A Guide for beginners to switch to macOS

Introduction

Since I switched from Windows to macOS over a decade ago, I've enjoyed a more stable and integrated environment. In this guide, I'll walk you through the essentials you need to feel at home on a Mac, from navigation basics to advanced workflows.

Why Switch to Mac?

I chose macOS for its rock-solid stability and strong security model. Apple's tight integration between hardware and software means fewer surprise updates and more time focusing on work. If you're coming from Windows, you might expect a steep learning curve. In my experience, a shift in mindset and muscle memory goes a long way.

High-Level Differences

At a glance, macOS uses a menu bar that remains at the top of the screen, while Windows relies on a taskbar per window. Finder replaces File Explorer and introduces tags and Smart Folders. These changes shape how you interact with files, apps, and settings throughout your day.

User Interface Basics

Finder vs Explorer

Finder lives in the Dock and handles all file management. You can switch between icon, list, or column views and add custom tags for quick searches. I use Smart Folders to track recent projects automatically. The sidebar holds favorites, iCloud Drive, and external drives—everything you need at a glance.

Window Controls

On macOS, window buttons sit on the left in red, yellow, and green. Red closes the window without quitting the app. Yellow minimizes to the Dock. Green resizes the window or enters full-screen mode. Press and hold green to tile windows side by side.

Menu Bar & Control Center

The menu bar stays at the top of the screen. It shows app menus and status icons like Wi-Fi and battery. For quick toggles—Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Do Not Disturb—I use Control Center (click the toggle icon near the date). You can customize which controls appear in System Settings → Control Center.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Cmd vs Ctrl

Cmd (⌘) takes over most shortcuts you use with Ctrl on Windows. Press ⌘ + C to copy and ⌘ + V to paste. Ctrl still matters in Terminal and some apps for secondary clicks or alternative actions. The Option (⌥) key acts like Alt, offering extra options in menus.

Taking Screenshots

⌘ + Shift + 3: Capture the entire screen
⌘ + Shift + 4: Capture a selected area
⌘ + Shift + 4, then Space: Capture a specific window
⌘ + Shift + 5: Open screenshot options menu

Spotlight Search

Press ⌘ + Space to open Spotlight. I rely on it to launch apps, find documents, and even do quick calculations. You can enable or disable categories in System Settings → Siri & Spotlight.

Force Quit

macOS apps remain open when you close a window. To quit an unresponsive app, right-click its Dock icon and choose Force Quit or press ⌘ + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit dialog.

Installing & Managing Applications

Mac App Store

The Mac App Store offers vetted, sandboxed apps, but it doesn't include everything—you won't find many enterprise tools there.

How to install most apps

I download DMG files from official websites. Open the DMG, then drag the app icon into the Applications folder. This simple drag-and-drop model feels intuitive once you get used to it.

My Recommended Apps

Password manager: 1Password
Writing helper: RewriteBar
Window manager: Rectangle
Note-taking: Notion
Browser: ARC
AI chat: ChatGPT
Communication: Slack
Music: Spotify

Uninstall apps

To remove an app, simply delete it from Applications. There's no need for an uninstall wizard or registry cleaner.

System Settings & Preferences

System Settings vs Control Panel

System Settings consolidates all options in one place. You can use the search bar at the top to jump directly to any setting. It replaces the older System Preferences interface. Learn more on Apple Support.

Trackpad & Mouse Gestures

I configure my trackpad to match my workflow:

Enable "Tap to click"
Enable "Two-finger right click"
Enable "Three-finger drag" for moving windows
Use four fingers to activate Mission Control

Productivity & Multitasking

Mission Control & Desktops

Mission Control displays all open windows and desktops. I create separate spaces for coding, browsing, and communication. Swipe up with four fingers or press Control + Up Arrow. Check out tips on Macworld.

Window Management Apps

I use Rectangle and sometimes Magnet to snap windows into halves or quarters. These tools save me seconds every time I arrange multiple apps on screen.

Advanced Topics

Terminal Basics

To open Terminal, press ⌘ + Space, type "Terminal," and hit Enter. Here are a few commands I rely on:

ls    # List directory contents
cd    # Change directory
mkdir # Create a new directory
brew # Install packages

That covers the essentials you need to get started with macOS. I hope these tips make your transition smooth. Do you have any favorite shortcuts or apps? Drop a message on Twitter and let me know!