5 Essential macOS Apps to Supercharge Your Windows PC
Windows reigns supreme as the world's most popular operating system, claiming roughly 70% of the market share. Yet, even as Windows 11 continues to push boundaries, many longtime Mac users can't help but envy macOS’s refined features. The truth is, you don’t have to shell out hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on a MacBook to enjoy these elegant functionalities. Today, we dive into five indispensable macOS-inspired apps that bridge the gap and infuse your Windows PC with that unmistakable Mac flair.Why Emulate macOS on Your Windows PC?
Navigating the modern digital world often means utilizing the best of both operating systems. While macOS dazzles with its sleek design and streamlined features, Windows stands tall for its flexibility, gaming prowess, and diverse software ecosystem. Many users find that switching to a Mac can be cost-prohibitive, compounded by the fact that certain specialized apps or games only run on Windows. So, why not enjoy the best of both worlds?By integrating select macOS-like apps into your Windows setup, you can revamp your user experience without changing hardware. These tools not only mimic macOS’s signature ease-of-use but also polish Windows’ functionality, making everyday tasks quicker and more enjoyable. Let’s explore how you can transform your Windows environment with a touch of macOS magic.
1. Flow Launcher: Your Windows Spotlight
One of the most celebrated features of macOS has always been Spotlight Search—a fast, intuitive tool that lets you find files, apps, and system settings with just a keystroke. On Windows, however, the built-in Search Bar often falls short of this streamlined experience. Enter Flow Launcher.Key Features of Flow Launcher
- Quick Access: By default, Flow Launcher is bound to Alt + Space, offering an instant search window that scours your files, applications, and even the web.
- System Commands at Your Fingertips: Beyond mere file searching, Flow Launcher lets you execute system commands like setting adjustments or simple calculations without opening additional apps.
- Enhanced Search Performance: To make the experience truly seamless, ensure that Windows Settings under Privacy & Security are set to Enhanced for “Find my files.” This small tweak vastly improves Flow Launcher’s ability to index and retrieve your data.
How to Get Started
- Download and Install: The app is free, making it an easy add-on for any Windows enthusiast.
- Set Your Preferences: Customize your search shortcut (if Alt + Space doesn’t suit your workflow) and tweak other aspects to align with your usage habits.
- Integrate with System Settings: Navigate to Windows Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows > Find my files, and opt for the “Enhanced” mode for more robust indexing.
Summary: Flow Launcher revives the magic of Spotlight Search on Windows, providing a shortcut-accessible, deeply integrated search tool that simplifies navigation and system control.
2. Microsoft Phone Link: A Drop-in for AirDrop
Apple’s AirDrop has long been a favorite among macOS and iOS users, enabling effortless wireless file transfers among devices. Unfortunately, Windows doesn’t have a native equivalent. Microsoft’s answer to this conundrum is the Phone Link app—a robust tool that facilitates seamless file sharing between your Windows PC and your mobile devices.What Does Phone Link Offer?
- Wireless File Transfers: Easily send files, photos, and documents from your phone to your PC (and vice versa) with minimal hassle.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Whether you’re pairing Windows with an iPhone or an Android device, Phone Link smooths over the differences that traditionally complicate conversations between these platforms.
- Built-In Integration: Available in Windows 11, Phone Link is pre-integrated into the system, ensuring rapid and secure file transfers without requiring additional hardware or software.
How to Use Microsoft Phone Link
- Download the Companion App: Depending on your device, get the Link to Windows app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Pair Your Devices: Once installed, connect your mobile device to your Windows PC, making sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network for optimal performance.
- Send and Receive Files: Simply select a file on your mobile device, choose share, and tap the icon of your connected PC. The file will then appear in the Phone Link subfolder within your PC’s Downloads folder.
Summary: Microsoft Phone Link transforms your Windows PC into an interactive hub for your mobile devices, bringing the convenience of AirDrop to a non-Apple environment with ease and flexibility.
3. Apple Devices App: Redefining Mobile Management on Windows
Remember the days when iTunes was the sole method for managing iPhone or iPad data on Windows? Although effective, iTunes often felt clunky and arduous—a far cry from the intuitive interfaces seen on macOS. Thankfully, the Apple Devices app steps in as a streamlined alternative.Spotlight on the Apple Devices App
- Streamlined Media Management: Effortlessly transfer music, movies, TV shows, photos, and files between your iOS device and your Windows PC.
- Local Backups: Not a fan of cloud subscriptions? Use the app to back up your devices locally, granting you both control and security over your media and app data.
- Troubleshooting in a Snap: Encounter an iOS issue—be it a software glitch or a forgotten passcode? The Apple Devices app simplifies troubleshooting, providing an option to reset or recover your device without the heavy-handedness of older software suites.
Setting It Up
- Install via Microsoft Store: Search for the Apple Devices app and download it onto your Windows system.
- Connect Your Device: Once installed, link your iPhone or iPad to your PC. The app will automatically recognize your device and prompt you to set up syncing.
