New iMac & Using MacBook Air Time Machine - What will transfer?

[MikeElmendorf]

My new iMac arrives tomorrow and I intend to use my Time Machine backup from my MacBook Air.

Question is, what will migrate over? Just files, music etc, or also programs and account (email, etc) info? In other words, does it work like setting up a new iOS device from an encrypted backup?

Thanks.

 

[Jeroen7]

I think it will just restore your backup to your new imac so it's exactly the same, but that also include clutter etc.

it's not bad setting up fresh, if you use iCloud a lot of stuff will automatically appear on your new iMac. Only mail accounts you might need to set up again. But then you're sure your new mac will be as fast as possible.

 

[MikeElmendorf]

Thanks.

 

[Guille Barfer]

I think that Time Machine does a full backup of your mac, so your new macbook will be restored with all the data of your previous computer

 

[bakron1]

I use migrate and it will transfer all your account, apps and data over and it will be exactly as it was on your original machine.

I only use time machine backups if I replacing the hard drive. Just make sure the OS versions on both machines are the same.