Migrate to a new machine, different drive sizes

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Level 1

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Migrate to a new machine, different drive sizes

I am running a Mac Mini late 2012 with 16GB, SSD 1TB (Catalina) + SSD 500GB plus 2x5TB hdds for Time Machine only. The larger drive contains a Parallels virtual machine where I run a single piece of Windows software that I really need. Everything runs perfectly well and the only reason to upgrade is the growing limitations imposed by outdated software.

It 's time to renew and I intend to buy a Mac Mini. However, how do I migrate to the new one? If the new machine has an internal SSD 500GB and an external 2TB connected, will the Time Machine deal with the different sizes? if not, any ideas?

Mac mini

Posted on Oct 27, 2024 5:14 AM

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Answer 1

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,339 points

Oct 27, 2024 1:18 PM in response to vabopi

Not automatically. When you start your new Mac and use TM to migrate it will show a list of categories it can migrate. You will need to uncheck some of these so the migration can fit on the 500GB internal drive. Then the items that did not migrate over you can later copy them to the external drives (like Photos, movies and some files, etc.) The other choice is to get a larger internal drive when buying your Mini.

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