macOS Features Convinced Me to Switch from My Windows 11. However, macOS provides several well-designed features that have improved
Here are the macOS features that persuaded me to permanently switch from my Windows laptop.
Reliable Operating System with Seamless Updates and No Hassles
A major source of frustration with Windows 11 is its intrusive update system. Regardless of what you’re doing, Windows frequently begins updating at the worst possible moments, compelling you to halt your tasks. The issue isn’t solely about timing; it’s also about the frequent updates that are bothersome due to numerous security patches and significant OS upgrades that demand several reboots and lengthy installations.
Conversely, macOS excels in managing system updates. Apple generally offers one significant update annually, along with smaller ones that introduce features or resolve minor problems. These updates are typically fast and straightforward to install unless it’s a major upgrade; they tend to be less intrusive and have a clean simplicity compared to the Windows experience. Microsoft could significantly benefit from adopting Apple’s approach in handling software updates.
Free from Extra Software
While discussing software experiences, it’s worth noting another common frustration with most Windows 11 computers: the pre-installed bloatware. Unlike Microsoft Surface devices, many Windows laptops and desktops are often cluttered with third-party apps—from GPU management tools to mouse and accessory controls—that introduce unnecessary complexity from the start.
Apple installs only essential, first-party apps on its Macs, providing you with a clean slate. This strategy results in more available storage for the user, fewer distractions, and an overall smoother experience.
Effortless Compatibility with Apple Devices
This is an evident yet crucial point. Although Microsoft has made significant efforts to integrate Android with Windows using Phone Link, it doesn’t quite achieve the seamless integration found in Apple’s ecosystem. If you have other Apple devices, you’ll notice a much more unified experience when working on a Mac.
Own an iPhone? You can turn it into a high-quality webcam for video calls on your Mac. If you’re using AirPods with your iPhone, they’ll seamlessly auto-connect to your Mac as well. Have an iPad? It can be used as an external display for your Mac. Moreover, you can copy text or files on one device and paste them onto another, or continue web browsing exactly where you left off across devices. Apple provides numerous intuitive Continuity features that make multitasking between devices effortlessly smooth and efficient.
iPhone Screen Mirroring
A noteworthy enhancement to the Apple ecosystem is the iPhone Mirroring feature in macOS Sequoia. It enables you to control your iPhone directly from your Mac using a keyboard, mouse, or trackpad without needing to pick up your phone. Once configured, it allows for seamless streaming of your iPhone’s screen and delivers notifications straight to your Mac.
Although Windows provides comparable features for Android devices through the Phone Link app, it is not without flaws. For example, when screen sharing functions properly, there often is a noticeable lag.
Apple intends to enhance the iPhone Mirroring feature by adding drag-and-drop file transfer capabilities between Mac and iPhone. This upgrade will make the feature even more powerful and efficient, offering an advantage that Windows has not fully matched yet. For users who frequently toggle between devices, Apple’s ecosystem provides a seamless solution.
Quick File Preview in Finder
This is a minor but highly beneficial feature that enhances the Mac experience compared to Windows. For example, on Windows, locating a specific file often requires opening it to examine its contents. In contrast, macOS allows you to preview the contents instantly by pressing the spacebar when selecting a file.
You can scroll through the preview to see the full content or make basic edits, such as rotating or cropping photos, directly in the preview window without opening the Preview app. This is a feature that Windows hasn’t offered yet but one I find essential for efficiency on a Mac.
Improved Concentration Modes
If you want to work without interruptions, both Mac and Windows provide Do Not Disturb modes to silence notifications. However, while Windows 11’s Do Not Disturb mode is relatively simple, macOS offers more advanced Focus modes that can be customized according to your preferences.
It provides detailed management of notifications and system behavior. For example, you can permit messages and alerts only from certain individuals or apps and even set a Focus mode to activate automatically at specific times. The highlight is that Focus mode synchronizes across Apple devices, so there’s no need to enable it separately on your iPhone or iPad.
Replace Text
A minor yet highly practical feature of macOS that enhances convenience—particularly for frequent typists—is its built-in text replacement. If you’re often entering the same details, such as an address, phone number, or phrases like “thank you,” macOS allows you to automate these inputs effortlessly through text replacement.
You can create shortcuts to automatically expand text, such as turning “ty” into “thank you,” or converting the word “smile” into a quick emoji like “😊”. Although similar tools exist for Windows via third-party applications, macOS offers this functionality built-in. You can find it under the Keyboard section in the System Settings app.
While Windows offers endless possibilities for user customization, macOS prioritizes simplicity and productivity, making it the perfect choice for users like me. The thoughtfully designed, productivity-focused tools in macOS make it my favorite platform to accomplish tasks with ease.
