Restore a backup from Time Machine on iMac

This guide will walk you through how to restore a backup from Time Machine on an iMac computer.

Prerequisites: Knowledge of iMac's recovery menu and Time Machine 

Difficulty Level: Member • Nerd • Platypus

Estimated Time: >10 minutes

Expected Outcome: Previously backed up data from Time Machine will be restored to the iMac

Tools Required: iMac computer, Time Machine device 

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Steps to Perform 

  1. Restart your Mac.
  2. While the startup disc is waking up, hold down CommandR keys simultaneously. You're Mac will boot into macOS Utilities. If it doesn't, try again.
  3. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup from the list of available options.
  4. Click Continue.time-machine-restore-choose-backup
  5. Click Continue on the Restore Your System Page.
  6. Select your Time Machine Backup.
  7. Click Continue.
  8. Select the most recent backup of your Mac's hard drive.
  9. Click Continue.

Your mac will restore the Time Machine backup and then restart once it is finished.