
Alternatively, you can launch Migration Assistant at any time, by opening a new Finder window and navigating to ‘Applications > Utilities > Migration Assistant.’ You can then use the Assistant to transfer the files and data from your Time Machine backup, to your fresh macOS installation.
#How to find time machine on mac mac#
To reinstall a fresh copy of macOS, boot into Recovery Mode using the ‘Command+R’ shortcut, and then select ‘Reinstall macOS.’ The installation process can take a while, but eventually your Mac will restart and you’ll be guided through the standard setup procedure, including creating a new user account and admin password.ĭuring the setup process, you’ll be asked whether you want to use the Migration Assistant.
#How to find time machine on mac install#
If you cannot restore any of your backups, then one workaround is to install a fresh copy of macOS, and then use the Migration Assistant to transfer the files and data from your most recent Time Machine backup. It’s possible for Time Machine backups to become corrupt, or encounter other errors. Has your Time Machine backup failed? Try the Migration Assistant! This may take a while, depending on factors such as the size of your backup, your Mac’s specifications, and the speed of your Internet connection, if you’re restoring from a network drive.

To boot into Internet Recovery, shut down your Mac, and restart it while holding down the ‘Option+Command+R’ keyboard shortcut.

If Recovery Mode is unreachable, then you can boot into Internet Recovery instead, which is a version of macOS’ Recovery Mode that’s available to all Mac users who have an active internet connection. However, under certain circumstances the standard ‘Command+R’ shortcut may not work, for example maybe your recovery partition is corrupt, or you’re experiencing total hard drive failure. When you see the Apple logo, release these buttons and your Mac should successfully boot into Recovery. This involves shutting down your Mac, and then restarting it while holding down the ‘Command+R’ buttons.
Most of the time, you’ll restore a Time Machine backup by booting into Recovery Mode.
