Having driven macOS for the better part of the decade, I got so locked into the Apple ecosystem that switching back to Windows never crossed my mind. Not even for a split second. However, when macOS began to look rather dull after years of tepid upgrades in terms of customization, the urge to take the latest iteration of Windows for a spin became hard to suppress.
So, with the dawn of 2024, I decided to buy a highly-rated Windows laptop to gather real-life experience of a plethora of notable features and enhancements that have graced Microsoft’s desktop operating system. Credit where credit is due, Windows 11 has not only matched macOS 15 on several pivotal fronts but also left it behind in quite a few critical territories.
As someone who has to run both macOS and Windows rigorously (along with iOS, of course, for creating YouTube videos) for a living, I can tell what’s happening on the other side of the fence. With macOS 16 on the horizon, now is the perfect time for Apple to borrow a few tricks from its longtime rival.
Here are the 5 notable features macOS 16 should steal from Windows 11.
1. Snap Layouts for Better Multitasking
Windows 11’s Snap Layouts are a game-changer for multitaskers. With just a hover over the maximize button, users can choose from multiple pre-set window arrangements to neatly organize apps on their screen.
While macOS does offer Split View and Stage Manager, they lack the versatility and ease that Snap Layouts provide. Apple could take multitasking to the next level by implementing a more fluid and intuitive window snapping system, especially one that caters to power users with ultra-wide or multiple monitors.
2. A True Touch-Friendly Interface
Although macOS doesn’t currently support touchscreens, it’s no secret that Apple’s hardware is capable. Windows 11 excels in offering a hybrid experience that smoothly transitions between desktop and tablet modes.
As Apple continues to blur the lines between iPadOS and macOS, introducing a touch-optimized interface—either in specific modes or on select devices—would cater to a wider range of use cases and make the OS more future-proof.
3. Built-in Native Window Tabs
One of Windows 11’s underrated features is File Explorer tabs. These let users open multiple folders within the same window, reducing clutter and improving file management.
While macOS Finder has made strides with tabs, the experience still feels inconsistent and underutilized. Enhancing Finder with smarter, faster tabs—and maybe even allowing tab grouping across apps—would significantly streamline the macOS experience.
4. Widgets 2.0 (Interactive and More Integrated)
Windows 11 revamped its widgets panel, offering a more visually appealing and dynamic experience.
Imagine a macOS where widgets aren’t just relegated to the Notification Center but can live directly on the desktop, offering at-a-glance information and even limited interactivity without needing to open a full application.
Think of a small music player widget, a quick note-taking widget, or even a mini calendar directly on your desktop. This could bridge the gap between the current macOS widgets and full applications, offering a more personalized and informative desktop environment.
5. Enhanced File Explorer with Tabs and Deeper Cloud Integration
While Finder on macOS is powerful, Windows 11’s File Explorer introduces features that could streamline file management. The tabbed interface allows you to manage multiple file locations within a single window, reducing clutter and making it easier to move and compare files across different folders.
Furthermore, the deeper integration with OneDrive offers a more seamless cloud storage experience directly within the file system. Imagine being able to effortlessly switch between local files and your iCloud Drive within a single Finder window with tabbed navigation – it could significantly enhance productivity and organization.
Gone were the times when Windows felt years behind macOS. Fast forward to 2025, with the highly anticipated Windows 12 not too far away, Microsoft’s desktop operating system seems to be ahead of the curve on several fronts, including gaming. What’s your take on the stiff rivalry between macOS and Windows?
