
Recover all your files from a Time Machine backup
If you use Time Machine to back up your Mac, you can recover your files if your system or startup disk is damaged.
Important: You must first reinstall macOS on your Mac before you can restore your files using your Time Machine backup.
If you’re restoring your system because of a problem with your startup disk, repair or replace the disk before following these instructions.
Keep these instructions handy by printing them. Click  , then choose Print.
, then choose Print.
Before you begin, make sure your Time Machine backup disk is connected and turned on. If your disk is on a network, make sure your Mac is on the same network.
- Start up your computer in macOS Recovery: - On a Mac with Apple silicon: Choose Apple menu  
- On an Intel-based Mac: Choose Apple menu  
 
- To reinstall the version of macOS stored on your computer’s built-in recovery disk, including any installed updates, select Reinstall macOS Sonoma in the Recovery window, then click Continue. - See Reinstall macOS. 
- After macOS finishes installing new system files, Migration Assistant asks if you want to transfer information from another Mac or a Time Machine backup. Select Transfer from a Time Machine Backup, then click Continue. - If necessary, enter the name and password you use to connect to your backup disk. You may also have to enter the password you used to encrypt the backup. 
- Select the date and time of the backup you want to restore, then follow the onscreen instructions. 
After you restore your system, Time Machine may perform a full backup at the next scheduled backup time. This is normal. Time Machine resumes incremental backups after the full backup is completed.