A few months ago, I got a MacBook on someone's recommendation. Familiarizing myself with a new operating system was tricky, but within a week or two, I knew more about it than I initially anticipated. macOS is certainly powerful, performance-driven, and user-oriented, but I still couldn't let go of my Windows laptop.

Early on, I thought that the switch from Windows to macOS would be easy, but the more I used macOS, the clearer it became why Windows still commands a massive lead in market share. And it's not just because of the pricing. There were areas where Windows outperformed macOS, and sometimes by a huge margin.

Windows offers wider hardware and software compatibility

Mac still feels somewhat restricted

As someone who has used Windows for over 15 years, I can tell you that it's compatible with a wide array of hardware and software, unlike macOS, which offers fewer options, often limiting your ability to maximize productivity.

First up, let's talk about the software side of things. My favorite screenshot-capturing tool, ShareX, is not available for Mac. Although macOS has a built-in utility for the task, much like Windows' "Snipping Tool," ShareX adds a bunch of customizations, allows improved annotation, and even lets users set custom hotkeys. Its unavailability on Mac affects my workflow to a certain extent. Then, macOS isn’t very friendly with older software. Windows has a built-in "Compatibility Mode" feature that lets you run software designed for older OS versions.

Coming to hardware compatibility, Windows is undoubtedly the winner. The OS offers compatibility with a diverse range of devices, some as cheap as $10. Additionally, you can utilize a wide range of cost-effective gaming-related peripherals on Windows. In contrast, macOS-compatible hardware is often overpriced.

Then, while not directly affecting new users, upgradability and repair remain a key concern on Mac. You can't easily replace parts or upgrade any of the components, and will have to rely on the dedicated repair centers. Windows PCs, on the other hand, are more repair-friendly, with swappable RAM and easily replaceable, upgradeable storage drives. I recently switched from an HDD to an SSD on my 12-year-old Windows laptop, and this has significantly improved the system's performance. Do you know the best part? I had the disc drive removed and used that additional space to house the original HDD. So, I now store Windows and other critical files on the SSD while the rest of the data resides on the HDD. That's something I can't even think of on a MacBook, with all the soldering in place.

Customizing Windows is more streamlined

macOS prioritizes system stability over customizations

Even when it comes to customizing the PC, Windows offers a major advantage over macOS. On the former, you can adjust most parts of the UI, from the taskbar to the cursor, sometimes with built-in tools, while on other occasions, using third-party software. MacBooks, on the other hand, aren't that customizable. For instance, I tried adjusting the Dock and menu bar, but the built-in customizations were limited.

Also, Windows has a dedicated utility (though not built-in), Microsoft PowerToys, which allows you to make more UI tweaks. I have used it in a couple of instances in the past. But MacBooks don't have a similar officially supported tool. This, to a certain extent, is because Apple prioritizes system stability, but with this many restrictions, macOS just doesn't seem like a viable choice for a primary PC. The inability to personalize and adjust the OS feels off-putting.

Mac delivers better performance

But it's not as big a difference

Performance is one key area where the Mac beats most Windows laptops. I have a decent Dell 2-in-1 and a MacBook Air, and the latter is way faster, whether it's boot time or app responsiveness. Then it's much more efficient at heat dissipation. So far, I haven't had a single instance of overheating on my MacBook Air. On the contrary, my Dell laptop is connected to a cooling pad for most of the day to facilitate heat dissipation. I agree that some high-end Windows laptops can outperform MacBooks at keeping system temperatures in check. But when comparing products at the same price point, the latter has an edge.

However, the boost in performance may not be that significant for everyone. I consider Windows a go-to OS for everyday use, while macOS is more suited for heavy, resource-intensive tasks, barring gaming, where Windows turns out to be a more suitable OS.

Windows is still my first choice

macOS is good, but Windows works best for me

After using both Windows and macOS for over six months, I have come to realize that Windows is still a better choice for most users. There are aspects where MacBooks have the upper hand, but in most areas, Windows appears to be more convenient. Frankly, I am not disappointed with the MacBook. I knew from day one what I was getting into, but the entire experience just made me realize why Windows is the preferred choice for many worldwide.

And yes, my next purchase is certainly going to be a Windows laptop, unless Apple launches a MacBook with touchscreen functionality. 2-in-1 laptops, though somewhat fragile, are more convenient. It's not just about streaming content, but even in everyday use, you don't have to rely on the mouse and keyboard as much. So, the day Apple decides to introduce touch functionality on MacBooks, I might give it another try as the primary OS, but until then, I am sticking with Windows.