it, make sure the two computers are located close together.
· You will be given several options of what to transfer. You will likely want to transfer your settings and preferences.
· You can transfer all or none of your files. You do not have an option to select certain files to transfer. If you wish to do that, then do so manually. You can transfer all or none of your installed apps. Some people elect to download fresh installations to the new computer instead.
· The old computer's operating system will not be transferred. No data from the old computer is erased.
· Allow for up to an hour for the transfer process to complete once you start it.
· It should set up the new computer the same as the old one.
· When that is successful, you can log into the new Mac with the old User Account name and password and delete the brand-new user or leave it in place as a second admin account.
Enjoy your new Mac.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck.
I think you are conflating two separate things. I would setup the new Mac from scratch then migrate the data to the new Mac. I would install apps rather than migrate the apps.
As I mentioned, you will have the option to transfer all or no files. Also all or no apps. Some people choose to download and install new, clean apps in the new computer. When You do the initial setup you will create a new account. If you then transfer your preferences, the old computer's account will then also be installed. You may then elect to delete it. I hope this helps.
thank you - I am familiar with migration assistant, but from previous experience it does not work when migrating content from managed to managed computer, as managed computers have profiles installed that screw up the process.
My question therefore was whether this would be the case in migrating content from a managed to an unmanaged computer, for the latter does not need to be registered to my employer's network, hence I was hoping it may not have issues.
thank you, I feared this may be the answer!
thank you.
Migrating content from managed MacBook Pro to (new) unmanaged MacBook Air
