Published Jun 5, 2023, 9:45 AM EDT
Abhijith has been writing for the Web since 2011 and has contributed to sites like Beebom and TechWiser. He is curious about making the best of tech accessible to everyone.
He started writing as a hobby after getting a computer at 16. Since then, he has found technical writing a space where he belongs and could make a difference. A curious and self-motivated person, Abhijith's writings focus on productivity, Android, and the Internet.
He holds a Master's degree in English and a PhD in Humanities. Enthusiastic about language, literature, and culture, he works as an Assistant Professor of English.
If not writing or reading, you can find Abhijith playing Chess or CODM.
Many users switch from Windows to macOS for the better set of features that the Apple ecosystem offers. For the most part, macOS does not disappoint, either. Every year, Apple introduces features that boost performance, productivity, and security.
But, we should also admit that Apple is hell-bent on not bringing some changes to macOS, especially some popular Windows features. Thanks to third-party apps, though, you can enjoy some of these features (or similar ones) on macOS. So, here are eight Mac apps that bring popular Windows features to macOS.
Despite Apple's best efforts on features like Stage Manager in macOS Ventura, window management is still somewhat of a disaster. Microsoft Windows, on the other hand, has mastered window management as well as snapping over time.
Fortunately, you get a similar experience on macOS, thanks to OneMenu, a free-to-use window management app for Mac. This app sits on the macOS menu bar and suggests placement ideas whenever you click and drag a window. It will automatically resize and snap the window in a second.
Moreover, OneMenu also shows a quick system monitoring interface within the menu, allowing you to keep an eye on your system's CPU and RAM usage.
Download: OneMenu (Free)
Another popular Windows feature many people miss are gestures and keyboard combinations. Although macOS lets you customize certain aspects of the keyboard, the options are not extensive. But you can use BetterTouchTool, which allows you to customize your Mac and deal with built-in and additional input devices.
You can use BetterTouchTool to enable automations on your Mac as well. For instance, you can decide what a combination of inputs does, choosing from a growing collection of actions. Some utilities within the app include screen capturing, clipboard management, and window switching.
Overall, BetterTouchTool brings multiple Windows features to macOS, but you may need time to master the customization and automation options.
Download: BetterTouchTool ($10, free trial available)
3. CopyClip
On Windows, you can launch the clipboard manager using a shortcut key. It is convenient when you want to access something you had copied earlier. Unfortunately, manually viewing the clipboard history on a Mac can be tiresome. But, on the bright side, you can use CopyClip to bring the Windows feature to your Mac.
CopyClip is a clipboard manager utility that stays on the menu bar. It can keep track of all the text snippets you copy to the clipboard. And whenever you need to access the clipboard history, you can click the CopyClip button. The app also lets you decide how many entries you want to show in the history.
This free app is an adequate choice for most Mac users, but it stores only text-based content. If you'd like to access rich content from your clipboard history, you can check out a paid app like Paste.
Download: CopyClip (free)
4. AltTab
If you've used Windows for some time, you must be familiar with the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut. It helps you quickly preview and shift between multiple windows. Even though macOS lets you shift between full-sized windows, the Alt + Tab feature is missing. Fortunately, you can use AltTab to bring it to your Mac.
After installation, you can use Option + Tab to preview and shift between multiple apps open on your Mac. You can also use the menu to hide and quit specific apps from the options. And you can customize things further, including the appearance.
For instance, you can choose between macOS and Windows 10 themes. Similarly, you can add some apps to the blacklist. All in all, AltTab makes it easy to manage multiple app windows.
Download: AltTab (Free)
5. Background Music
Another popular Windows feature that you do not find on macOS is sound management. Even though you get basic sound control options, app-specific controls are out of the question. Background Music brings a rather neat solution to this problem.
You can use Background Music to adjust the volume for each app open on your Mac. The app also lets you auto-pause the Music app or your preferred music player. It's impressive that you can change the volume and even the speaker preference (left or right) for each app.
If you open multiple media apps on your Mac, Background Music is an excellent option. Additional features include the ability to record system audio as well.
Download: Background Music (Free)
6. NoxPlayer
As you may know, Windows 11 offers native support for Android apps. So, you have the option to install at least some of your favorite Android apps on your PC. On macOS, however, you need a third-party app to bring this feature.
NoxPlayer is an Android emulator that lets you run Android apps and games on your Mac. Even though the app is designed to run games, you can use it to open Android apps as well. That's because the app creates a virtual Android device on your Mac.
We recommend checking out this free app if you want to play your favorite Android games on your Mac. It does not consume a lot of system resources, either.
Download: NoxPlayer (Free)
7. Commander One
Compared to Finder on macOS, the File Explorer utility on Windows is far better. You have better control over files and quick ways to modify them. Fortunately, instead of using apps to tweak Finder, which does not go well, you can use another file manager like Commander One.
For instance, you can choose a single-pane or double-pane interface to move files between multiple locations. It also does a better job of handling multiple tabs. Commander One also offers features like ZIP support, hidden files toggle, and many customization options.
You can use the app for network access as well if you like. And there is a premium subscription that lets you access FTP services like Amazon S3 and Google Drive.
Download: Commander One (Free, in-app purchases available)
Make Your Mac Feel Like a Windows PC
We believe these apps help you improve the macOS experience in general. This will be beneficial for those who do not want to move back to Windows for some specific features alone. And the last time we checked, it's quite difficult to use a Windows laptop once you have gotten used to a MacBook.