Operating systems are like two rival siblings — constantly bickering yet secretly learning from one another. macOS and Windows, the Apple and Microsoft products ruling the computing world, embody this metaphor beautifully. Both platforms are polished, powerful, and, let's face it, each have unique quirks that keep passionate devotees firing off in online comment sections. Recently, an exhilarating piece shined a spotlight on features that macOS lovers wish they could steal from Windows and vice versa. Think of it as the ultimate compatibility guide for OS enthusiasts. Today, we’ll break down the cross-platform wishlist with added insights, taking you on an informative ride through this intriguing standoff.
macOS technically compensates with third-party apps like “MacsyZones,” an Apple user's homebrew answer to Windows Snap Layouts. Unfortunately, relying on external tools is always a shot in the dark when system-wide stability is on the line.
Perhaps Apple could take inspiration here and enhance productivity via built-in layout tools that don't force users out onto the murky (and often buggy) waters of app downloads.
Apple may produce heaps of intuitive software, but this one area demands a broader rethink. No one wants to be Sherlock Holmes just to declutter their digital storage.
Apple fanatics rely heavily on third-party solutions like the “Pasty” app, which mimics Windows' clipboard capabilities. Yet, it seems like a glaring oversight for an OS otherwise lauded for seamlessness. Come on, Apple, clipboard history in 2024 should be a non-negotiable!
Windows, meanwhile, has shrunk its Start menus over time and even allows pinning specific programs into one click-friendly area. Scalpel-like adjustments like this make life better on massive screens, and they wouldn't go amiss on macOS.
Windows wins big by being less controlling on basic operations. Could macOS streamline permissions without compromising its hardcore stance on security? A middle ground is all any user desires.
Where do you stand? Do you think your OS should face a “platform audit?” Let us know below!
Source: XDA 9 things I wish macOS took from Windows — and 8 things it does better
9 Things macOS Should Borrow From Windows
So, what’s on macOS's Christmas wishlist? Let’s look at the features Apple users reportedly envy from Windows. The truth is that macOS could use a little of the Windows sparkle in areas like usability, file management efficiency, and productivity enhancements.1. Window Management: Simplify the Chaos
Window management on macOS is like trying to herd cats into an organized row. While macOS includes “Spaces” for multi-tasking and split views, it trails behind Windows' advanced Snap Layouts. In Windows 11, this feature lets you drag a window to the corner or sides of the screen and snap it into any multi-panel configuration — an OCD delight for productivity nuts.macOS technically compensates with third-party apps like “MacsyZones,” an Apple user's homebrew answer to Windows Snap Layouts. Unfortunately, relying on external tools is always a shot in the dark when system-wide stability is on the line.
Perhaps Apple could take inspiration here and enhance productivity via built-in layout tools that don't force users out onto the murky (and often buggy) waters of app downloads.
2. Uncomplicated Uninstalls
Uninstalling apps shouldn't feel like a treasure hunt for leftover files, but macOS makes it oddly cumbersome. Sure, dragging an app into the Trash sounds simple, but macOS often leaves "config ghosts" scattered in hidden files across the Library folder. Meanwhile, Windows flaunts its Add/Remove Programs interface, where uninstallation comes with a neat and clean aftermath (most of the time).Apple may produce heaps of intuitive software, but this one area demands a broader rethink. No one wants to be Sherlock Holmes just to declutter their digital storage.
3. Clipboard History: Where Has This Been All My Life?
Clipboard history debuted on Windows 10, introducing a game-changing solution for anyone tired of losing their second-last “cut-and-paste.” With just Windows Key + V, a user can summon their clipboard history anytime. However, Apple’s macOS offers no equivalent. Copy something new on macOS, and your previous clipboard entry is gone like a puff of smoke.Apple fanatics rely heavily on third-party solutions like the “Pasty” app, which mimics Windows' clipboard capabilities. Yet, it seems like a glaring oversight for an OS otherwise lauded for seamlessness. Come on, Apple, clipboard history in 2024 should be a non-negotiable!
4. Smarter App Menus (and Smaller Ones)
This one's a real kicker: macOS prides itself on streamlined user experiences, so why is Launchpad — essentially Apple’s "Start Menu" — such a clunky mess? Apple seems to have ported an iPhone grid onto a desktop screen, giving you icons with vast amounts of empty space not optimized for ultrawide monitors.Windows, meanwhile, has shrunk its Start menus over time and even allows pinning specific programs into one click-friendly area. Scalpel-like adjustments like this make life better on massive screens, and they wouldn't go amiss on macOS.
