tmutil MacOS command

The tmutil command in MacOS is a powerful utility that provides users with advanced options for managing Time Machine backups. With tmutil, users can control Time Machine settings, create, delete, or restore backups, and monitor backup status. This command enables users to efficiently manage their backup storage and ensure that their important data is securely backed up. By utilizing tmutil, MacOS users can take full control of their Time Machine backups and have peace of mind knowing that their data is protected.

tmutil Syntax:

tmutil [command] [options] [arguments]

Options:

Option	Description
-h	Help - Show help for the tmutil command.
-v	Verbose - Enable verbose mode for more detailed output.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
command	The specific action to perform with tmutil (e.g., startbackup, disablelocal, compare).
options	Additional settings or configurations for the command.
arguments	File names, directories, or other data needed for the specific command.

Caution

Exercise caution when using the tmutil command, as it interacts with Time Machine settings and backups. Making incorrect changes can lead to data loss or unwanted modifications to backup configurations.

tmutil bash Examples:

Backing Up a Specific Folder

tmutil startbackup /path/to/folder

Starts a backup of a specific folder using tmutil.

Listing Available Snapshots

tmutil listlocalsnapshots /

Displays a list of available local snapshots for the root file system.

Checking Backup Status

tmutil status

Checks the status of the Time Machine backup process.

Excluding a Folder from Backup

tmutil addexclusion /path/to/folder

Excludes a specific folder from being backed up by Time Machine.

Restoring a File from Backup

tmutil restore /path/to/destination /path/to/file

Restores a file from a Time Machine backup to a specific destination.

Deleting a Local Snapshot

tmutil deletelocalsnapshots <snapshot_name>

Deletes a specific local snapshot by its name.

Tip

When using the tmutil command in MacOS, make sure to carefully read the command options and their descriptions to ensure you are using the command correctly for your specific needs.

How do I use tmutil in MacOS?

To use the tmutil command in MacOS, execute the following command:

tmutil --option <value>

What is the purpose of the tmutil command in MacOS?

The tmutil command in MacOS is used for performing Time Machine tasks and managing Time Machine backups.

tmutil startbackup

How can I list Time Machine snapshots with tmutil?

You can list Time Machine snapshots using the tmutil command with the following command:

tmutil listlocalsnapshots /

How do I exclude a directory from Time Machine backups using tmutil?

To exclude a directory from Time Machine backups with tmutil, use the following command:

tmutil addexclusion /path/to/directory

How can I restore a specific file from a Time Machine backup with tmutil?

To restore a specific file from a Time Machine backup using tmutil, you can run the following command:

tmutil restore /path/to/file

How do I enable Time Machine backups with tmutil?

To enable Time Machine backups using tmutil, execute the command:

tmutil enable

How can I verify the integrity of a Time Machine backup with tmutil?

To verify the integrity of a Time Machine backup using tmutil, run the following command:

tmutil verifychecksums /path/to/backup

How do I disable Time Machine backups with tmutil?

To disable Time Machine backups using tmutil, use the following command:

tmutil disable

Applications of the tmutil command

• Enable and disable local Time Machine backups
• Start and stop Time Machine backups
• Customize Time Machine settings
• Check and manage backup status
• List and delete existing backups
• Compare backups
• Restore files from backups