Windows -> MacOS: Tips, Tweaks, and Tools for Switching from Windows to macOS

jey2101 · June 13

Inspired by Linus’s 30-day macOS challenge, I wanted to start a thread for anyone who’s made (or is trying to make) the switch from Windows to macOS—and is struggling with some of the frustrating gaps in macOS usability. I just started using a MacBook Air and have faces similar annoyances.

Apple gets a lot right, but let’s be honest: some things just don’t “click” out of the box, especially for longtime Windows users. This thread is for collecting tweaks, third-party apps, and tips that smooth out the transition. Think of it as a crowd-sourced starter kit for making macOS more usable, customizable, and familiar for Windows converts.

Post your:

🛠 Tools that restore expected Windows behavior (e.g., window snapping, cut-and-paste files, file explorer alternatives)
Settings tweaks that improve usability
Third-party apps that replace or enhance native macOS functions
General tips or shortcuts that helped you adapt

Whenever possible let's try to post free/open-source solutions.

To start things off, here are a few of mine:

LinearMouse – Reverses the scroll direction on a mouse wheel, enables Back/Forward buttons, customizing mouse acceleration and scrolling to feel more like Windows.
Maccy – Clipboard manager.
AltTab – Brings proper alt-tab functionality to macOS (includes live previews too).
Hidden Bar – Clean up your menu bar by hiding unused icons like you can do in the Windows Taskbar.
Battery Toolkit – Allows you to set a percentage where your battery will start charging and when it will stop when plugged in to power.
Lulu – Free, open-source firewall designed to block unknown outgoing connections.

Let’s build a solid resource for anyone making the jump. Drop your best tweaks and tools below

Donut417 · June 13

I switched back in 2020. I bought Magnet for 1.99 to get window snapping. Other than that I just use the normal options. I’ve learned to do stuff the “macOS” way.