How to Restore Mac from Time Machine Backup

Restore Mac from Time Machine Backup

Last updated on July 17th, 2022 at 7:18 pm

Data loss is real-time issue and could occur any time. It is possible that you have lost your data due to accidental deletion or your hard disk or SSD is erased or replaced. Situations like this cause real trouble as you no more have access to your important files and settings. The good news is you can restore Mac from Time Machine backup if you have created one. You can also restore local snapshot on your startup disk.

Follow these steps to transfer and restore all your files from your Time Machine backup to Mac.

How to restore Time Machine backup on Mac?

Now that you have Time Machine backup with you, next is to restore all your files and macOS from this backup. Here, you can select from restore all your files or restore both the macOS and all your files.

Restore all your files

Before you start restore process, you need to ensure that you have Time Machine backup disk connected to your Mac and it is turned on. Once done, turn on your Mac and follow these steps.

  1. In the Utilities folder of Applications folder, open Migration Assistant.

    If your Mac has start up to a setup assistant, then you will find migration assistant included to the setup assistant.

    If you wish to restore your operating system you were using when the backup was created or if your Mac doesn’t start up all the way, then you would need to restore both macOS and your files.

2. Now you need to select how you want to transfer your information. You need to select From a Mac, Time Machine Backup, or startup disk option. Once selected, click Continue button.

Migration Assistant

3. Next is to choose your Time Machine backup. Click Continue

time machine backup

4. It may ask you to select backup from list of backups organized by date and time, then you need to select one of these backups. Click Continue.

backup list

5. On the next screen, you need to select all the information that you want to transfer. Once selected, click Continue. You may find different screen on your system.

select information to mac

6. Now it will start transferring your data. It may take long if you a lot of data to transfer. Once transfer is completed, you need to restart your system. Now log in to the migrated account to check all the files from the backup.

Restore both macOS and your files

Restore both macOS and files

Before you start, make sure the Time Machine backup disk is connected to your Mac and is turned on. Follow below mentioned steps to restore Mac from Time Machine backup.

  1. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command – R keys to start up from macOS Recovery. As Apple logo or spinning globe is visible, release the keys.
  2. Once the macOS Utilities window is visible, select Restore from Time Machine Backup option.
macOS utilities

3. Click Continue multiple times until you see an option Select a restore source. Here, you need to choose your Time Machine backup disk. Alternatively, you can select Macintosh HD (your startup disk), that might have a local snapshot to restore data.

Select a restore source

4. Click Continue. You may  need to enter the administrator password of Time Machine backup if your disk is encrypted. Click Continue again.

5. Select a backup, if available, and then click Continue.

select backup

6. Next is to choose a destination disk. Destination disk is storage device where contents of your backup will be stored. In case you have selected Local Snapshot, then you will not be asked to select a destination.

select destination

7. Click Restore or Continue

 Note: It may ask you to enter the administrator password to unlock the disk if your Mac has FileVault enabled.

8. Once completed, restart your Mac.

Conclusion

So this was a detailed discussion on how to restore Time Machine backup. Do try these steps and share your experience in the comments below. You can also try to backup data on your Mac using best backup software or cloud-based services. The best backup software for Mac offers easiest & safest solution to backup your data on Mac.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Post

Recent Post

How to Protect Your Electronics From Power Outages

By TechCommuters / June 5, 2023

Introduction: Our heavy reliance on electronics has become increasingly profound. From smartphones and laptops to home entertainment systems and valuable appliances, these devices play an indispensable role in our daily lives. However, the vulnerability of these electronics to unexpected power outages can lead to costly damages and data loss. Whether you live in an area […]

10 Best Screen Sharing Apps for iOS and Android

By TechCommuters / June 3, 2023

Introduction: Screen sharing has become crucial for seamless interaction in today’s interconnected world. With remote work, project collaborations, and staying connected being our everyday essentials, screen-sharing apps have evolved to meet our on-the-go needs, aligning perfectly with our constant companions. Well, you guessed it right, our smartphones and tablets. In this blog post, we have […]

How to Format an External Storage Device in macOS

By TechCommuters / June 1, 2023

Introduction: Are you ready to supercharge your Mac’s capabilities by connecting an external hard drive? Well, before you can embark on this storage adventure, there’s an important task at hand: formatting your external hard drive to work seamlessly with your Mac. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll walk you […]

How to Install and Use PuTTY for Mac

By TechCommuters / May 30, 2023

Introduction: In the realm of remote server management and secure network communication, PuTTY has earned a reputation as a reliable and versatile tool. Originally designed for Windows, PuTTY has expanded its reach to include other operating systems, including macOS, to cater to the needs of a wider user base. Hence, if you’re a Mac user […]

How to Fix Black Screen at Boot on Windows 11/10

By TechCommuters / May 28, 2023

Introduction: Whether as an individual or a professional, we are all strictly reliant on technology in some or the other way. And amidst this, encountering frustrating issues like a black screen at boot hits us like a roadblock. The black screen boot issue can affect both laptops and desktop computers running various versions of Windows. […]

How to Fix the “Network Discovery is Turned Off” Error on Windows 11/10

By TechCommuters / May 26, 2023

Introduction: Among many common Windows errors, the “network discovery is turned off” error is an annoying obstacle that disrupts your workflow. Whether you’re trying to share files, stream media, or access shared printers, encountering this error can be perplexing and disruptive. The good news is that understanding the causes and solutions for this error can […]

How to Use the New Bing With ChatGPT

By TechCommuters / May 24, 2023

Introduction: Gone are the days of sifting through endless search results. With Bing, powered with ChatGPT, you can now ask questions in plain language and receive instant, personalized answers tailored to your needs. It’s like having a conversation with a knowledgeable search assistant right at your fingertips. So, agree or not, you are definitely in […]

How to Use Split Screen on a Mac

By TechCommuters / May 22, 2023

Introduction: In today’s fast-paced digital world, maximizing productivity is the key. Period. And being able to juggle multiple tasks seamlessly is a skill worth mastering. If you’re a Mac user looking to boost your multitasking abilities, you’re in luck. Apple’s macOS offers a powerful feature known as Split Screen, which allows you to effortlessly divide […]

How to Disable the Lock Screen on Windows 11

By TechCommuters / May 20, 2023

Introduction:  In the world of productivity, every single second counts. The last thing anyone wants is to be hindered by unnecessary obstacles while using their computer. One such obstacle is the lock screen that appears every time you wake up your Windows device. Though it may appear as a minor inconvenience, those valuable seconds spent […]

How to Find Your iPhone From an Android Device?

By TechCommuters / May 18, 2023

Introduction Mobile phones are the necessary daily gadget that functions the maximum amount of work for the user and help to communicate with people. It will be a disaster if you lose your iPhone anywhere on the street or office and have no idea how to recover it. Mostly you will panic and return to […]