If we were to throw an open argument to decide between Windows and MacOS which is better, we will find out that it would turn into a tug of war because different people have their various reasons for their choices.
In this article, we will find out the difference between Windows and MacOS in terms of certain categories such as interface, accessibility, phone integration, and so on.
Difference Between Windows And MacOS – Explained
I have used both Windows and Macs and having done personal research, I will try as much as possible to be objective and fair.
Going forward, we will be looking at different features, and then compare both Windows and MacOS in terms of the mentioned features.
Take a look at them.
1. Interface Customization
In terms of interface customization, both Windows and MacOS offer users the choice to customize their desktop backgrounds, screen item sizes, Dark or light modes, and screensavers.
However, when it comes to plug-and-play multiple monitor support, Windows offers a bit more control compared to MacOS as it allows users to span program windows across various screens while with macOS, each program window can only live on a single display.
2. Accessibility
Looking at both operating systems, I will say that Windows has made consistent and reasonable efforts toward this criterion.
Yes, it’s true that both Windows and MacOS made provisions for users with disabilities as they both have text narration, voice input, screen magnification, Braille support as well as sticky and slow key entry, however, Windows has gone the extra mile to include certain things that allow for accessibility improvement.
Some of them include the ability to control the computer with your eyes, American Sign Language supported by a videophone, and a free BeMyEyes app that “connects blind and low vision people with volunteers for visual assistance via a live video call,” drawing using only the keyboard in Paint, and a new dashboard and more languages for Narrator.
3. Alternate Input: Touch, Pen, And Dictation
From time immemorial, Windows 10 has always had full touch screen support while Apple recently introduced some touch capability in macOS, which can be found only on certain Macbook Pros via the Touch Bar.
As long as your laptop has a touch panel, you can switch between using the screen and keyboard for inputs.
Although both OSes allow for using your voice for text input, Windows has huge support for styli on touch screens as well as an amazing handwriting-to-text conversion.
- Read More: 15 Best VPNs For Windows In 2022
4. Desktop and Window Management
If you’ve worked on both Windows and MacOs, you will observe how poorly program windows are managed and arranged in Mac compared to Microsoft’s OS.
Microsoft’s OS offers incredible convenience such that if you want an app to take up exactly half the screen, have it display on a quarter of the screen or you want to show or switch to the desktop behind any running apps, you can do so swiftly.
Interestingly, if you ever wish to minimize everything on Windows, just hold and shake the mouse key on a window title bar.
5. Logging In and Getting Started
Another difference between Windows and MacOs is the logging-in settings and both offer beyond the conventional act of just signing in on your desktop.
While Windows offers Hello alongside various biometric login options – Face login, fingerprint readers, and even a PIN if your hardware isn’t compatible with either of those features, Mac allows you to sign in using your finger if you have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, or you can log in with your iPhone or Apple Watch if the distance from your computer isn’t much.
6. Mobile Device Integration
Both Windows and MacOS allow you to send a web page from your phone to your PC’s browser, and even Android devices through Phone apps and Windows allows users to share documents and web pages as well as send SMS messaging across devices.
However, Apple’s integration between macOS computers and iOS-running mobile devices tops the chart as it allows users to share their photos in Apple photos across devices, engage in video calling with FaceTime between devices, transfer almost anything with AirDrop, and its Notifications panel allows for sending of text messages by syncing up to a nearby iPhone.
Do you know that you can use your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac as long as the distance isn’t much?
7. Third-Party Software Compatibility
In terms of third-party software compatibility, both OSes have developed enviable ecosystems of software and services.
While Macs have numerous intriguing general business software, Windows have more options in some creative areas like video editing and photo software.
Additionally, installing Windows apps is much easier when compared to macOS as some macOS apps make you drag a disk image to the Applications folder before you can install apps on a Mac.
8. Search
Both Windows and MacOS have amazing search features which include solving math, showing you the weather, stock prices, and sports results; or even assisting you in finding restaurants near you.
Additionally, they both enable users to search with their voice (Siri for macOS, and Cortana for Windows), and recently, Windows has adopted Apple’s strategy and has separated the Cortana icon from the search bar.
9. Setup Experience
You don’t need to sign in to an account before you can use either Windows or macOS, however, we always advise that you do so as not to miss out on the numerous benefits that come with signing in such as syncing machines, voice assistants, app roaming, messages, and so on.
Additionally, both OSes offer an incredible setup experience; they both recognize and install drivers for standard hardware peripherals such as mice, storage, and keyboards.
Furthermore, instead of in the Mac App Store, Apple installs updates via the System Preferences while Microsoft allows users to install the OS with their voice through Cortana.
10. Included Apps
Another difference between Windows and MacOS is their in-built utilities and applications.
Worthy of mention is the fact that both operating systems offer an expansive list of them such as photo and video viewers and editors, cameras, news, calendars, voice recorders, web browsers, screenshot tools, and apps for maps, calculators, weather, and contacts.
However, while MacOS has an incredible GarageBand music composition app, a full productivity suite, a superior video editor, a preview utility, and a streaming music service, Microsoft has nifty Sticky Xbox gaming apps, Notes, Translator, and Skype.
11. Hardware Choices
Although Apple has over the years presented us with amazing computer hardware options, optional 5K screens on iMacs, incredible industrial design on Macbooks, and just recently, the very powerful Mac Pro, however, they don’t come cheap.
On the other hand, Windows have a wide range of options such as the HoloLens, VR headsets, and the Raspberry Pi alongside diverse Windows-friendly peripherals to select from.
That being said, Windows gives users the flexibility to configure a system using whichever components they deem fit, and can also upgrade later if they like.
12. Security and Stability
In terms of security and stability, you can easily attest to the fact that Windows PCs are at higher risk of falling prey to malware, ransomware, spyware, botnets, and even good old-fashioned viruses when compared to Macs.
However, I would like to give them the credit for continuously working on its security by introducing anti-ransomware measures but then Mac, although not immune to these risks, has a much cleaner record.
Also, remember that the major cause of instability on Windows PCs are third-party drivers, and since Apple controls the hardware ecosystem , they barely have this issue.
Thankfully, both Windows and MacOS offer built-in VPN support.
Conclusion
I have successfully taken you through the difference between Windows and MacOS, and now, I will allow you to be the judge.
Meanwhile, are there other categories you think we should have discussed where your “favorite” has an edge over its counterpart? If yes, then do let us know in the comment section.
