The debate between macOS and Windows is as old as personal computing itself, and it'll likely continue as long as each of these operating systems lasts. While there are fervent fans fighting for each, it's true that there are things that both operating systems could learn from each other. We recently unpacked the 10 ways that the latest version of macOS Sequoia beats Windows 11, and now, we're going to highlight the 10 ways Windows 11 is the superior desktop OS.
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If there's a theme here, it's that Windows is all about covering the basics. There are more than a handful of ways Apple differentiates macOS from the competition, including exclusive features, bundled apps, and support for specialized software. However, it still feels like macOS is still missing features that Windows has offered for decades. With that in mind, let's break down how Windows 11 helps PCs put the best Macs to shame.
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10 Windows is better at window snapping
macOS Sequoia introduced window tiling, but Microsoft's snap layouts are supreme
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As a user of both macOS and Windows, I became increasingly frustrated with how Apple laptops and desktops handled window snapping over the years. Windows 11 does a great job with snap layouts, and even though Apple added "window tiling" to macOS Sequoia this year, Windows is still the gold standard. There are a few reasons for that. For starters, macOS Sequoia's window tiling leaves space between windows and the desktop by default, and it simply looks odd. Beyond that, Windows has support for more kinds of layouts and features a clean user interface that lets you pick one without dragging your mouse far across the screen.
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9 It's more versatile, supporting tons of apps and hardware
Even with indie dev projects, macOS is a restrictive operating system
With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft added a TPM requirement that seemingly made the OS more restrictive. However, that didn't end up being the case, because there are workarounds that allow you to install Windows 11 on almost any unsupported PC. That means Windows is still the versatility king, and it has to do with hardware support. The operating system supports components from a variety of brands with release dates that can span decades, and drivers are available for an abundance of products.
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While there are similar workarounds for macOS that allow you to install it on unsupported devices, there isn't support for third-party hardware. Unless a component was made available on a Mac at some point, macOS won't be able to detect and use it. This makes upgrades for older devices, and building "Hackintosh" computers, extremely difficult. Put simply, if you have an oddly-specific app or component you want to use with your PC, Windows 11 is the operating system that'll likely support it.
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8 Windows 11 won't bother you with frequent app permission prompts
macOS Sequoia can be a real pain for power users
macOS Sequoia introduced a new change that requires users to approve app permissions on a monthly basis, and it covers things like screen sharing. That means numerous apps, from screenshot utilities to video calling software, will bug you 12 times a year -- even if you know and trust them. There's no workaround or optional setting available, either. Apple made the decision for you, and you don't have a choice.
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This is just the tip of the iceberg, because macOS also makes you restart apps after changing certain permissions. So, if you're on a video call and want to share your screen, think again. You'll need to approve the change, restart the app, rejoin the call, and only then can you share your screen. It's these kinds of things that make macOS frustrating for power users, and Windows 11 includes far less intrusive prompts and behaviors.
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7 It's easier to run unapproved apps on Windows
Apple makes you go through a ton of hoops to install certain macOS apps
Windows users might have a hard time wrapping their heads around this, but Apple makes it really difficult to install and run certain apps. A Security & Privacy toggle can block all apps not downloaded from the App Store, which sounds outlandish for a desktop computer. You can change this, but only for apps from "identified developers." If a developer can't be identified, the app won't open at all. You'll need to manually override it by going back to System Settings or option-clicking the app in Finder and launching it that way.
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We have to give Windows 11 credit for trusting its users enough to let them open and run the apps they want. It still protects users from malware and harmful apps, even including Microsoft Defender antivirus software. But it doesn't make users go through a ton of hoops when they want to open an app that Apple doesn't recognize. This is one area where Windows 11 decisively crushes macOS in terms of simplicity and usability.
