These 7 macOS Features Made Me Ditch My Windows 11 Laptop

After years of using Windows 11, I never imagined I'd make the switch. However, macOS offers several thoughtful features that have made a noticeable difference in my day-to-day use. Here's a look at the macOS features that convinced me to ditch my Windows laptop for good.

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1 Stable OS With Effortless Updates and Zero Hassles

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One of the biggest frustrations with Windows 11 is its intrusive update process. No matter what you're working on, Windows will often start updating at the most inconvenient times, forcing you to pause everything. And it's not just the timing—the sheer frequency of updates is annoying, with countless security patches and major OS updates that require multiple reboots and lengthy installations.

On the other hand, macOS handles system updates much better. Apple typically releases one major update each year, supplemented by smaller updates that add features or fix minor issues. These updates are usually quick and easy to install unless it's a major upgrade. They're far less intrusive and feel refreshingly clutter-free compared to the Windows experience. If there's one area where Microsoft could take a page from Apple's book, it's definitely in managing software updates.

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2 No Bloatware

While we're on the topic of software experience, another frustration with most Windows 11 computers is the bloatware they come pre-loaded with. Except for Microsoft Surface devices, most Windows laptops and desktops come cluttered with third-party apps—from GPU management tools to mouse and accessory controls—that add unnecessary complexity right out of the box.

Apple includes only essential, first-party apps on its Macs, so you start with a clean slate. This approach translates to more available storage for the user, as well as fewer distractions and an overall smoother user experience.

3 Seamless Integration With Apple Devices

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This one's an obvious but essential highlight. While Microsoft has tried its best to integrate Android with Windows through Phone Link, it still can't match the seamless integration of Apple's ecosystem. If you own other Apple devices, you'll see how much more cohesive the experience is as you use a Mac.

Have an iPhone? You can use it as a high-quality webcam for video calls on your Mac. Using AirPods with your iPhone? They'll auto-connect to your Mac. Got an iPad? It can double as an external display for your Mac. Plus, you can copy on one device and paste on another or pick up web browsing right where you left off. Apple offers many thoughtful Continuity features that make multitasking across devices feel smooth and productive.

4 iPhone Mirroring

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A standout addition to the Apple ecosystem is the iPhone Mirroring feature in macOS Sequoia, which allows you to fully control your iPhone directly from your Mac using a keyboard, mouse, or trackpad—no need to pick up your phone. Once set up, you can seamlessly stream your iPhone's screen and receive notifications right on your Mac.

While Windows offers similar features for Android devices via the Phone Link app, it's far from perfect. For instance, when screen sharing does work, it often has a noticeable lag.

Apple also plans to improve the iPhone Mirroring feature to include drag-and-drop file transfers between Mac and iPhone, making this feature even more powerful and productive. This capability is something Windows has yet to match fully. The Apple ecosystem offers a seamless solution for those who frequently switch between their devices.

5 Instant File Preview in Finder

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This is a small yet incredibly useful feature that elevates the Mac experience over Windows. For instance, when you need to find a specific file on Windows quickly, you typically have to open it to view the contents. In macOS, however, you can simply press the spacebar when a file is selected to see a quick preview.

You can even scroll through the preview to view the full content or make simple edits—like rotating or cropping photos—right in the preview window without actually opening the Preview app. It's a feature Windows has yet to match, but one I find invaluable for efficiency on a Mac.

6 Better Focus Modes

When you need to work without interruptions, both Mac and Windows offer Do Not Disturb modes to block notifications. However, Windows 11's Do Not Disturb mode is fairly basic. In contrast, the Focus modes in macOS are much more robust and can be tailored to your needs.

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It gives you granular control over notifications and system behavior. For instance, you can allow messages and notifications only from specific people or apps and even schedule a particular Focus to turn on and off automatically at set times. And the best part is that Focus mode syncs between Apple devices, so you don't have to enable it separately on your iPhone or iPad.

7 Text Replacement

Another small but incredibly useful feature that makes macOS particularly convenient—especially for someone who types frequently—is its built-in text replacement. If you find yourself typing the same information repeatedly, like an address, phone number, or common phrases like "thank you," macOS makes it easy to automate these with text replacement.

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You can set up shortcuts so that, for example, typing "ty" automatically expands to "thank you" or even use "smile" to add "?" quickly. While similar tools are available on Windows through third-party apps, macOS has this natively. It's available under the Keyboard section in the System Settings app.

While Windows allows users to customize their experience in countless ways, macOS focuses more on simplicity and productivity, making it an ideal choice for users like me. These thoughtful, productivity-centered tools in macOS make it my preferred platform for getting things done effortlessly.

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