What actual data gets transferred will depend on which version of Windows you're using, and what programs created your data. But one way or the other, your patience will be rewarded. The data migration may take several hours depending on what's being transferred and what means are used: Wi-Fi is slower, a wired Ethernet connection is faster. The Mac and the PC both have to be running Migration Assistant.īoth should be on the same network, in order to find each other. Migration Assistant will help you transfer files from a PC running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 operating systems. Apple makes the app freely available for download for transferring to macOS Sierra from Windows and OS X from Windows You'll see it when you first start up your Mac, when your Mac asks you if you want to transfer data over from another Mac, a Time Machine backup, or a PC. Migration Assistant is a utility Apple includes in the Utilities folder of every Mac. Apple makes it easy with a free utility called Migration Assistant. Switching platforms doesn't mean starting over: You can still use those old files. If you are migrating a old Mac to and new Mac click here for instructions.If you've just bought your first Mac and you're switching from a Windows PC, congratulations!