TimeMachine Restore Help?

[ISKOTB]

Really puzzled here... I decided to restore my TM backup from my sold MacBook pro 2015 to my new 2018:
1- I connected my Ext USB HDD and tried to do it via the Recovery mode twice it failed!? I did an internet recovery to bring the laptop back mojave.
2- I connected my Ext HDD again and I did via migration assistance, after a few hours it said successful. I rebooted, logged in and as I’m checking my files I noticed most of my documents are back along with just couple of applications!?

So, I manually located my latest backup from finder and I browsed inside it to restore the rest of my documents, pictures, music…etc. BUT in TM application folder "NO APPLICATIONS" I don't understand as I thought Time Machine backed up my entire system at points in time, No idea what to do now.

Thank You

 

[madrich]

Did you unknowingly exclude Applications from your previous TM backups (in the TM settings)? If you have multiple TM dates to look and examine maybe one of the earliest backups still has your Applications. Lesson learned never sell your old computer without checking what you have backed up. The last time I got a new MBA I copied my data and apps from my old MBPro directly to my new MBA. I also had a TM backup. Afterwards when I was satisfied that I had everything I wanted on my new computer, I erased my old computer and shipped it to the buyer.

 

[ISKOTB]

TM restored couple of applications like 3 out of fifty so I didn't exclude anything. When I contacted Apple support he said I won't be able to see any of my applications now since it isn't the same hardware.
I found this software and I can see all my applications!? Trial version is very limited.

Thanks