iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The safest way to move from an old Mac to an M2 MacBook Air is Apple’s built-in Migration Assistant. During first-time setup, choose From a Mac, Time Machine or startup disk. If the Air is already configured, open System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Open Migration Assistant. Migration Assistant can copy documents, applications, user accounts and settings without deleting the old Mac or replacing macOS on the new one. Make a current Time Machine backup first so you have a recovery copy if anything is missing.
Before you start: make the move recoverable
A migration is much less stressful when the original Mac remains untouched and a separate backup exists. Apple says Migration Assistant does not erase information on the old Mac and does not replace the operating system on the new Mac, but you should still prepare both computers before copying data.
Preparation checklist
- Update macOS on both Macs.
- Connect both laptops to power for the entire transfer.
- For a wireless move, turn on Wi-Fi and keep the Macs close together.
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus, firewall or VPN software if you use it. Restore those protections after migration.
- Create a current Time Machine backup of the old Mac before changing anything. Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity.
- Check the available storage on the M2 MacBook Air. The selected documents, applications and accounts must fit on its internal drive.
A USB-C or Thunderbolt external SSD is a practical Time Machine destination because those interfaces are supported for external storage. The drive should be sized for at least twice the capacity of the Mac being backed up; this is Apple’s current guidance, not a requirement for the amount of data you happen to have today.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Choose the transfer source and connection
Migration Assistant uses the same category-selection screen regardless of whether the source is another Mac, a Time Machine disk, a startup disk or a Windows PC. The meaningful choices are the source, how the data reaches the Air, how much you copy, and whether you have a verified backup to fall back on.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Source | When it fits | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Mac-to-Mac | You have the old Mac available and want the simplest copy of its accounts, files, apps and settings. | Wireless transfers depend on Wi-Fi and can take hours for large collections. Keep both Macs powered and nearby. |
| Time Machine backup | You already have a backup, or you want a repeatable source that also preserves a recovery option. | The backup disk must be connected and usable by Time Machine. Reformatting a Windows-formatted disk erases its existing contents. |
| Startup disk or external storage | The old Mac is unavailable but its startup disk or a compatible copy can be attached. | Only the categories you select are restored; a manual file copy alone does not recreate user accounts and system settings. |
| Windows PC | You are moving from Windows rather than macOS. | You need the Windows Migration Assistant release that matches the macOS version on the M2 MacBook Air, and some documents or software may not be transferable. |
Transfer directly from an old Mac
This is the normal route when both Macs are working. You can perform it during the Air’s first setup or later from System Settings.
If the M2 MacBook Air has not been set up
- Start the MacBook Air and follow Setup Assistant until it asks how you want to transfer information.
- Choose From a Mac, Time Machine or startup disk.
- On the old Mac, open Migration Assistant and choose To another Mac.
- On the Air, select the old Mac when it appears.
- Confirm that the security code shown on both Macs matches. Do not continue if the codes differ.
- Wait while Migration Assistant calculates how much storage each category will use.
- Use the disclosure arrow beside each category to narrow the selection, then select what you want to copy: Applications, User Accounts, Other Files & Folders, Privacy & Security Settings, and System & Network.
- Resolve any account-name collision. You can replace the account already on the Air or rename the incoming account so both remain available. If Migration Assistant displays a temporary password for a standard account, record it.
- Start the transfer and leave both Macs connected to power until it finishes.
If the Air is already configured
- On the M2 MacBook Air, open System Settings.
- Select General, choose Transfer or Reset, and click Open Migration Assistant.
- Choose From a Mac, Time Machine or startup disk, then continue with the source selection, security-code check and category selection described above.
Running Migration Assistant after setup does not require you to erase the Air. It adds the selected incoming account and data to the existing installation, subject to the account-name decision you make.
What to expect during the copy
Large transfers can take hours and may appear to pause occasionally. Do not shut down either Mac just because the progress display has not changed for a while. When the transfer completes, sign in to the migrated account and read the migration summary. Use that summary to identify documents that could not be copied or software that may be incompatible.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Restore the Air from a Time Machine backup
A Time Machine disk can replace the old Mac as the source. This is useful when the old computer is unavailable, when you want a clean repeatable source, or when you want the backup to remain available as a recovery copy.
Restore steps
- Connect the Time Machine disk to the M2 MacBook Air.
- Open Migration Assistant. During first setup, choose From a Mac, Time Machine or startup disk; after setup, use System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Open Migration Assistant.
- Select the Time Machine backup when it appears.
- Choose the Applications, User Accounts, Other Files & Folders, Privacy & Security Settings and System & Network categories you want.
- Resolve an account-name collision by replacing the existing account or renaming the incoming one.
- Allow the restore to finish, then sign in and inspect the migration summary.
Prepare a new backup disk correctly
For a new Time Machine disk, Apple prefers APFS or APFS Encrypted. A disk currently formatted for Windows must be reformatted before Time Machine can use it; reformatting permanently removes the data already on that disk, so copy anything important elsewhere first. When a network backup is involved, SMB is preferred when available. Older AFP-based approaches are being retired in newer macOS releases.
