Each week on the Intego Mac Podcast, we discuss the latest Apple news, as well as top security and privacy concerns for users of Apple products. When you download and install macOS Big Sur without starting from scratch, all of your apps, settings, files, and documents will be in the exact same spot that they were before. Clean install is always the best option. But don’t assume you’ll just be able to pick up exactly where you left off, since there are quite a few apps and services that require additional post-migration attention. All of those downloads you never did anything with? This part of the process can be time-consuming, but it can allow you to sift through your files to find what you really need, and slim down your Mac. During the process, you enter some information, such as your Apple ID, so your iCloud account is activated, but, for the most part, your Mac will be a tabula rasa—a blank slate. It's like moving to a new house, with a fresh coat of paint and new flooring. I have used SA for 10 years with all of my Macs with zero ill effect. Choose Upgrade Method: Migration or Clean Installation There are two ways to upgrade a Mac. This is because many apps store invisible files on your Mac for registration purposes, and you haven’t copied these. Both a regular CleanMyMac license and a yearly subscription can be used on one computer only (unless you have a multi-user license). It really is nice to have a clean installation on your computer, but if you are like me, it isn't worth the hassle. It might seem redundant, but the file you need may not have been backed up before you switched over. But when you set up a new Mac, should you migrate your old files or do a clean installation? Drivers for third-party devices should be updated before migrating. The moral of the story is: When you get a new Mac, or when you do a clean installation of macOS, the optimal time to migrate your old stuff (in order to keep account names intact) is right away, during that first run of Setup Assistant, instead of later, using Migration Assistant. Moving Music and Photo libraries has never been an issue in the past. Gone. Backup the Mac, Files & All: Remember that performing a clean install erases everything on the Mac. 2. Again, take this opportunity to check whether you need to keep all of the files in these folders. Thanks to services like Dropbox and iCloud, you can easily track down files and documents that you've kept backed up in the cloud. How to Enter and Exit Full Screen Mode and Use Split Screen in macOS, Everything you can do with the Apple Pencil and Logitech Crayon on Your iPad, How to Prepare Your Mac to Upgrade to macOS Big Sur: the Ultimate Guide, Uncover and Delete Hidden Files Cluttering Your Mac and Save Space, How to switch search engines on macOS and iOS (and why you should), Apple releases iOS 14, watchOS 7 and more with security updates, Fancy Bear, ReVoLTE, and Instagram’s biometric theft – Weekly privacy news, August 21, 2020, Chinese laws, DOJ vs CA, and more – Weekly privacy news, August 14, 2020, U.S. exposes Chinese malware Taidoor – Weekly privacy news, August 7, 2020, iTunes at 20: How One App Changed Apple’s Course, Apple HomePod mini Review: Siri in a Compact Speaker, Apple Announces First Macs with Apple Silicon, How to find what software has been automatically updated on your Mac. etc. That being said, if you mainly use your computer for browsing the internet, checking mail, or other non-work heavy activities, you might want to try a clean install. Missing apps like 1Password and Dropbox immediately take me out of the game and drag my productivity to a crawl until I have what I need again. If so, … The upgrade install is the easiest way to upgrade your Mac to macOS Sierra. I've done both. And this is a good time to decide which of the many apps in your Applications folder you want to keep. Any apps you previously downloaded on Mac can be redownloaded right from the Mac App Store. I got a new MacBook Air and used the migration assistant to migrate my apps, files and settings from my 2008 MacBook Pro. Do the same for the library folder in general. This method preserves all of your current user data, documents, and apps while upgrading the existing operating system on your Mac's startup drive to macOS Sierra. While I couldn't justify a new Mac Pro, I'm replacing my 5,1 with an iMac Pro (hasn't arrived yet). For this reason, you might want to consider doing a clean installation. You may find dozens of apps that you rarely use. Even third-party, non-Mac App Store apps usually have a method to confirm a previous purchase (like a license download code). For this reason you should absolutely not delete your old backup, and especially the ~/Library folder. Speaking of which: Don’t use Wi-Fi. If you still have your old Mac, go ahead and do a fresh backup with Time Machine before recovering files on your new Mac. It is much faster to go from installation to being productive again when all of your apps and files are right where you left them. Use Migration Assistant You're now ready to use Migration Assistant to move your files