5. Permissions: Loosen the Grip, Please
Installing software on macOS can sometimes feel like applying for a presidential pardon. Enter passwords. Approve permissions. Confirm post-install settings. Then reboot! Apple keeps setting up privacy hurdles even for the simplest user choices, such as screen sharing (revoked monthly — seriously?!).Windows wins big by being less controlling on basic operations. Could macOS streamline permissions without compromising its hardcore stance on security? A middle ground is all any user desires.
6. File Management: Needing a Better Default Setup
One thing long-time Windows users immediately notice when switching to macOS: the Finder’s inconsistencies. Apple’s arcane approach to hidden folders, clunkier cut-and-paste workflows, and the general lack of robust file management are baffling. Windows Explorer remains the gold standard for intuitive file interaction.7. Faster Updates & Bite-Sized Downloads
Oh, Apple, why must your OS updates chew through our bandwidth? Example on display: macOS updates often exceed 15GB (ouch), compared to Windows' incremental, smaller-sized system updates. By prioritizing efficiency in downloads, Microsoft avoids breaking the internet every time it patches something in Windows 11.8. In-App Menus Staying Put (Stop Hovering at the Top!)
The macOS "menu bar religion," where every app's toolbar exists on the very top of the screen, doesn't appeal to everyone. On sprawling ultrawide setups, it’s maddeningly impractical to scroll a mile upward just to access menu options. Microsoft app menus, nestled comfortably inside a program window itself, save heavy mouse travelers from unnecessary labor.9. Bulk File Renaming: Take Notes from macOS
This one is half-confession: Yes, Apple outshines Microsoft with its straightforward bulk renaming tool for files. macOS’s built-in method allows easy naming conventions like appending dates, counters, or prefixes. Why is Windows Rename still awkward in comparison?8 Things Windows Could Learn From macOS
Ah, now it’s Windows’ turn. For every Snap Layout that Windows gets right, Apple performs pixel wizardry (especially on content design). Here’s a quick rundown of features Microsoft ought to steal back from Cupertino HQ.1. Smaller Status Bar: Less Really Is More
macOS brilliantly balances aesthetics with utilitarianism in its status bar. Housing essential information like time, volume, or network info, it avoids bloating your screen space. Compare that elegance with the Windows taskbar, which often throws updates, weather icons, and Cortana tips into the mix. Minimalism wins!2. Better Search Functionality
Hands down, Apple’s Spotlight obliterates Windows Search. While Microsoft's search tool prioritizes Bing integrations (sigh) instead of local apps, Spotlight always finds exactly what you need — whether an app, file, or system setting.3. Native Tools Over Web Apps
Microsoft hits a sore spot here by forcing users to Clipchamp — basically a browser-based stub marketed as a video editor. Meanwhile, macOS includes iMovie free-of-charge — a robust and native video-editing experience.4. Smoother Image Annotation
Editing screenshots on macOS is an elegant highlight. Its annotation tools intuitively work to allow resizing, realigning, and shaping — a stark improvement over Windows 11's often unforgiving One-Time-Effort Snipping Tool.5. No Excessive Advertising
Windows bossing you into using Edge? Cloud backups? Microsoft 365? Oh, and turning Bing into your “co-pilot”? Thanks but no thanks. Apple simply showcases functionality without shoving you out the service door every other log-in.6. Noise Removal Features
macOS enables plug-and-play high-level sound isolation during video edits, no third-party add-ons required. A game-changer for content creators or remote workers. Windows machines, even those armed with NVIDIA cards, fall strangely short here.7. Effortless Webcam Sharing
Sharing one webcam feed across multiple apps may confuse Windows into a system error, but macOS does it seamlessly. The exclusion of such multitasking until recently on Windows is... let’s just say Windows Team lagging here is troubling.8. Mac Has Fewer Intrusive Prompts Post-Setup
The reminders, targeted advertising, and forced service sign-ups during Windows onboarding scream one word: clutter. Apple plays cool on this front, keeping quickstart tidbits educational yet discreet.The Verdict
Ultimately, the debate between macOS and Windows is a signature rivalry within the tech world, yet features loved or hated across either OS make the experience subjective. Integrating user-favored cross-system features (clipboard history for Apple, smooth patch updates for Windows) would elevate both giants into universal productivity nirvana.Where do you stand? Do you think your OS should face a “platform audit?” Let us know below!
Source: XDA 9 things I wish macOS took from Windows — and 8 things it does better
