How to restore files and software using Time Machine backup on Mac ?

How to restore files and software using Time Machine backup on Mac

Apple introduced Time Machine together with Mac OS X Leopard. This software creates a backup of the Mac operating system including all files and folders, system preferences, installed applications, and others. The tool should be enabled on all Mac computers, since it is one of the easiest ways to protect your data in case of operating system or internal storage failure or corruption. Furthermore, Time Machine's backup is a useful option if you need to replace the hard disk. This software can also help to transfer data between separate Mac computers. Apple's Time Machine stores the backup data on an external storage device, and works with all possible connections, including USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt. It also supports Apple's Time Capsule and backup disks connected through a network.

This application takes periodic snapshots of all data and applications and stores them on external device. The snapshots are taken hourly, daily, and weekly. This could consume a lot of storage space, however, when disks are running low, Time Machine automatically removes the oldest backup files and replaces them with most recent. Furthermore, this application always leaves around 20% free space available. One of the biggest advantages of this software is the ability to restore specific, relevant missing files. In this way, there is no need to restore the entire operating system as is the case with various disk clone software. Additionally, if you are using an Apple laptop running on OS X Yosemite or later, Time Machine provides another feature called Local Snapshots, which creates a backup on internal storage while the Time Machine drive is disconnected. This article describes methods to restore files from Time Machine snapshots and a complete system backup.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Recover corrupted or missing files via Time Machine backup
Reach backups without connected Time Machine's storage
Transfer files using Time Machine backup
Restore operating system from Time Machine's backup
Boot your Mac from the Time Machine backup


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Recover corrupted or missing files via Time Machine backup

If you have enabled the Time Machine application, you can restore all files. This function can save time if a file modification resulted in an unexpected error or accidentally saved over important information. Time Machine stores the current version of all data when the snapshot was taken. To reach files saved within snapshots, first launch the Time Machine application by using Spotlight. Press the keyboard shortcut of Command and Spacebar and type Time Machine. Alternatively, go to the Applications folder via Finder to launch the Time Machine application. Here, you can browse through the list of backups sorted from oldest to newest by clicking the up and down arrows on the screen. When you find the file you are looking for, select and press Spacebar to preview. When you are sure this is the correct file, click the Restore button. If you cannot see the snapshot, click on the Cloud icon to download the current snapshot. You can reach and restore files from that particular snapshot, even if Time Machine's external storage is not connected to your computer. If you are seeking specific information from a text-based file, simply select and use copy/paste function to select only the required lines.

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Reach backups without connected Time Machine storage

You might encounter a situation whereby you are not able to connect the external storage used for Time Machine backups. Fortunately, Time Machine can recover this situation. When you launch the Time Machine application, you can access the last backup snapshot without the connected storage device. You can restore any file from a particular snapshot - this might be useful if the external storage is not available, in a different location, etc.

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Transfer files using Time Machine backup

As mentioned above, Time Machine's backups are useful in various situations. Although you can restore earlier versions of your files or perform a complete system restore, it may be useful to transfer your data from one Mac computer to another. For example, if your old Mac is not working and you wish to set up a new machine, external storage with Time Machine backups is a very effective way to restore your favorite applications, calendar events, etc. If both computers are still working, consider using the Migration Assistant tool, which transfers data between two Macs automatically. Furthermore, this tool also works with Time Machine backups. In you wish to retain the latest version of the operating system but require the data from your old computer, the Migration Assistant will add all content from Time Machine backups to your new Mac.
To transfer content from a backup using this application, first connect your external storage with Time Machine's backup.
Then launch it using Spotlight. Simply press the keyboard shortcut of Command and Spacebar and type Migration Assistant. Alternatively, launch Finder and go to the Utilities folder under Applications.
When the application starts, click Continue, select to transfer data from Time Machine backup, and then click continue . You may be prompted to enter a password to confirm your actions. Enter your account password. A list with all existing backups in chronological order will pop up.
Choose the most recent (or other option) and click Continue. The tool will begin to copy your data. Depending on size of backup and speed of both external storage and internal hard disks, this process may take from a few minutes up to several hours to complete.

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Restore operating system from Time Machine backup

If you wish to completely restore your operating system from a backup, you must enter macOS Recovery. This is one of the easiest ways to revert the operating system to an earlier version. It might also be an efficient solution when your computer software is struggling. In addition, restoring the whole operating system will help if your computer becomes infected with a virus or malware. To access the Recovery menu, connect your external storage (containing the backup files) and shutdown the Mac. Start it up, and after the startup chime, press and hold down Command and R. Keep holding these keys until the Apple logo appears. Release them and wait until the macOS Utilities pop-up window appears. From the list of options, choose Restore from Time Machine backup and click Continue. Select the volume containing your backup file and then select the backup file by checking the date, time, and macOS version. When the process completes, the Mac will restart automatically.

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Boot your Mac from the Time Machine backup

Starting your computer from the Time Machine backup is useful when trying to troubleshot computer problems. If you are not sure if your operating system is struggling, test it by booting your computer from Time Machine backup: shut down the computer, hold down the Option (Alt) key to enter the Startup Manager screen, and then choose EFI boot as your startup disk.

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