Guide to Making macbook OS Feel More Like Windows common keyboard shortcuts

byHealthcare • • 2 min read
0

Guide to Making macOS Feel More Like Windows

If you’ve recently switched from Windows to a Mac, or if you’re simply looking to replicate a Windows-style workflow on your macOS device, there are plenty of ways to configure your Mac so it feels more familiar and efficient. Below is a comprehensive guide that not only highlights the core differences but also offers step-by-step instructions to help you bridge the gap between Windows and macOS. By applying these tips, you can make the transition smoother, maintain a productive workflow, and even discover additional features that may surpass what you’ve been used to on Windows.

1. Why Customize macOS to Resemble Windows?

  1. Familiarity and Comfort

    • Most Windows users are accustomed to certain shortcuts and navigation methods. Switching to macOS means learning new commands, which can slow you down initially. Adapting macOS to your existing habits helps minimize friction and mistakes in your daily tasks.

  2. Efficiency and Productivity

    • A large part of productivity lies in muscle memory—instantly pressing certain shortcuts or moving the cursor in specific ways. By replicating Windows functionality, you can jump straight into your work without retraining yourself on all-new controls.

  3. A Transitional Approach

    • If you’re new to macOS, customizing it to behave more like Windows offers a comfortable bridge between the two platforms. Over time, you can gradually adopt macOS-specific features once you’ve settled into your workflows.

2. Using Spotlight as Your “Start Menu” Equivalent

  1. What is Spotlight?

    • Spotlight is the built-in search feature on macOS. You can open it by pressing Command + Space. This shortcut summons a central search bar where you can look for apps, files, and even do quick calculations.

  2. How Does it Compare to Windows Start?

    • Just as you’d click the Windows Start button and begin typing, you can press Command + Space on a Mac and type the name of an application, folder, or setting. macOS will instantly list relevant matches.

  3. Expanding Spotlight’s Capabilities

    • Beyond basic searches, Spotlight can pull up preference panels (e.g., type “Keyboard” or “Trackpad” to go directly to those settings). You can also do real-time math calculations (e.g., 345*2) and currency conversions (e.g., “100 USD in EUR”).

  4. Launchpad as a Visual Alternative

    • If you miss the Windows Start menu’s list of apps, consider using Launchpad. You can assign a custom keyboard shortcut to open Launchpad (for instance, Option + Space), revealing all your installed apps in a grid, similar to a smartphone layout.

3. Making Finder Feel More Like Windows File Explorer

  1. Understanding Finder

    • Finder is macOS’s file management tool. It contains sidebar shortcuts to important folders (Documents, Downloads, etc.) but behaves differently than Windows Explorer by default.

  2. Always-Visible Scroll Bars

    • If you’re used to Windows’ permanently visible scroll bars, the disappearing scroll bar in Finder can be frustrating. To fix this:

      • Open System Settings (or search “Scroll bar” in Spotlight).

      • Under Appearance or General, set the scroll bars to “Always” instead of “Automatically based on mouse or trackpad.”

  3. Sorting and Arranging Files

    • To keep your folders and files neatly arranged:

      • Right-click (two-finger tap on a trackpad) in a Finder window and select View Options.

      • Select Name or any preferred attribute to maintain a consistent sorting method.

      • Click Use as Defaults if you want this sorting method applied to all Finder windows.

  4. Folders on Top

    • If you want folders to appear above files (similar to Windows Explorer), do this:

      • In Finder, go to Finder > Settings (or Preferences) > Advanced.

      • Enable “Keep folders on top when sorting by name.”

  5. Search Within Current Folder

    • Windows allows you to search within the current folder by default. To replicate this:

      • In Finder Settings > Advanced, change “When performing a search” to “Search the Current Folder.”

      • This ensures your searches are confined to the open folder, saving time and avoiding system-wide results you don’t need.

  6. Open Files with Enter Key

    • By default, Enter on macOS triggers “Rename,” unlike Windows, where Enter opens the selected item. To open files:

      • Use Command + ↓ (Down Arrow).

    • Alternatively, pressing Space gives you a quick preview (a feature known as Quick Look) without fully opening the file.

4. Managing Windows and Snapping Layouts

  1. Missing the Snap Feature?

    • In Windows, pressing Windows Key + Left/Right snaps a window to half the screen. macOS doesn’t have this by default, but you can replicate it with third-party tools.

  2. Rectangle or Other Third-Party Tools

    • Rectangle is a popular free utility for macOS that provides keyboard shortcuts to snap windows in various configurations.

    • Default shortcuts might be Control + Option + Arrow Keys to snap windows left, right, or into quadrants.

    • To make it more Windows-like, change the default to Option + Arrow or any other preferred combination.

  3. Better Multitasking

    • Once you install a window snapping tool, you’ll find multitasking easier and more aligned with your Windows muscle memory. You can also arrange multiple apps side by side, significantly increasing productivity.

5. Customizing Trackpad and Mouse Behavior

  1. Trackpad Settings

    • macOS uses a variety of gestures (like two-finger scrolling, pinch to zoom, etc.). If you’re used to Windows where tapping the trackpad counts as a click, do this:

      • Go to System Settings (Spotlight > “Trackpad”).

