Switching from Windows to a Mac: what is different
Moving from Windows to a Mac can feel strange at first, but most things have an equivalent. This guide shows where to find the basics.
The screen layout
- The menu bar at the very top shows menus for the app you are using. The Apple menu in the top left is where you shut down, restart and open System Settings.
- The Dock at the bottom holds your apps. A small dot under an icon means it is open.
- Finder is like File Explorer. Click the smiling face icon in the Dock.
Closing is not quitting
Clicking the red button at the top left of a window usually closes the window, but the app often stays open. To fully quit, press Command and Q, or choose Quit from the app menu.
Keyboard differences
- Command works like Ctrl does in Windows. Command and C copies, Command and V pastes.
- Delete on a Mac removes the character before the cursor, like Backspace.
- Return is the Enter key.
- To delete forwards, hold Fn and press Delete.
Where things are
- Settings: System Settings (called System Preferences on older versions).
- Install apps: from the App Store, or by downloading a file and dragging the app into Applications.
- Uninstall: open Applications in Finder and drag the app to the Trash.
- Search: Command and Space for Spotlight.
Your files
Many Windows files open on a Mac, including Word and Excel documents if you have Microsoft 365. External drives formatted for Windows (NTFS) can usually be read but not always written to. Ask us before you copy anything important.
Right-click
Hold Control and click, or click with two fingers on the trackpad.
Your first week
Spend time exploring, and ask us about moving your photos, emails and bookmarks. A good plan is to keep your old PC until you are sure everything has been copied across.
When to get more help
Contact us for help moving files, setting up email, finding Mac versions of Windows programs, or getting a printer working.