swap from Windows to Mac is a bad change and often overwhelming . But over time you will get used to theMacBook world . And of course , I ’m here to assist you make the modulation to macOS as unruffled as potential with the best tips for new Mac users switching from Windows . Let ’s get started .
Table of table of contents
1. Use Spotlight Search to Find Anything
One of the hidden features of MacBook for Windows users isSpotlight search . you could apply it to look or open anything on your MacBook , such as setting , files , etc . you may also use it to search on the web and do math figuring and conversions without opening any other apps . Press theCommand + Space barto open Spotlight Search . Then , type whatever you want the Spotlight to do for you .
2. Preview Files Quickly
On a MacBook , you canpreview your files quicklywithout in reality open them by just pressing the Space Bar . First , click a single file to select it and press theSpace barto preview the file .
3. Change Scrollbar Direction
As a Windows user , you might be get at by the oppositescrolling direction of Mac ’s trackpad . Thankfully , you could easily convert it and make it similar to your Windows PC .
Go toSystem preferences > Trackpadand get through on theScroll & Zoomtab . turn on the toggle switch next toNatural Scrolling .
3. Enable Tap to Click
On a Windows PC , the Tap to chatter feature of the trackpad is enabled by default . That is whenever you have to click something , you plainly pink on the trackpad or else of pressing it firmly . This is n’t the case on MacBooks .
To turn on the Tap to fall into place feature on MacBook , go toSystem options > Trackpadand turn on the toggle next toTap to click .
5. Enable Right-Click on Trackpad
Another feature film that you might palpate is escape on a MacBook if you are switching from Windows is the power to right - click by pressing the bottom - right side of the touchpad . By default option , you postulate to click with two fingers on your MacBook ’s trackpad to right - dog . But do n’t interest . you could well start the native right - select the trackpad in MacBook options .
Go to MacBookSystem preferences > Trackpad . press the two - arrow icon next to theSecondary clickand selectClick in the Bottom - Right street corner .
gratuity : get it on how tochange the mouse pointer on MacBook .
6. Type Emojis and Other Special Characters
Windows PC has a niftyWindows + .(period ) keyboard shortcut toaccess the emojiand special characters panel . On a MacBook , you have to habituate theControl + Command + Space Barkeyboard shortcut to start the Character Viewer window where you will come up emojis and other peculiar characters .
7. Add or Remove Apps from Dock aka Taskbar
The row at the bottom that contains the list of apps is known asDock on a MacBook . It ’s like the taskbar of a Windows PC where you could pin frequently used apps .
you’re able to add apps to the MacBook ’s dockage in two style . Open theFinderapp and selectApplicationsfrom the leftover side . Now , drag in the appto the Dock to keep it there .
Alternatively , open up the preferred app and once it shows in the Dock , mighty - flick on it and selectOptions > Keep in Dock .
To cleanse your bob and take any be app , decently - snap on the app in the Dock and go toOptions . UncheckKeep in Dock .
Tip : tick out thebest apps to customise Dock on MacBook .
8. Install Third-Party Apps by Dragging
When installing third - political party apps or apps outside of the App Store , you will get a windowpane that says Drag app to install . That peculiar pop - up windowpane can be quite puzzling for Windows users where apps volunteer a pace - by - step method for instalment . Basically , you need to drag the app ikon from the left over side to the veracious side to commence the induction process .
Tip : Learn how torun Android apps on MacBook .
9. Replace Control with Command for Keyboard Shortcuts
Most of the popular shortcuts that you are used to on a Windows computer will work on a MacBook too , like Ctrl + C , Ctrl + V , etc . The only difference is that you call for to replace the Ctrl clitoris with Command on a MacBook . So the newkeyboard shortcutswill be Command + C for transcript , Command + V for paste , and so on .
10. Trigger Actions from Four Corners
Another nerveless hidden feature of speech of MacBook that you , as a previous Windows user will like , is the ability to put dissimilar functions to the four corners of your Mac computing machine . This feature is experience as Hot Corners . you may use it to get at the background , open up the Notification Center , start out the projection screen rescuer , put the display to catch some Z’s , etc . , by just moving the mouse corner to the associated corner of your screen .
To set up Hot Corners , go toSystem configurations > Desktop & Dock . select theHot Cornersbutton at the bottom .
Select the appropriate corner and pick out the preferent function from the fall - down lean .
11. Open Task View
Just like you’re able to employ the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut to switch between open apps on a Windows PC , you have to use theCommand + Tabshortcut on a MacBook to do the same action . Or pressF3to open Mission Control which is the equivalent of Windows + Tab on a Windows PC .
12. Use Stage Manager
As a Windows user , if you are not well-situated with how you have to switch between apps and do n’t like how the exposed apps come out and shape on a MacBook , you could use Stage Manager to concentrate welter and approach open apps quickly .
When Stage Manager is enabled , you will see a list of open windows on the unexpended side coif in a unmarried strip show from where you may well switch back and forth between them .
To enable Stage Manager on MacBook , go toSettings > Desktop & Dockand turn on the toggle next toStage Manager . Also , ensureShow recent apps in Stage Manageris checked .
Tip : Know how toswitch between windows of same app on MacBook .
13. Access Desktop
One head that would immediately pop up in your mind after interchange to a MacBook from Windows is how to go to the desktop on a MacBook . Thankfully , with the in vogue MacOS update i.e. , Sonoma , you could select your wallpaper to show the desktop . For early models , attribute the screen background role to one of the spicy corners . you’re able to also habituate theCommand + F3keyboard shortcut to start the desktop on a MacBook .
14. Clean Desktop by Using Stacks
If you have lots of files on your desktop , you could scavenge and organise them using the Stacks feature article . As the name suggest , Stacks will chemical group items based on tolerant , particular date create , modified , etc .
Right - tap your MacBook ’s screen background and selectUse Stacks . Right - click again and selectGroup Stacksto opt the parameter to group items on the desktop .
Tip : have intercourse how toadd and use widgets on MacBook .
15. Take a Screenshot
Taking screenshots on a MacBookis quite easy . Use the next keyboard shortcut to take screenshots on Mac :
Tip : Know how tochange where screenshots are saved on a MacBook .
16. Close App
On a Windows PC , snap on the go picture will close and quit the app . However , closing and quitting the apps work slightly other than on a MacBook . When you cluck on the red icon , it only closes the app but not its cognitive process . To give up the app completely , pressCommand + Qwhen the app window is unfastened . Or right - penetrate on the app icon in the Dock and selectQuit .
Tip : Know how toforce drop out apps on MacBook .
More Tips to Use MacBook for Beginners
Hope you enjoy study the Mac guide for Windows users which consists of the right MacBook tip for Windows substance abuser . Before you go , hold back thebest Mac bakshis and legerdemain for students . Also , contain thebest utility apps for MacBook .
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