From Windows PC to Mac: what to expect (and how to love it faster)

Why macOS feels different (in a good way)

Windows gives you many ways to do the same thing; macOS tends to give you fewer paths — but more consistency. That can feel “restricted” for a day or two, then suddenly it feels elegant: menus behave the same, system dialogs are predictable, and keyboard/gesture patterns repeat across apps.

Files & Finder: where did “My Computer” go?

Finder is the macOS equivalent of File Explorer. The biggest difference is that macOS emphasizes locations like Documents, Downloads, and iCloud Drive, and it’s less “drive-letter centric.” External drives still exist — they just appear in Finder’s sidebar.

Apps & installs: setup is simpler (usually)

On Windows you’re used to installers (.exe/.msi). On macOS you’ll see: App Store installs, .dmg “drag-to-Applications” installs, and sometimes pkg installers. Uninstalling is often as simple as dragging an app to the Trash (unless it installs extra helpers).

Keyboard shortcuts: the “Command” era

This is the biggest productivity shift. On macOS, Command is the primary modifier for copy/paste, switching apps, and most common actions. Your hands will “fight it” for a week—then it becomes muscle memory.

The “menu bar” and the Mac way of working

Windows puts app menus inside each window. macOS puts the menu bar at the top of the screen — and it changes based on the active app. At first it feels odd. Then it becomes faster: your cursor travels to the same place every time.

Another big difference: macOS has strong “focus and flow” features baked in — trackpad gestures, multiple desktops (Spaces), and Spotlight search to launch apps or find files in seconds.

Your first week plan (so you don’t feel lost)

The first few days are about muscle memory more than “learning.” Give yourself a week to build new habits. Here’s a simple schedule that keeps things calm.