If you've recently migrated from macOS to Windows, or if you've always been a die-hard Windows user with some serious envy for macOS's celebrated features, you're in luck. Many of those seemingly exclusive macOS perks—like Spotlight Search, QuickLook, and AirDrop—can be brought over to your Windows machine, often with even better functionality! Whether you're dabbling with a work-issued Windows laptop or diving fully into PC territory after years in the Apple ecosystem, here's how you can get the best of both worlds.
Brace yourself for a deep dive into the apps and tweaks that'll make Windows feel like home—even for ex-macOS devotees.
On Windows, you can now replicate this functionality with the app QuickLook, available from the Microsoft Store. Here's how it benefits you:
On Windows, you've got PowerToys Run, a feature inside the versatile toolset Microsoft PowerToys. Think of it as Spotlight, supercharged.
This app allows you to quickly bulk-convert photos, videos, or audio files to formats you need. It’s perfect for:
SmoothScroll is a small app that fixes this instantly:
For many, features like QuickLook, Spotlight Search, and even buttery scrolling are game-changers. Coupled with tools like LocalSend or context-menu converters, you’re guaranteed a productivity boost across platforms.
Have you tried any of these solutions already? Or do you have other tricks to share? Join the conversation on WindowsForum.com and let us know how you've customized your Windows PC for the better!
Source: XDA Here’s how I got the 6 best macOS features on Windows
Brace yourself for a deep dive into the apps and tweaks that'll make Windows feel like home—even for ex-macOS devotees.
1. QuickLook: Sneak Peek at Your Files, Mac-style
One of the crown jewels of macOS is QuickLook, the feature where you can preview files just by hitting the spacebar. Whether it's an image, a video, or a text file, this timesaver prevents you from needing to open extra apps.On Windows, you can now replicate this functionality with the app QuickLook, available from the Microsoft Store. Here's how it benefits you:
- Fast Previews: Highlight any file (or multiple files) in File Explorer, hit the spacebar, and voilà—a preview pops up instantly. No need to open heavy apps like Photos, VLC, or Word.
- Interactive Features: Unlike macOS, the Windows QuickLook clone allows limited interactions. For example, you can pause a video or copy text from a file preview without opening the actual application. That’s a one-up on macOS QuickLook!
- Auto-Start Enabled: Ensure it runs at startup, so you’ll never need an extra step to preview files.
Use it like a pro:
Need to browse a ton of screenshots from a project? Just arrow-key through your file directory, previewing each with the spacebar in a flash. Time saved? Hours.2. Spotlight Search: Find Anything, Anywhere
Ah, Spotlight Search, the macOS beacon of productivity. Type a shortcut and instantly search your system for apps, files, and even stray thoughts from last week’s meeting.On Windows, you've got PowerToys Run, a feature inside the versatile toolset Microsoft PowerToys. Think of it as Spotlight, supercharged.
- Installation Guide:
- Download PowerToys from the Microsoft Store.
- Navigate to the "PowerToys Run" section and flick the toggle to activate it.
- Use the shortcut
Alt + Spaceto launch it on Windows. - Functionality:
- Search for apps, documents, or photos in a snap.
- It even pulls dictionary definitions, calculates simple math equations, and searches the web.
3. AirDrop... But Better, with LocalSend
If you've ever AirDropped photos or files between Apple devices, you know how seamlessly it "just works." On Windows, a similar native feature exists—Nearby Share—but it’s limited to Android devices. Enter LocalSend, an app that not only mimics AirDrop but expands it to nearly every popular platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.What Makes LocalSend Awesome:
- Multi-Platform Love: Transfer files between both Apple and non-Apple devices, no exclusivity required.
- Secure and Private: It's open-source, meaning no shady backend operations.
- Speedy Transfers: Direct local-network-based transfers avoid the usual file delay seen with cloud services.
4. File Converter: Context Menu Sorcery for Windows
Converting files from PNG to JPEG or MP3 to WAV on macOS is as simple as right-clicking—and Windows users often feel left out. But not anymore. With File Converter, you can have this functionality at your fingertips right within the Windows context menu (that's fancy-speak for right-click options).This app allows you to quickly bulk-convert photos, videos, or audio files to formats you need. It’s perfect for:
- Compressing a massive PSD file into a manageable PNG.
- Transforming WAV audio bits into lighter MP3 formats.
- Making quick format adjustments without the expense of heavyweight converters.
5. Smoother Scrolling? SmoothScroll to the Rescue!
One thing you’ll immediately notice as a macOS user on Windows is the bungling, clunky feel of scrolling pages—even on high-end systems. Mac’s scrolling animations are buttery smooth, which is probably why scrolling on Windows feels like driving a shopping cart down a rocky hill by comparison.SmoothScroll is a small app that fixes this instantly:
- It tweaks how scrolling works system-wide, softening transitions and making browsing longer documents/web pages feel enjoyable.
- Works seamlessly with external mouse wheels and touchpads across browsers like Chrome and Edge.
6. Hot Corners: Bring Gestural Productivity to Windows
Hot Corners on macOS gives users the power to assign custom shortcuts to the edges of their screens (e.g., launching apps or triggering screensavers). Turns out, WinXcorners is all you need to replicate this feature on Windows.- Assign specific tasks to any of the four corners, such as minimizing all windows or launching commonly-used apps like Notes.
- Especially useful for laptop users to add more gesture-based utility without reaching for keyboard shortcuts.
Bonus Tips: Uniting Two Ecosystems
While macOS and Windows love their good ol' rivalry, there's a lot we can gain as users by borrowing the best features from both. Here’s how to go the extra mile to get them to play nice:- iCloud on Windows: Sync files, photos, contacts, and even Safari bookmarks to integrate both ecosystems.
- Microsoft’s Phone Link App: Pairs your Android phone with Windows devices to provide a texting and notification experience similar to iMessage.
Summary: macOS and Windows, Better Together
While macOS has some undeniably helpful quality-of-life perks, it's heartening to know that Windows’ ecosystem—bolstered by open-source tools and third-party apps—can adapt and evolve to meet these challenges. Whether you're a developer tired of Apple's restrictions or just someone exploring the world of PCs, tweaking your setup to enjoy the best of both worlds is surprisingly simple and affordable.For many, features like QuickLook, Spotlight Search, and even buttery scrolling are game-changers. Coupled with tools like LocalSend or context-menu converters, you’re guaranteed a productivity boost across platforms.
Have you tried any of these solutions already? Or do you have other tricks to share? Join the conversation on WindowsForum.com and let us know how you've customized your Windows PC for the better!
Source: XDA Here’s how I got the 6 best macOS features on Windows