My fascination with MacBooks began in high school, and I finally acquired one a couple of years ago. However, after just a month of use, I gravitated back to my Windows 11 PC due to several indispensable features.
1. Enhanced File Management with File Explorer
Photo by Jerome Thomas / MakeUseOf
One of the most significant shortcomings of macOS compared to Windows 11 lies in its file management system. While many users appreciate Finder, File Explorer’s superior organizational capabilities are hard to overlook.
Finder lacks a straightforward navigation bar, complicating file location tracking. Conversely, Windows 11’s File Explorer makes it easy to see your current location in storage, simplifying tasks like moving and saving files without the added hassle.
Additionally, File Explorer’s sorting options streamline file management. Unlike Finder, which can scatter files across the screen, File Explorer logically lists folders first, enhancing visual clarity and reducing the time spent searching for files.
Another advantage is the ease of moving files. Unlike Finder, which requires a cumbersome process for file transferring, File Explorer allows effortless cut and paste functionality, saving you valuable time.
2. Advanced Snap Layout Features
For multitaskers like myself, utilizing three displays is essential for productivity. Windows 11 significantly enhances this experience with its multitude of Snap Layout options, allowing for effective screen division and organization.
While macOS introduced Snap Layouts, it limits you to basic left and right arrangements, necessitating third-party app purchases for more diverse setups like what Windows 11 offers natively—this is a crucial feature for any serious multitasker.
With Windows, users can create personalized layouts using the free PowerToys application, allowing for a tailored experience that maximizes efficiency and workspace utilization.
3. Optimizing Multimonitor Setups
As a proponent of multimonitor setups, I leverage three screens connected to my laptop through an HDMI port and a DisplayPort splitter. This setup enhances workflows by keeping all necessary applications visible at a glance.
If I upgraded my laptop, connecting three displays would be hassle-free, directly supporting multiple screens without additional hardware. In stark contrast, macOS limits users to a maximum of two external monitors with Apple Silicon, presenting a considerable disadvantage for professionals who rely on an expansive workspace.
Investing in Pro-level Apple Silicon becomes essential for expanding beyond two external monitors, which can significantly increase costs for Mac users looking for a more versatile setup.
4. Multitasking and the Taskbar Efficiency
The history of the Windows Taskbar dates back to 1985, and its evolution has led to a powerful tool for app management and multitasking. Personally, I prefer the simplicity of pinning essential applications and using the Start Menu to house additional ones.
Contrarily, macOS lacks a Start Menu, forcing users to keep frequently used apps on the Dock, which can take up valuable screen space. Moreover, the Taskbar integrates status updates and the clock conveniently at the bottom of the screen, while macOS places such elements at the top, leading to unnecessary visual clutter.
Windows’ multitasking approach with the “alt + tab”functionality is straightforward and intuitive, while macOS complicates the process, requiring additional steps to switch between instances of the same app. This can disrupt workflow, adding to frustration.
5. Seamless Integration with Microsoft Phone Link
Microsoft Phone Link stands out as an extraordinary innovation for Windows users, facilitating seamless connection between Windows PCs and both Android and iOS devices.
In contrast, syncing an Android phone with a macOS device can be challenging due to Apple’s restrictive ecosystem, which prioritizes its products. While iPhone users gain seamless integration, Android users may feel left out, often requiring additional applications for optimal functionality.
Microsoft Phone Link significantly improves the user experience for those who use Android devices, ensuring essential integration without hassle, making it a valuable tool for hybrid users.
6. Navigating Task Manager
Task Manager is commonly associated with troubleshooting unresponsive applications, but its true utility extends much further. It’s an indispensable tool for monitoring system performance, managing startup applications, and more — all in one place.
While macOS provides Activity Monitor for similar functionalities, it requires users to navigate between tabs for comprehensive insights, a less efficient method than Windows’ singular dashboard approach. Moreover, macOS does not allow users to manage startup apps conveniently, limiting operational efficiency.
Although Apple excels in hardware design and ecosystem synergy, the implementation of daily-use features in macOS can detract from a user-friendly experience, reinforcing the preference for Windows 11 for countless users. This, combined with my MacBook Air for travel, aligns perfectly with my workflow needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes File Explorer more efficient than Finder?
File Explorer provides a clearer organizational setup with an intuitive navigation bar, straightforward file management options, and easy sorting mechanisms that enhance user productivity compared to Finder.
2. How does Windows 11 improve multitasking functionality?
Windows 11 offers advanced Snap Layout options that facilitate better screen management and organization across multiple displays, allowing users to work more efficiently compared to the limitations of macOS multitasking features.
3. Can I sync my Android phone with Windows 11?
Yes, Windows 11 allows seamless integration with Microsoft Phone Link, enabling easy synchronization between Android/iOS devices and your Windows PC, providing a unified user experience.
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