6 Windows 11 is superior for gaming
It has the hardware support, software support, and customization covered
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Windows 11 is still, hands-down, the best operating system for gaming. macOS Sequoia is getting better -- Cyberpunk 2077 is even coming to the Mac early next year -- but it's not particularly close. Windows has top AAA game support, and more importantly, supports the antivirus software required by many popular multiplayer games, like Fortnite or Grand Theft Auto Online. It also has a ton of users and plenty of room for customization, making the platform an enticing option for modders who want to put their own spin on their favorite games. It's hard to recommend macOS for gaming, and it doesn't look like Windows is losing its lead anytime soon.
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5 File Explorer is better than Finder
Windows makes it easy to see all your files and paths
While I find the macOS Finder to be more visually appealing and simplistic, it's hard to ignore that the File Explorer gets results. File management is a clear area where Windows 11 pulls ahead of macOS. It's much easier to find the file paths and information, and this makes data organization or use of external drives a significantly better experience. Additionally, Windows shows your system files without needing to perform the same extra steps as macOS. This can be helpful for troubleshooting, tinkering, and more. There are great third-party file management tools available, too.
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4 Windows 11 still has external graphics card support
I wish I could use an eGPU with my Apple silicon Macs
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Windows 11 is embracing the eGPU, or external graphics card, at the same time macOS is tossing it aside. While there is technically eGPU support lingering in the latest versions of macOS for legacy Intel Macs, it's unsupported for Apple silicon Macs and will be sunset when Intel machines can no longer update. That's a shame, because non-upgradeable Macs could benefit from enhanced graphics performance if Apple supported eGPU connection over Thunderbolt. Meanwhile, eGPU support is helping turn Windows 11 gaming handhelds into bona-fide gaming PCs -- and it might get better as Thunderbolt 5 becomes mainstream.
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3 Phone Link works with iOS and Android
iPhone Mirroring and Continuity, by comparison, are Apple exclusives
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It's no secret that Apple has fantastic ecosystem-exclusive features with iPhone Mirroring, iCloud, and Continuity. However, Windows 11 deserves a shoutout for Phone Link. It does an excellent job at bridging the gap between your smartphone and Windows PC. Best of all, Phone Link works across iOS and Android. Whether you're using an iPhone or another smartphone, you can get features like synced notifications, texting, and screen mirroring on your PC -- although these will vary based on platform and device model.
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2 Clipboard history is baked into Windows 11
Why does Apple still make macOS users download apps for this functionality?
As I mentioned earlier, Windows 11 is still better than macOS because the latter is still missing some of the basics. A great example of that is clipboard history, which is a downright essential Windows feature but is nonexistent on macOS. For the Mac users out there, a clipboard history saves a record of things you copied recently. You can retrieve what you've copied in the past to save you time and effort if you need to go back-and-forth, or if you've accidentally replaced copied content with something else. In some ways, text editing is better on Windows 11 than the competition, and clipboard history is a big reason why.
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1 Windows 11 handles audio better than macOS
I want to be able to control volume sliders on a per-app basis
Finally, I love how Windows 11 manages audio. You get easy-to-use input and output toggles, and useful controls in the Windows control panel. Most importantly, Windows 11 provides a versatile volume mixer with individual sliders for each app and audio source. You can set a lower volume for your background music, and a higher volume for the video you're watching. Or, a low volume for a background podcast and a louder one for the game you're playing. It just makes sense, and for some reason, macOS Sequoia still doesn't give you audio sliders for each app. This is a feature I miss every time I leave my Windows PCs.
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And yes, we still love macOS Sequoia
I still think that macOS Sequoia is the better overall operating system for productivity. However, I have to give credit to Windows 11 where it's due. The desktop OS is far more versatile and customizable than macOS, and this comes in handy when needing to run specialized apps, use older hardware, or add extra power with an eGPU. Additionally, it feels like Windows 11 was built for power users, and doesn't come with the same restrictions as macOS. It covers the basics in a way that macOS somehow still struggles to in 2024. For those reasons, I'm not ready to ditch my Windows PCs anytime soon.
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