This process involves starting a Mac computer in a specific state that allows it to function as an external hard drive for another Mac. Connecting two machines via Thunderbolt or FireWire cable facilitates high-speed data transfer, enabling tasks such as migrating data to a new machine or troubleshooting a problematic system. This functionality transforms one Mac into an accessible storage device visible on the other Mac’s desktop.
Facilitating direct disk access offers several advantages, including rapid file transfer rates surpassing those typically achieved with network connections or external drives. This approach proves particularly useful for transferring large volumes of data, cloning a hard drive, or recovering data from a malfunctioning Mac. It provides a direct line to the connected computer’s file system, simplifying complex procedures like operating system reinstallation or targeted file retrieval. This feature, present in macOS for numerous iterations, continues to serve as a valuable tool for users and technicians.