➤Windows 11 vs macOS and what Apple should replicate 🕹

Summary

> How does the design of Windows 11 compare to that of macOS?
> Taskbar and Start menu vs Dock
> Widgets
> Multitasking
> File Explorer vs Finder
> Settings vs System Preferences
> Faster updates
> Apps Android vs iOS
> Same but different
> Price and compatibility

It will probably not have escaped your notice that Microsoft presented a new version of the Windows operating system on June 24, 2021. When Microsoft launched Windows 2015 in 10, the firm said that it would be the last version of Windows , but she clearly changed her mind when she launched Windows 11.

Note that for this new system, Microsoft has drawn some ideas from Apple. In this comparison, we analyze the differences and similarities to come between Windows 11 to macOS (Monterey), two systems that will land at the same time.

How does the design of Windows 11 compare to that of macOS?

It must be said, Windows 11 looks more like macOS than ever. For example, at the bottom of the Windows screen is what reminds us of the Apple Dock, we find windows with rounded edges like on macOS, but also many redesigned icons for a more user-friendly appearance, finally new widgets much more interesting than those of Apple.

There are a few Windows 11 features that Apple should replicate, like the built-in animations when launching an app or the ability to choose from a collection of themes, rather than just dark and light mode.

Windows 11 vs macOS and what Apple should replicate

Choose your theme and you'll get wallpapers and colors that complement each other. The closest thing on the Mac is how newer iMacs can default to color settings that match their design colorway.

Of course, you can adjust your Mac's wallpaper and screensavers, but it would be nice if Apple allowed its users to customize their system more extensively. For now, there are only 2 modes available, dark and light...

So much for the design, but what about the new apps and interface features?

Taskbar and Start Menu vs. Dock

As mentioned above, one of the main changes in Windows 11 is the central taskbar, which is not unlike Mac's Dock.

The Windows taskbar includes the Windows Start button (formerly located at the bottom left of the screen), which provides access to programs, settings, and files. The new taskbar includes all of these elements in a now cleaner and more intuitive interface. And, if its central placement bothers you, then you can replace it on the left without any problem.

Like the Dock in macOS, it looks like the Windows taskbar will have shortcuts to the programs you use most frequently, and similar to the Dock, there will be a shortcut to File Explorer (equivalent to Finder).

It also includes shortcuts to Downloads, Trash, Anything You've Minimized, and Launchpad, which is an overview of all apps installed on Mac.

In comparison, the taskbar is less cluttered, but you can click the Start menu icon to access it. It incorporates pinned apps and an All Apps section to show everything that has been installed.

Windows 11 vs macOS and what Apple should replicate

We also appreciate the Our Recommendations section, which provides shortcuts to recently used files, folders and applications, not only those accessed from the PC, but also from other devices, even if they are stored on OneDrive and Microsoft 365 cloud services.

We think Apple should take over this taskbar layout and update Launchpad in a future version of macOS, ideally so that it doesn't take up the entire screen. It could, for example, be inspired by the new design of the library of applications which will be available on the iPad, with iOS 15.

Widgets

Windows 11 seems to have taken inspiration from macOS for its widgets. They're not new, but the fact that Microsoft has updated the interface so that a window of widgets appears on the left of your screen, recalls the style of macOS, which placed it on the right.

Widgets are designed to provide users with important information at a quick glance. Mac users only benefit from the calendar, clock, weather, news, stock market, calculator and reminders widgets. Compared to those of iOS, it's quite embarrassing... Maybe if there were more useful widgets, we'd look at them more often, but for now, it's an unappreciated macOS feature. ..

Microsoft will likely offer more widgets, although, like Apple, it will be dependent on third parties creating them.

Windows 11 vs macOS and what Apple should replicate

Multitasking

One of the Windows features Mac lacks is the ability to change window layouts.

Sometimes, if not most of the time, you wish you had more than one app open, but having it open is not enough. Indeed, you would want to be able to see it, not miss an important Slack message or email. While notifications can help you solve this problem, and put an end to those distractions, you often use two apps in tandem.

On a Mac you'll probably have a number of overlapping apps open on the screen, you'll move them to the side or click on one to bring it to the fore. But your desktop won't be tidier...

In Windows, there is a way to organize your multiple windows, and it has been improved in Windows 11. The Snap Layouts option will appear when you hover your cursor over the maximize button, so you can choose a neat layout of your screen apps.

Windows 11 vs macOS and what Apple should replicate

Apple's closest thing is full-screen multitasking, which allows you to drag in a second app, but that system isn't quite as efficient.

Windows 11 Snap Layouts will also be retained if you add external monitors. It seems similar to how Spaces on macOS can group certain apps together. We would like to see a combination of these features on a future macOS.

File Explorer vs Finder

Windows File Explorer also has a new look, with a simplified toolbar and icons representing basic actions, such as creating a new folder and sharing files.

Settings vs System Preferences

In Windows 11, the Settings tab, which has its counterpart in Mac's System Preferences, also gets a major overhaul, with new colorful icons.

Faster updates

In June 2020, Apple announced that with the arrival of macOS Big Sur, updates would be faster and it would be possible to use the Mac at the same time.

Microsoft made a similar claim, its Windows Updates will be 40% lighter and run in the background.

Apps Android vs iOS

Windows 11 will introduce the ability to run Android apps. Windows users will be able to install Android apps from the Amazon Appstore and enjoy them from their PC.

Apple introduced this feature to the M1 Macs when they launched in November 2020, so it looks like Microsoft is catching up.

Windows 11 vs macOS and what Apple should replicate

That said, Apple hasn't really played the game since for the moment only 45 apps are available... In addition, it will be possible to run Windows 11 on tablets and iPad users would like to do the same...