Time machine on big sur - Does it backup entire computer with OS files?

[Phat^Trance]

Does time machine on big sur also backup OS files, incase im not able to start my computer? Or does it only backup my personal files like dokuments etc?

I want to be able to restore my computer, in case the entire OS crash and im not able to boot into Big Sur (on Mac Mini M1)

 

[Apple_Robert]

TimeMachine cannot do what you want on Big Sur. Depending on your Mac, you have to use Internet Recovery, or Install via Options menu (or Configurator 2) for M1 Mac to install the OS, before restoring files using Migration Assistant, CCC, Arq or SuperDuper.

 

[Phat^Trance]

TimeMachine cannot do what you want on Big Sur. Depending on your Mac, you have to use Internet Recovery, or Install via Options menu (or Configurator 2) for M1 Mac to install the OS, before restoring files using Migration Assistant, CCC, Arq or SuperDuper.

I have the M1 Mac Mini, so i have to do the Internet recovery? Will i be able to "repair" the OS, or will it only reinstall a new version with default settings etc?

How does Mac (m1) restore work? Will it be as good as on iPhones were you can restore a hole new device and get a copy of the old version of backup that you have?

 

[Apple_Robert]

There is no internet recovery with the M1 Mac.

This Apple document details the steps to restore your M1 MacOS.

How to reinstall macOS – Apple Support (UK)

You can use macOS Recovery, your computer’s built-in recovery system, to reinstall the Mac operating system. Reinstalling macOS doesn't remove your personal data.

support.apple.com

If you have another Macbook or Mac mini, you can use Configurator 2, which is very fast (10 - 15 mins) to restore your M1. It is my preferred method.

Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon using Apple Configurator 2

In rare circumstances, Apple computers become unresponsive and the chip’s firmware must be revived or restored.

support.apple.com

 

[Phat^Trance]

But how can I backup all my big sur settings and customizations etc, if time machine on m1 doesn’t do this?
are there any other apps that allows me to backup these stuff?

 

[Apple_Robert]

But how can I backup all my big sur settings and customizations etc, if time machine on m1 doesn’t do this?
are there any other apps that allows me to backup these stuff?

Install the OS and then use Migration Assistant to restore from iTunes backup. That should restore most of your settings.

 

[gilby101]

But how can I backup all my big sur settings and customizations etc, if time machine on m1 doesn’t do this?

Time Machine does backup all your settings and customisations (as well as applications and data).

Install the OS and then use Migration Assistant to restore from iTunes backup. That should restore most of your settings.

I think you meant:

Install the OS and then use Migration Assistant to restore from Time Machine backup.

That will restore all your data files (documents, photos, etc.), applications and your settings.

 

[Phat^Trance]

Time Machine does backup all your settings and customisations (as well as applications and data).


I think you meant:

Install the OS and then use Migration Assistant to restore from Time Machine backup.

That will restore all your data files (documents, photos, etc.), applications and your settings.

Are you sure that Time machine will backup settings and customisations on Mac Mini (M1) in Big Sur? Ive read on some places that it dont.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Time Machine does backup all your settings and customisations (as well as applications and data).


I think you meant:

Install the OS and then use Migration Assistant to restore from Time Machine backup.

That will restore all your data files (documents, photos, etc.), applications and your settings.

Thanks for catching that. Apple autocorrect got me and I didn’t realize it.

 

[gilby101]

Are you sure that Time machine will backup settings and customisations on Mac Mini (M1) in Big Sur?

Yes. Time Machine allows full recovery.