New MBA M1 set up

[Zapdoc]

Planning on changing my new MBA M1 to another new MBA M1 but with bigger RAM and SSD. Has anyone used the connection both computers for set up and will this install the apps as well as data on the new one form the older one ie does it do a full clone or is it cleaner to just install Big Sur and add on the other apps and data separately - please advise anyone .

 

[jdb8167]

You’ll have the option of migrating from another Mac during setup. Pretty easy though it can be a bit slow depending on how much data and your network speed.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I did this a couple weeks ago to migrate from a 2012 MBA to the M1 Air. Took a little over 3 hours using WiFi. Everything was migrated to the new machine. I’m going to guess a wired connection plus using both 2020 machines could make this process go faster for you.

 

[Significant1]

Planning on changing my new MBA M1 to another new MBA M1 but with bigger RAM and SSD. Has anyone used the connection both computers for set up and will this install the apps as well as data on the new one form the older one ie does it do a full clone or is it cleaner to just install Big Sur and add on the other apps and data separately - please advise anyone .

You can specify what to migrate. It can make a full copy, if you select everything. If your current installation is messed up, it is cleaner to do a fresh setup, but if you are happy with your setup, it is fine to make a copy. How long it will take, all depends on the connection and the amount of data to transfer. I don't think you should be concerned, if you have a lot to transfer, just let it run while you sleep.

 

[ChairSpud]

Just migrated from a MacBook to an M1 Mini using a time machine backup, didn't seem like it took more than ten minutes.