Time Machine Backups

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I don’t believe Time Machine backs up System Settings…or does it?  If not, is there anyway to back up Settings in case of a iMac HD failure or to set up a new Mac with your existing Settings?  Who remember all their Settings to set up a new machine from scratch?

iPhone 13, 2019 iMac(SSD)

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Time Machine automatically backs up your entire Mac, including system files, applications, accounts, preferences, email messages, music, photos, movies, and documents.

https://web.archive.org/web/20121202144805/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1427

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pmcjr6142

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Alex…thank you.  This is a good article and does specifically mention “system files”.  I assume this also means and includes System Settings on Ventura.  What was confusing to me is this article on Apple.com.  It does not mention System Settings but does include Personal Data.  Maybe to Apple that includes System Settings.  Do you think that’s the case?  BTW…I was hoping you’d reply when I posted my question.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250

iPhone 13, 2019 iMac(SSD)

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System files, preferences…should include system settings.

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pmcjr6142

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Not sure why we’re citing old versions of Apple Support articles. “System files” in this case are defined as the core macOS system files that are needed to work. These aren’t backed up in macOS Big Sur or later (because they don’t have to be, since the system files are read only and on a separate volume). These system files don’t contain user settings or user data, and can be restored by reinstalling macOS anyway.

Time Machine backs up your user library folder, which stores your user settings (as well as the settings you set in other applications), so yes, your settings will be preserved. You can then use Time Machine to restore your entire user account should the need arises. See https://support.apple.com/HT203981.

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Anonyous…thank you. This makes it clear.  I was concerned about System Settings in a Restore or migration to a new Mac.  The Apple article I had was “transfer to a new Mac”, but your Restore article is essentially the same and does show System and Network as an option to either restore or transfer.  I didn’t know about the Library folder.

iPhone 13, 2019 iMac(SSD)

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