For decades, the Windows vs. macOS argument has raged. In general, the capabilities of both operating systems are equivalent. However, there are enough differences to influence people one way or the other.
It all boils down to your priorities. Do you choose a flexible operating system over one that is simple to use? Is safety a top priority? How about compatibility with other systems? The choice between Windows and macOS must take these factors into account.
The following sections will go through the key features of Windows 11 and macOS Monterey, the two most recent editions of these giant operating systems. Our objective is to present an overview of everything Windows and macOS offer so you can decide which OS is best for you. You will not find validation for your operating system here.
First-Party Programs in Windows vs. macOS
There are several first-party programs and utilities available for Windows and macOS. Both come equipped with the necessities, including widgets, cloud storage, a web browser, a file explorer, a calendar, a voice recorder, a video editor, and more.
On Windows and macOS, similar office programs go under different names. Apple’s iWork suite comprises Pages, Numbers, and Keynote in addition to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Given their resemblances, it’s impossible to say which operating system offers the best office capabilities. Microsoft Office is more widely used since there are more Windows PCs worldwide.
Hardware Differences Between Windows and macOS
macOS is only available on Apple machines. That suggests only the MacBook, iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Pro versions will be compatible. Windows, on the other side, runs on a variety of devices, including the small Raspberry Pi and powerful workstations. It is quite likely to run or be able to run Windows if it can or does compute.
According to a survey, 74% of PCs worldwide will be running Windows by 2022. This much outnumbers macOS, which accounts for 15%, with Linux, ChromeOS, and “unknown” accounting for the remaining 10%. As a result, Windows is one of the world’s most popular operating systems.
Windows machines are also more configurable than Mac computers. A PC’s CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage can be replaced much more readily than an Apple device – if you can customize such an Apple product at all.
Because Windows is compatible with a wide range of devices, you may select a PC that meets your budget. While Apple often creates high-quality products, its costs may be unreasonably pricey for some people. In comparison, you may acquire one of the best low-cost laptops.
On the other hand, choosing a computer from among the best Windows laptops might be tricky. Due to vendor variances, even computers with identical or equal specs may run differently. Apple, on the other hand, manufactures its hardware and software, making it easier to choose the machine you require.
Security/Safety Differences Between Windows and macOS
Because Windows is so accessible, computers using it have been plagued with viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other types of unwanted software. It’s hardly surprising that Windows contains so much malware because it’s so extensively used.
Microsoft has done an outstanding job of providing security fixes in recent years. However, due to the sheer amount of Windows 11 users, the operating system will face a greater number of attacks.
macOS is more secure than Windows due to enterprise requirements and the lower number of workstations running Apple’s operating system. Fewer PCs equals fewer people creating malware for the operating system.
However, as previously indicated, macOS is not immune to malware. You should still install antivirus protection on Macs.
Third-Party Programs in Windows vs. macOS
Third-party programs may be downloaded through the web or the platforms’ app shops on both Windows and macOS.
While the Mac App Store has a larger selection of apps than the Microsoft Store, both operating systems provide a diverse selection of programs and may download and run them directly from the web.
The ability to download files and apps directly to your device rather than being limited to what’s available in an app store is a significant selling point for a laptop or desktop PC.
However, the software available on Windows is frequently more diverse than that available on Mac. This is especially true for PC games, which are frequently designed for Windows PCs and only sometimes offer native Mac versions.
While it is possible to make any Windows-compatible product function with macOS by simulating a Windows environment on your Mac using software like Parallels, doing so requires some work. In general, it’s a good idea to consider what sorts of software you need to use regularly, and then check to see if that program is accessible on Windows, Mac, or both.
User Experience in Windows vs. macOS
Apple designed macOS to be user-friendly for the vast majority of people. It serves as a reason for the business to use the statement “it just works. This isn’t limited to macOS. The user experience is taken into consideration during the creation of every Apple operating system, including iOS, iPadOS, and WatchOS.
If you’ve never used a computer before, macOS is likely to be simpler to learn.
Windows, particularly Windows 11, does not appear to be very tough on the surface. When compared to macOS, there are more menus and options.
This complicates troubleshooting, but it also means that each problem has several solutions. Windows isn’t as visually appealing as macOS, especially when you go deep and uncover antiquated windows and programs, but it provides greater adaptability than Apple.
Both the macOS Dock and the Windows taskbar have their detractors. On macOS, clicking an app’s icon in the Dock doesn’t open a window. Tab’s menu will instead appear up in the Menu Bar at the top of the screen.
For Windows users who are used to seeing Menu selections within the window of an app or program, this may be bewildering. Windows’ taskbar gives more options. For example, hovering the mouse cursor over a taskbar button reveals a small depiction of the program window.
Conclusion
If you need a device that can benefit from high visual resolution, a Mac is probably the way to go. It’s also a fantastic option for those who already own Apple devices. A Windows PC, on the other hand, is a better choice if you want a computer that you can customize a lot and have more access to programs.
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