- Manage Your Content: Enjoy a cleaner, smoother interface to manage all your media files and device settings, reminiscent of the elegant experience you'd find on macOS.
Summary: The Apple Devices app overhauls how Windows interacts with iOS devices, offering a modern, efficient alternative to iTunes that streamlines media management and device backups.
4. Files App: Emulating macOS’s Column View
File navigation is a sacred ritual for anyone who spends a significant part of their day managing documents and media. While Windows’ File Explorer is practically ubiquitous, many users find its layout less intuitive compared to macOS’s Finder—especially the Column View, which offers a panoramic view of nested folders.Key Benefits of the Files App
- Columnar Navigation: Mimic the macOS Finder’s Column View to see the hierarchy of your directories laid out elegantly. This overview makes it significantly easier to trace deep folder structures without losing context.
- Dual-Pane Functionality: With two panes side-by-side, transferring files becomes a matter of a simple drag-and-drop. This design boosts productivity and minimizes time lost toggling between windows.
- Familiar Yet Fresh: Even seasoned Windows users will appreciate the layout when transitioning between tasks. The Files App manages to combine the best of both worlds by retaining the simplicity of File Explorer while borrowing the insightful layout of macOS Finder.
Getting Started with the Files App
- Download the App: Several versions exist in the Windows ecosystem; pick one that aligns with your needs. Many of these third-party file explorers are free or available at a minimal cost.
- Customize the View: Switch to Column View or two-pane mode based on your workflow preferences. Experiment with settings until the layout feels just right.
- Integrate into Daily Use: Use the Files App as your primary file management tool, and enjoy how its design simplifies navigation, especially when handling a multitude of documents or creative projects.
Summary: The Files App delivers a fresh perspective on file management by borrowing the intuitive Column View from macOS, making file transfers and organization a visually satisfying and efficient process.
5. MyDockFinder: Bring the Mac Dock to Your Windows Desktop
If there’s one element that defines the macOS aesthetic, it’s the dock. The dock is a dynamic, always-accessible bar that not only launches apps but also integrates system status and notifications. Windows users longing for this streamlined interface need look no further than MyDockFinder.What Makes MyDockFinder Stand Out?
- Authentic Mac Experience: MyDockFinder replaces the traditional Windows Taskbar and Start Menu with a sleek dock reminiscent of Mac OS X, complete with a menu bar at the top edge of the screen.
- Integrated System Tray: The dock doesn’t just act as an app launcher; it displays essential system elements such as the notification area, ensuring you’re always connected to the system’s pulse.
- Stage Manager Integration: For those who fancy Apple's organizational style, MyDockFinder even offers the option to launch Stage Manager—Apple’s method for managing open apps and windows—directly from your dock.
Setup and Considerations
- Purchase and Download: Available exclusively on Steam for around $5, MyDockFinder isn’t free, but it’s an affordable investment for a dramatic interface makeover.
- Configure for Your Workspace: While it transforms your desktop elegantly, users with multiple monitors may encounter a hiccup—specifically, the menu bar (known as myFinder) can lag when switching between screens. For these users, disabling the feature might be a necessary trade-off.
- Enjoy Your New Look: Once installed and configured, relish the fact that your Windows PC now carries the unmistakable aesthetic charm of macOS without having to buy an entirely new system.
Summary: MyDockFinder elegantly overhauls the typical Windows desktop by lending it the visually appealing, function-packed macOS dock. It’s an attractive solution for those craving a more intuitive and stylish interface, though multi-monitor users should be aware of its minor quirks.
Conclusion: Merging Two Worlds for Ultimate Productivity
The divergence between macOS’s sleek design and Windows’ widespread functionality can now be seamlessly bridged with a handful of smart apps. Whether it’s boosting your search efficiency with Flow Launcher, enjoying wireless file transfers courtesy of Microsoft Phone Link, managing your iOS device with the Apple Devices app, or reorganizing your file management and desktop experience with the Files App and MyDockFinder, each tool offers a taste of macOS freshness without forcing you to switch platforms.Key Takeaways
- Enhanced Efficiency: Flow Launcher and Files App provide streamlined operations that reduce time and effort, echoing the famed efficiency of macOS.
- Seamless Connectivity: Microsoft Phone Link and the Apple Devices app ensure that you remain connected across devices, reinforcing the idea that your digital ecosystem can be both diverse and integrated.
- Customizable Interface: With MyDockFinder, your desktop isn’t just a workspace—it becomes a personalized command center that brings both productivity and aesthetics together.
So, if you ever felt that your Windows device was missing that extra spark of elegance, these apps provide the perfect remedy. Embrace the best of both worlds, enhance your productivity, and—most importantly—have a bit of fun reimagining your everyday computing experience.
Whether you’re a dedicated Windows user feeling nostalgic for the Mac experience or someone looking to boost your PC’s versatility, these five essential apps are ready to elevate your workflow. Dive in, experiment, and see how a few well-chosen tools can truly transform your digital life. Happy customizing!
Source: Laptop Mag I added 5 vital macOS apps to Windows. I don't regret it a single bit.