Time Machine can also keep local snapshots on an APFS Mac. Apple describes those snapshots as hourly and retained for up to 24 hours, but local snapshots are not a substitute for an external backup: they share the Mac’s internal storage and do not protect you from loss of the computer or its drive.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Move from a Windows PC
Apple supports migration from Windows with a Windows Migration Assistant application. Install the version that matches the macOS version running on the M2 MacBook Air, then use Migration Assistant on the Air to select the information to transfer. Keep the Windows PC and Air powered and connected as instructed by the utility while it works.
- Update macOS on the Air and note its version.
- Install the matching Windows Migration Assistant version on the PC.
- Open Migration Assistant on the Air and choose the Windows PC as the source.
- Open the Windows utility, select the Air when prompted, and verify the displayed security code if one is shown.
- Select the available information categories and begin the transfer.
- Afterward, review the migration summary for documents that could not be copied and software that is incompatible with macOS.
Windows migration is not a promise that every Windows application will become a Mac application. Plan to reinstall macOS versions of the programs you need and retain the Windows machine or a backup for files the summary identifies as untransferred.
What transfers, and what needs follow-up
| Category | What Migration Assistant can copy | Follow-up to perform |
|---|---|---|
| Documents and folders | Files selected under User Accounts and Other Files & Folders. | Open several important folders and documents on the Air and compare them with the old Mac or backup. |
| Applications | Applications selected in the transfer categories. | Some incompatible apps, or apps for which a newer version is already installed on the Air, may not transfer or may not be usable. Check the migration summary and obtain a compatible version from the software publisher. |
| User accounts | Accounts selected under User Accounts. | Choose replace or rename if the same account name already exists. Use the temporary password shown for a standard account if Migration Assistant provides one. |
| Privacy and security settings | Selected settings under Privacy & Security Settings. | Review the settings after signing in and re-enable any protection you disabled before migration. |
| System and network settings | Selected items under System & Network. | Verify that the Air’s network and other system preferences match what you intended to bring over. |
| Email data can transfer with the account. | The email account may need to be set up again in the mail app. | |
| macOS itself | Migration Assistant does not transfer the operating system as a replacement. | Keep the macOS installation on the Air and update it normally. |
Intel-era apps on an M2 MacBook Air
An M2 MacBook Air uses Apple silicon, so application compatibility must be checked individually. Migration Assistant may skip an incompatible application, and an app can also fail to work even when its files are copied. Apple specifically warns that incompatible apps, or apps with newer versions already installed on the destination, may not transfer or may not be usable.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
After migration, open the applications you actually rely on rather than assuming that a copied Applications folder means everything is ready. If an app does not launch or reports incompatibility, check the developer’s current macOS and Apple-silicon requirements and install a supported release. Keep the old Mac or the Time Machine backup until those checks are complete.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot the common failure points
The transfer appears stuck
Large transfers may need hours and can seem to pause. Keep both Macs on power and nearby, and give the process time before interrupting it. If it eventually completes, use the migration summary to locate omissions rather than starting over immediately.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The old Mac does not appear
- Confirm that both Macs are awake, connected to power and running current macOS versions.
- For wireless migration, turn on Wi-Fi and move the computers close together.
- Temporarily turn off third-party antivirus, firewall and VPN software, then try Migration Assistant again.
- On the old Mac, make sure Migration Assistant is set to To another Mac; on the Air, use From a Mac, Time Machine or startup disk.
The security codes differ
Stop and verify that you selected the intended source Mac. Continue only when the code on the old Mac matches the code displayed on the Air.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Files or applications are missing
Read the migration summary first. The category may not have been selected, the item may not fit on the destination, or the software may be incompatible or superseded by a newer destination version. Reconnect the Time Machine backup, if you made one, to retrieve files that were not included in the first selection.
The account name is already in use
Migration Assistant requires a choice: replace the existing account or rename the incoming account. Replacing is appropriate when the Air’s temporary account contains nothing you need; renaming keeps both accounts available. Decide before the transfer proceeds so you know where the incoming home folder will appear.
Use an external drive for backup or a wired workflow
Apple documents USB-C and Thunderbolt external storage as Time Machine destinations. A USB-C or Thunderbolt SSD can therefore serve as the pre-migration backup and, when needed, as the source selected in Migration Assistant. Choose a drive with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity, and match the cable to the ports and required data standard. Apple does not identify one universal retail cable model; a charge-only USB-C cable may not provide the data connection your workflow needs.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Manual drag-and-drop copying to an external drive is useful when you want only selected folders, but it does not reproduce accounts, privacy settings, system settings or network configuration by itself. Use Migration Assistant when the goal is to make the Air resemble the old Mac, and use manual copying as a supplement for deliberately selected files.
Quick Recap
Final verification checklist
- Sign in to the account that was migrated or renamed.
- Open important documents, project folders and photo libraries.
- Launch the applications you depend on and resolve any compatibility warnings.
- Open the mail app and set up the email account again if requested.
- Check privacy, security, network and other system settings.
- Read the migration summary for items that could not be copied.
- Keep the old Mac and the Time Machine disk untouched until you have confirmed that the Air contains everything you need.
- Restore antivirus, firewall and VPN protection if you disabled it before migration.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
