You may be wondering if all your settings and previous data remain “intact” when you move from a Windows to a Mac. Luckily, OS X El Capitan includes a perfect tool called Migration Assistant that allows you to easily migrate data from a PC running Windows. The coolest thing is that many of your data will be converted or imported into new programs on a Mac to work properly.
For example, Migration Assistant will transfer all your emails from Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail or Windows Live Mail into the Mail app on a Mac. Similarly, all contacts will be imported into the Contacts app on your Mac.
In this post, we will show you how to transfer your information from a Windows to a Mac using Migration Assistant
Note that your Mac and PC running Windows need to be connected to the same network to start transferring your information.
1. Install Windows Migration Assistant
First and foremost, you need to download Windows Migration Assistant on your Windows PC. Once it is downloaded, follow step-by-step instructions to install it.
Once it is done, open Migration Assistant, you will see a simple window that explains how it works, click Continue to move forward.
Migration Assistant will gather all precious information from your Windows PC including your account settings, files and emails. Once it is done, click Continue to search for your Mac which is now connected in same network.
2. Launch Migration Assistant on Mac
On your Mac, you can open Migration Assistant in the Utilities folder in the Application folder or use the Spotlight Search. Once you’ve launched Migration Assistant, the tool will ask you if you want to transfer your information.
- From a Mac, a Time Machine backup.
- From a Windows PC.
- To another Mac.
You should choose “From a Windows PC”, and click Continue to proceed. You will be prompted to enter your username and password. Once it is done, click Continue on your Windows to start searching for your Windows PC.
Migration Assistant will notify if there are any Windows PCs in the same network. Select your Windows PC and click Continue to proceed. Note that the program will display a six-figure code on your Mac, and you need to check if your Windows PC displays the same number. Click Continue on your PC.
Migration Assistant will display a list of accounts available on the PC. Choose your items within the folders available that you want to transfer to your Mac.
