Choosing the right operating system is crucial when buying a new computer because it largely controls what you can or can’t do on it. During my short time with a Mac, I’ve found these things that a Windows PC can do that a Mac can’t, and they make all the difference.
1 Perfect gaming experience
If you’re looking for differences between a Mac and a Windows PC, gaming is the first thing you’ll notice. Windows 11 is the most popular operating system on Steam for good reason.
This doesn’t mean that Macs can’t play games, but the sheer number of games available on Windows means you’ll never have to worry about compatibility, at least on the software side. This also extends to gaming-related software and utilities that enhance the overall experience.
Almost all games that aren't console exclusives support Windows, so even if you plan to play games casually, Windows should be your default choice — unless you're very particular about which games you play and that they support macOS.
While you may be able to enjoy some casual or indie games on Mac, more serious gaming will always be on Windows. Whether it’s FPS, AAA, sports, racing, or VR, Windows is the best choice for gaming.
2 Much more customization options
Windows offers much better customization options than macOS. Sure, you can change your desktop background and lock screen, but Windows lets you change everything from the cursor to the sounds your computer makes when an event is triggered.
You can also set custom colors and configure the taskbar behavior to suit your preferences. Although Windows 11 has taken away some control compared to Windows 10, especially when it comes to the taskbar, it’s still a big step ahead of macOS if you want to add a personal touch to your PC.
Windows also supports a number of third-party programs like Rainmeter and XWidget if you want to add a little more flair to your desktop. They can add useful widgets and small tools to your desktop to give you more control over how your computer looks and interacts with you.
3 Better support for third-party software
Speaking of third-party software, you will definitely get better third-party software support with Windows. Since it is the most popular operating system in the world, most developers who create desktop applications for PCs port them to Windows.
Again, this isn’t to say that macOS doesn’t have exclusive software, but Windows likely has a ready-made alternative. Most major developers offer both Windows and macOS versions of their software, but Windows has the edge otherwise. This includes everything from desktop customization tools like Rainmeter to diagnostic tools like HWiNFO.
If you work in an environment that requires using a lot of different programs, Windows is the better choice. You may be able to find alternatives to macOS as well, but they will be harder to find.
4 Hardware upgradeability
I sympathize with you if you own a Mac and want to upgrade the RAM or storage. Macs tend to be pretty low on the upgradeability scale. However, on Windows, whether you have a desktop or a laptop, upgradability is often a matter of swapping out the individual component.
This difference is most apparent when it comes to laptops. When you buy a MacBook, you configure it with the hardware you choose when you buy it, and that’s it. There are no upgrade options later where you can upgrade or repair things like storage, memory, network cards, and so on.
On Windows laptops, you’ll at least be able to upgrade your storage. Thin and light Windows laptops often resort to soldering RAM onto the motherboard for a more compact design or better performance, but that’s about it.
5 Better file management
Finder and File Explorer are the default file managers on macOS and Windows respectively. While both do a good job of helping users accomplish common file management tasks, I find Microsoft's offering to be better.
While the Finder's design is simpler than File Explorer's, that may not necessarily be a good thing. File Explorer is much easier to navigate, context menus provide more control, and you don't have to triple-click to see how much storage space is available on your computer.
We’ve previously compared Finder and File Explorer if you want to dig deeper. Overall, if you’re new to computers or have never owned a Mac before, you’ll have an easier time managing your files in Windows. If you’re an advanced user and want more control over your files without having to resort to a command-line interpreter, File Explorer won’t let you down.
Again, this isn't to say that Finder isn't good, it certainly does some things better than File Explorer. However, when it comes to basic file management, File Explorer is easy to use.
6 Better compatibility with external drives
There may be some variance on this point, but I have found that Windows has better compatibility with external drives than macOS. If I plug in an external USB drive, memory card, or any other storage drive, it always shows up, sometimes even when the drive itself is corrupted.
In my experience, macOS has been somewhat selective in what it chooses to detect. This isn’t a problem to the point where I can’t use external drives with my Mac, but as someone who often creates disposable bootable drives (and uses cheap USB drives to do so), I’ve had a hard time getting macOS to consistently detect or write to them.
This often happens because Windows and macOS use different file systems, and most external drives are designed to work with Windows computers. Windows uses NTFS (New Technology File System) and macOS uses HFS+ or APFS (Apple File System); as you can probably imagine, they don't communicate well with each other.
This doesn't mean you can't use any external drives with your Mac, but it does require the extra step of formatting the drive to the appropriate file system.
7 Cheaper repair and maintenance
Windows computers are much cheaper to repair and maintain than Macs, especially considering that you can build a high-performance Windows PC for the price of a set of Mac Pro wheels.
Windows computers are usually a combination of different components that make up the computer, which means it's easier to replace components when they break or malfunction. All you have to do is make sure the new part is compatible with your motherboard, and you're good to go.
On the other hand, Macs are more integrated in design, which means that if you run into a problem, you’ll likely have to take the device to Apple for repair, and the bill will be hefty. Even basic maintenance like cleaning fans and vents is a hassle.
Both Windows and macOS have their pros and cons, and depending on what you expect from your computer, you may prefer one over the other. That doesn’t make one operating system inferior to the other, either. They’re just two very different pieces of software that appeal to different people and do things the other can’t.