Transfer data directly to your new MacBook

Moving files and settings to your new laptop is easy. Find out how.

Claudia avatar
Written by Claudia
Updated over a week ago

Transferring from one MacBook to another

Before you start, install any software updates on both your old and new MacBook and make sure they're both connected to the same network. Then follow these steps:

  1. On your old MacBook, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences and select Sharing.

  2. You can now use Migration Assistant to transfer your files.

  3. On your new MacBook go to Applications, Utilities and open Migration Assistant. Then select Continue.

  4. Enter your administration password when asked by Migration Assistant.

  5. Select Transfer from a MacBook, Time Machine backup or startup disk and select Continue.

  6. On your old MacBook open Migration Assistant and select Continue. Then select the option to Transfer to another MacBook and select Continue again.

  7. On your new MacBook, when asked to select a MacBook, Time Machine or startup disk, select the other MacBook. Select Continue.

  8. If you see a security code on your old MacBook, make sure it's the same one displayed on your new Mac and select Continue.

  9. On your new MacBook select the information you want to transfer and select Continue to start transferring. This could take several hours for large amounts of data.

  10. When Migration Assistant has completed the transfer, close this on both laptops.

Transferring from Windows to MacBook

New to Mac? You can transfer your information by wireless network as long as both your old and new computer are connected to the same network.

  1. Make sure all of your apps are closed on your PC, open Windows Migration Assistant and follow the onscreen instructions.

  2. Select what information you wish to transfer, then select Continue.

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