from the old Mac to the new one. Kirk McElhearn. You don’t want to copy the folders at the top level of your home folder—Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, and Pictures—but rather the contents of these folders into the identically-named folders on the new Mac. Time to upgrade! By default, this folder is hidden, but it contains many files that you should copy. Here are iMore's favorite accessories that we saw come out of CES 2021. How you use your compute res up to you, if you don't want to use Setup Assistant or MA then don't and do a clean install. Everything is clean and fresh and ready for a new start. Be sure to subscribe to make sure you never miss the latest episode. It won’t alter your personal data, but only those files that are part of the system, as well as bundled Apple apps. Get an iPhone 12 mini + Unlimited Data for $60/mo, Check out iMore's favorite gadgets and accessories from CES 2021, Apple reportedly has new iMacs, a new display, and new Mac Pros coming, Review: Sonix Magnetic Link is a compelling MagSafe Charger alternative, Great video editing software for your Mac. Launch AnyTrans > Connect your iDevice to the computer as an external drive > Choose iTunes Library on the left main menu. Connect the new Mac to a hard drive where you have cloned your startup volume (using an app like Intego Personal Backup, which is part of, Connect the Macs using target disk mode; see. So, even though your apps may not be on your cleanly-installed Mac, you can usually get them back without much effort. Everything from backup to manual restore after install. But, check inside the folders to see if they contain contents with newer modification dates than those shown for the folders; this is probably a bug, but a lot of the folders in my Library folder have older modification dates than their contents. Follow Intego on your favorite social and media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube (click the  to get notified about new videos). You’ll also want to subscribe to our e-mail newsletter and keep an eye here on The Mac Security Blog for updates. Select the first one, which reads From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk and click Continue. The first Migration Assistant screen will offer three options regarding data transfer. I usually install macOS updates from scratch on my MacBook Pro and install from a backup on my iMac. Check out today’s Tech News headlines at https://TechCoreNews.com How to perform a clean fresh install of macOS Sierra. With us, you will see how simple and easy you can do this and what advantages you will get. In that case, as long as you still have the Mac OS Installer, you can skip the backup step. What are your plans for macOS Big Sur? Trying to figure out what happened to it could take a long time. If she's not typing away at her keyboard, you can probably find her at Disneyland or watching Star Wars (or both). When you get a new Mac, it might be a good idea to do a clean installation; starting from scratch, with a brand-new operating system, and copy the files that you need from your old Mac manually. As you can see, Migration Assistant is easy to use. I do, however, suggest that you go through that folder and copy over any files or folders for apps that you do use, especially if, when you launch them, their setup is different. Download the relevant macOS or OS X installer from Apple, then use Terminal to create a USB installer you can boot up from. But you probably use plenty of other apps on your Mac. (Type the appropriate names for the backup disk and your user name.) Although you’ll be wiping your old Mac, it will … It gives you the opportunity to rid your Mac of unnecessary bloat. From this point of view, a clean install gives you the best performance compared with disk cloning and OS migration. Open Mail on the new Mac. It's like coming home late at night, in the dark. Erased. Posted on Use Migration Assistant You're now ready to use Migration Assistant to move your files from the old Mac to the new one. While I like that my MBP is clean (it feels like running a brand new computer), I don't like that I have to download every app that I need for work. If you know where your bed is, your head will hit the pillow without you even having to think about it. Deauthorize your existing Mac from all Apple services. Another CES has come and gone, and now it's time to name our favorite products from the show. When installing a major software update like macOS Big Sur, you have the choice to start over from scratch with a fresh copy – as if you've purchased a brand new computer for the first time – or to simply install as usual, allowing you to continue working with the same settings and apps you've always had. So make sure you know where your serial numbers are. Maybe you just bought or built a new computer, or maybe you didn't take care of your computer as well as you thought and you have to do a clean install. If it’s not visible, press Command-Shift-G, then enter, for example, /Volumes/backup-disk-name/Users/your-user-name/Library, and click Go. During