Computers have become a necessity these days along with the internet now that we’re waist-deep into the digital age. For desktop or laptop computers, it’s mostly down to two operating systems and their respective hardware that have been clashing for decades now; it’s the good old Windows vs macOS conundrum.
If you’re buying a new computer or have been staying with one of those two platforms for far too long and are starting to get curious about the other, you’ve come to the right place. Because we’re here to add more fuel to the Windows vs macOS bonfire so that hopefully, it gets bright enough to be seen.
There’s no clear winner here, as each operating system or platform has its own strengths and advantages, which might make them more tailored to your needs or wants. We’re just here to help you evaluate which is better for you.
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Why Pick Windows Over macOS?
Windows started out in the 1980s in response to the growing popularity and need for graphical operating systems.
It’s currently the most popular desktop operating system and that’s due to certain advantages that are favored by the industry.
Windows Is Best for Gaming
By far Windows’ biggest advantage is catering to the multi-billion-dollar industry of video games for the PC. It’s currently the most successful operating system right now since developers often code and create their games with Windows in mind or on Windows-based machines.
That isn’t to say gaming isn’t available on macOS, it’s just that they run rather poorly because video games need another level of optimization for such a different operating system. And seeing as their market share is small and the number of users are also significantly fewer compared to Windows, there’s your primary reason why Windows is better for gaming.
This is not about to change soon, sadly, thanks to Apple’s constant drive to over-engineer thinner and smaller devices. Thinner and smaller electronics won’t be able to fit efficient cooling systems, thus resulting in them only being able to accommodate weaker hardware– those that aren’t great for gaming’s ever-increasing graphical demands.
Windows machines simply don’t care much about compactness and elegance (with some exceptions for laptops). Hence, a typical Windows computer can accommodate better gaming hardware.
Better Software Variety
Again, this is likely due to Windows’ higher market share, but software developers and hardware manufacturers tend to flock to Windows and Windows machines. For software, you get more selections that are absent on macOS.
There are multiple softwares for a given task or function and they also have multiple competitors, leading to better overall software quality and feature-race.
If you want to use multiple monitors, you can do so seamlessly on Windows, compared to Mac devices.
If you don’t want how Windows 11 looks, you can always customize it with Rainmeter skins and the myriad of other applications you can download (mostly for free) to help you personalize your computer better. There is GeekTool for Mac, but it requires a bit more work and the community is niche.
Better Hardware Upgradeability
We’re mostly talking about hardware here instead of operating systems but those go hand-in-hand with each other anyway.
For that matter, buying a Windows machine ensures that you can future-proof your device better– provided you know how to tinker a bit with computer hardware. The beauty in Windows and its hardware platform is its modularity. You can swap out parts that are compatible and give an old computer a good boost in performance.
The hardware is also a lot more affordable compared to a macOS machine. You can buy a good mid-range to high-end gaming laptop or Windows computer for less than the price of a regular current-gen MacBook. This brings us to another point…
Windows Is More Affordable
The thing about picking an OS is that you don’t just pick software here; you’re also picking a digital age lifestyle especially if you have to commit to only one operating system. That’s mostly due to your hardware options being limited if you pick one over the other.
In this case, the Windows lifestyle is more affordable. Windows, in general, is lower maintenance compared to Mac, especially in the hardware aspect.
As for repairs and warranties, we all know just how much of a nightmare it is to appeal to Apple’s policies if you ever need to have a Mac OS device serviced or fixed. More often than not, hardware related to Windows machines are less strict about repairs and warranties.
Why Pick macOS Over Windows?
Now on the other side of the coin, there’s the macOS. It was one of Apple’s earliest creations and it’s well-known (even today) as the simpler and more user-friendly alternative to Windows; even an elderly person can operate it with ease.
The macOS has its own advantages as well though none of them are in the realm of gaming. Still, you’ll find a lot of users that have switched over from Windows to macOS regret nothing and now deem it difficult to return to Windows.
A Cleaner Default User Interface
Right off the bat, you’ll notice the difference with macOS immediately.
The graphical animations of the user interface from the dock to the tabs are smoother and less prone to hangups.
All the applications are also neatly placed on the dock so you don’t have to arrange their short cuts in the home screen or desktop screen.
Certain commands and shortcuts are also easier, and locating files is faster in macOS.
Less Prone to Viruses
One of the reasons why macOS has better security than Windows is also the same reason why Windows is better at gaming: the market share. macOS is relatively less popular or less ubiquitous and is thus used less in the business sector (though it might be starting to catch up).
As a result of its more niche place in the industry, hackers are less likely to create malware or other viruses for macOS.
Another big reason why macOS has better security is due to its architecture. It’s a Unix-based system, the same as Linux; it simply has better security compared to the inefficient and less stable MS-DOS and NT platform with which Windows was based upon.
Apart from that, macOS also comes with multiple layers of protection and segregation for its applications. While Windows is somewhat catching up with its built-in Windows Defender antivirus, it’s still not enough to bring it to the same level of security that macOS provides.
macOS Is Less Troublesome With Its Updates
Every time Microsoft releases an update for its latest Windows version, the gods will roll a dice to determine how much it will vex Windows users.
One of the biggest woes of people who migrated from Windows to macOS was how the latter would always force its restarts every time there’s a new update or how pushy it can be.
Moreover, it seems like every other Windows update introduces a problem (whether minor or significant) that Microsoft often scrambles to release a hotfix. It’s safe to say that macOS isn’t as troublesome with its updates compared to Windows.
Better Device Ecosystem
If you already have multiple Apple devices and are looking to shuffle some files between them or transfer some login credentials, then you’ll have fewer headaches (if at all) with the macOS.
Since Apple has successfully made its own ecosystem of devices, it has no trouble integrating every one of them into a system that just works without a hitch.
Say for example, you need to transfer multiple large files between several devices; the easiest way to do this for Windows without relying on physical accessories is to just hope for a fast internet connection and upload the file online so that other Windows devices can download them. macOS devices, on the other hand, have Handoff where you can transfer tasks and data to other Apple devices, including those with iOS.
That kind of continuity between devices is underrated for productivity and you’d be surprised how much it helps.
In Summary…
If you want a versatile all-around computer that you can use for both work and play, then you’re better off going with Windows. But for ease, productivity, and work-focused stuff, macOS still has the edge over Windows for the reasons mentioned above.
These advantages for each device aren’t about to change soon due to their hardware and the engineering philosophies of their parent companies and manufacturers.
There’s also the case of preference for the UI elements and functionalities. Just pick whichever you think is more suited to your needs or whichever makes you happier.
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