      • Enable “Tap to click” so a light tap suffices for a standard click.

    • You can also specify that a two-finger tap acts as a right-click, or set a bottom-corner click if that feels more natural.

  2. Mouse Scrolling

    • Many Windows users find macOS’s “natural scrolling” inverted. If you want a traditional scroll direction:

      • Under System Settings > Mouse, uncheck or adjust the “Natural scrolling” setting.

    • If scrolling still feels stiff, consider installing an app like MOS:

      • MOS offers “smooth scrolling” and can invert scroll direction if needed, making the movement feel more natural if you’re accustomed to Windows.

6. Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Familiarity

  1. Command vs. Control

    • In Windows, Control + C, Control + V, Control + X handle copying, pasting, and cutting. On macOS, it’s Command + C, Command + V, Command + X.

    • Switching that one finger from Control to Command is the core adjustment.

  2. Desktop and Window Management

    • If you used Windows Key + D to jump to the desktop, you can replicate this by assigning Option + D or another preferred shortcut to “Show Desktop” in:

      • System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Mission Control > “Show Desktop.”

    • For locking your screen on Windows, you likely used Windows Key + L. On macOS, the default is Control + Command + Q. You can’t change that system-level shortcut to something that conflicts with Command + L, but you can assign an alternative combination if you like.

  3. Deleting Files

    • Windows uses Delete to send items to the Recycle Bin, while macOS uses Command + Delete (Backspace). For a permanent deletion, press Command + Option + Delete.

  4. Undo and Redo

    • Command + Z to undo, Command + Shift + Z to redo. This replaces Control + Z / Control + Y from Windows.

7. Dock, Menu Bar, and Dealing with the Notch

  1. Dock Customization

    • The Dock in macOS is analogous to the Windows Taskbar, but it automatically appears at the bottom of the screen (unless you move it to the side).

    • You can pin frequently used apps by dragging them onto the Dock or right-clicking the app icon and selecting Options > Keep in Dock.

    • Folders can also be placed here. Right-click on a folder icon to choose between Folder or Grid view.

  2. Menu Bar

    • The top Menu Bar in macOS displays system icons such as battery, Wi-Fi, and volume. If your MacBook has a notch, certain icons will appear on either side of the notch, which can look unbalanced.

    • Consider using Top Notch or a similar utility to color the entire Menu Bar black, making the notch less visible.

  3. Notification Settings

    • If you find yourself missing notifications (e.g., KakaoTalk alerts) on macOS:

      • Go to System Settings > Notifications and ensure notifications for each app are enabled.

      • Also check if Focus (Do Not Disturb) mode is active, which will silence notifications.

8. Keeping Your Desktop Organized

  1. Stacks for Automatic Grouping

    • If your macOS desktop gets cluttered with screenshots, documents, and images, right-click on the desktop and select “Use Stacks.”

    • This feature automatically arranges files by type, date, or tags, similar to how you might group items on Windows but without manual dragging.

  2. Screenshot Management

    • By default, macOS saves all screenshots directly to the desktop. You can change the default folder (e.g., create a “Screenshots” folder) by using Command + Shift + 5 to open screenshot options, then selecting Options > Save to.

9. Final Thoughts

  1. Embrace Hybrid Features

    • Over time, you might find macOS has unique features (like Quick Look, or advanced trackpad gestures) that actually boost your workflow. Customizing your Mac to be more Windows-like is simply a stepping-stone toward deeper macOS proficiency.

  2. Efficiency Through Familiarity

    • Adapting macOS to your existing muscle memory can drastically shorten your learning curve, allowing you to focus on work rather than constantly fumbling with new shortcuts.

    • Once you gain confidence, you can gradually explore macOS-exclusive features at your own pace.

  3. Personal Preference Is Key

    • Some people eventually prefer the native macOS design. Others keep a Windows-like setup indefinitely. Find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to mix and match approaches to strike the perfect balance between Windows familiarity and macOS innovations.

By making these small but impactful changes—ranging from Finder tweaks to custom keyboard shortcuts—you can enjoy a blend of Windows-style efficiency and macOS elegance. A few minor adjustments may be all it takes to feel completely at home on your MacBook, making your work faster, your transition smoother, and your overall experience more rewarding.


macos shortcut
macos shortcut


  • Command + C: Copy

  • Command + V: Paste

  • Command + X: Cut

  • Command + Z: Undo

  • Command + Shift + Z: Redo

  • Command + A: Select All

  • Command + S: Save

  • Command + P: Print

  • Command + F: Find

  • Command + N: New Document

  • Command + T: New Tab (in browsers)

  • Command + Shift + T: Reopen closed tab (in browsers)

  • Command + Tab: Switch between open applications

  • Command + Q: Quit application

  • Command + Option + Esc: Open Force Quit Applications

  • Command + Shift + 3: Take a screenshot (full screen)

  • Command + Shift + 4: Take a screenshot (selected area)

  • Control + Command + Q: Lock screen

  • Command + Space: Open Spotlight search



    • 4.94 / 169 rates

    Post a Comment

    Previous Post Next Post

    POST ADS 2