setup, you'll be asked if you want to restore your new Mac from a Time Machine backup of another Mac through Migration Assistant. Your Library Folder: there is a special folder in your home folder called Library. In this article we will tell you how to move OS X El Capitan to a new SSD disk. When you set up a new Mac, the Setup Assistant offers to copy your files. When you do a clean installation, you let macOS run its Setup Assistant and create a new, empty user account. All of the tweaks and adjustments you've made over the years to your computer will be gone. I would like to receive news and offers from other Future brands. In addition to the above folders, it’s a good idea to copy any folder whose modification date is in the past year or so. It copies all your files, and you can choose which user accounts get copied over to the new Mac. My plan, as others have suggested, is for a clean install. To do this, choose View > As List, then right-click the window header – where you see columns like Name and Size – and enable Date Modified. This can be a disadvantage because if you have been upgrading your Macs over the years by installing new versions of macOS over old ones, or migrating data from old Macs to new ones, you’ll have hundreds, even thousands of old files that you no longer need taking up space. You’ll notice, as you start working with the new Mac, that you will need to enter serial numbers for all of the apps that you did not purchase from the Mac App Store. Sync your iOS devices to the new Mac, allowing them to be backed up. A clean install means erasing all data on a hard drive, and then installing a fresh new installation of MacOS Mojave to that Mac. All of those apps you tried once but decided you don't like? Start looking at the newest dates and work your way back. You'll need a level of patience and some extra time if you do a clean install of macOS Big Sur. These include Safari, Mail, Calendar, Music, Photos, and the iWork apps (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote). Here’s what you need to copy after a clean installation: Applications: macOS installs a number of applications, many of which you probably use every day. You can make your new home similar to your old one or completely redesign your living space. You may need to go back into that folder and copy some other files to the new Mac. She also fancies herself a bit of a rock star in her town and spends too much time reading comic books. This article explains how to move your Apple Mail data to a new Mac or to a new clean install of the operating system. Setting Up a New Mac: Should You Migrate or Do a Clean Installation? Sign up for a Free Mac Security Newsletter to stay updated. Find out the options for simplifying application migration. Resetting CleanMyMac X license A clean install also means you lose everything. You can make your new home similar to your old one or completely redesign your living space. This feature is similar to Setup Assistant, which only runs during the setup of a new Mac; therefore, if you have set up your Mac is new, you will have to use Migration Assistant to copy files from either a backup or a different Mac. So if you want to run it on another Mac, you have to either buy one more license at a discount or reset your existing CleanMyMac license. Download AnyTrans now on your Windows PC or Mac and follow the below steps to know how to transfer the iTunes library to a new Mac. Lory is a renaissance woman, writing news, reviews, and how-to guides for iMore. If so, don’t copy them. Also, if you see folders with names for apps that you know you no longer use, then don’t copy them. As you work on your new Mac, you may find that certain files are missing. Moving OS X El Capitan to a new SSD. Which is better: starting fresh with macOS Big Sur, or keeping your current settings? If you’ve just bought a new Mac, and you’re upgrading from an older computer, you want all of your files and data to be accessible on the new machine. (Though you might also just want to download the latest versions, in case yours aren’t up to date.) Connect two Macs using a Thunderbolt or Ethernet cable, or make sure they are both connected to the same wi-fi network. Install macOS or OS X from Internet Recovery Mode, which you can boot into by holding option+command+R while your Mac powers up. Follow our step-by-step instruction: First, launch Disk Utility on your Mac. 54 other people completed this guide. The exception: if you just performed a clean install of the Mac OS and haven’t made any changes yet. But for apps you’ve purchased directly from developers, it can easier to copy them manually. If your furniture was all rearranged, you'd have to turn on the lights to see where you are going. Sign up now to get the latest news, deals & more from iMore! Similar to moving to a new house, there may have been a box in the garage that you never opened, but once you move, if you didn't take it with you, it's gone. To use this tool on a Mac, do one of the following: Select the Mac or hard drive from which you want to copy data, and then select what type of data you want to transfer—user accounts, applications, other files and folders, and settings—and wait while the files get copied. Everything is new and you get to decide where to put the furniture. It feels good to have a fresh start. You should also run a quick backup on your new Mac for safety sake. First, you need to access this hidden folder on the new Mac. Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016) For example, all of your email is in this folder, as is the information in the Contacts app. Migration Assistant is good, but it will bring too many old, outdated files with it. Next, choose the SSD disk and go to the Erase tab. However, the disadvantage of using the Migration Assistant is that all your files get copied. Move manually: Copy Mail folder, Mail Preferences, and KeyChain from the current Mac to the new Mac. No spam, we promise. But if you do not want to do extra work, cloning disk or migrating system might be the better choices. You’ll have two windows open. Get that satisfying click for less with the Sonix Magnetic Link wireless charger for your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro. When you get a new Mac, it might be a good idea to do a clean installation; starting from scratch, with a brand-new operating system, and copy the files that you need from your old Mac manually. Remember, when you do a clean install, you are starting from scratch. On the Mac to which you want to move Alice, choose the From a Mac, Time Machine, or startup disk option and click Continue. The simplest is to run the macOS Big Sur installer, which will install the new files over your existing operating system. You should have a current backup before you begin the Migration Assistant process. I wish Apple would make it easier to do. What have you done previously? On your new Mac Open Migration Assistant, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder. Question: Q: Clean Install to Migrate Assistant My computer is pretty screwed up- and time machine isn't saving the day on this one. All of those apps you tried once but decided you don't like? If you go this route, you then need to manually copy files from your old Mac, or from a backup. Step 1. To summarize, if you focus on computer performance, clean install Windows. If you don't have CleanMyPC installation file, download it from our website first. Now, open CleanMyPC.exe and follow the instructions to install the application on your computer. Get the latest Mac security news direct to your inbox. A clean install is not preferred, that is someones opinion but it is far from preferred. Install applications and utilities This is the part that almost put you off making a clean, manual migration - installing your apps. Once the installation is complete, you can use Migration Assistant to transfer data from your old drive to the new one. You don't need to buy expensive video-editing software to get the job done. After the installation is completed, open CleanMyPC like any regular app. The idea behind a clean install is to start with a completely bare machine, getting rid of any old data, files, preferences, settings, old drivers, apps you no longer use, and so on. August 14th, 2020 by When you buy a new Mac, it might be a good idea to do a clean installation; starting from scratch, with a brand-new operating system, and adding the files that you need manually. Here’s how to migrate your files to your new Mac, or do a clean installation, and the pros and cons of both methods. When you do this, you may be surprised to find how much you can ignore from your old Mac. Everything is new and you get to decide where to put the furniture. It's like moving to a new house, with a fresh coat of paint and new flooring. macOS Sierra: Clean vs. Upgrade Install . Make a backup of your Mail data before attempting a transfer. I'm in a similar situation. A fresh backup never hurt anyone. Deciding which step to take is a personal one, but there are definitely benefits to both. Your computer may restart several times during the installation of macOS. Click that header, to sort in date order. I would like to receive mail from Future partners. Setting up a new Mac, while easier than in the past, still requires thought. VPN Deals: Lifetime license for $16, monthly plans at $1 & more. Apple is said to be working on all kinds of things, including something akin to the G4 Cube! You will already be signed in to all of your apps and you won't have to redownload pictures from iCloud. 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For example, /Volumes/backup-disk-name/Users/your-user-name/Library, and KeyChain from the current Mac to macOS.... Suggested, is for a new Mac for registration purposes, and the iWork (. Is better: starting fresh with macOS Big Sur a previous purchase ( like a license download )! Something akin to the same Wi-Fi network and adjustments you 've made over years! Reviews, and Keynote ) a sluggish Mac t recommend that you know your! An eye here on the lights to see where you are starting scratch! To think about it reading comic books surprised to find how much you can,.