Switched from Windows to Mac: Get used to new keys, keyboard shortcuts, and apps

Here are several common differences you should be aware of and get used to if you’re switching from a Windows computer to a Mac.

Switching from Windows to Mac

In case you or someone you know has taken the plunge and made the switch from Windows to Mac, it can be a little tough to get used to the differences in the beginning. The keys on the keyboard, the names of the settings, the locations for items, and simply what things are called on Mac – are different than what Windows users are used to.

Having been down this road myself, a handy guide that lays out these differences can be a huge help until you’re used to it all. Here are the things you need to know and get the hang of when switching from Windows to Mac.

Related: 40+ things I do after setting up my new Mac

Keyboard keys and shortcuts

You’ll notice some “key” positioning differences when you switch from a Windows to a Mac keyboard. And along with those different keys comes different keyboard shortcuts.

Windows Keyboard

For instance, your ALT key has been replaced with a Command key, and your Windows key has been replaced with an Option key. Plus, your Control and Function (Fn) keys are swapped.

Macbook Keyboard

Common keyboard shortcuts

1) For switching between open apps:

  • On Windows: Alt + Tab
  • On Mac: Command + Tab
Command tab to switch between open apps on Mac
Command + Tab to switch between open apps on Mac

2) For switching between windows of the same app:

  • On Windows: Alt + Tab
  • On Mac: Command + ` (tilde key)
Command Tilde key on Mac keyboard

Note: You’ll still use Control + Tab to move through open browser tabs.

Related: How to quickly switch between windows and apps on Mac

3) To select all:

  • On Windows: Ctrl + A
  • On Mac: Command + A

4) For copying and pasting:

  • On Windows: Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V
  • On Mac: Command + C and Command + V

Related: How to use Cut and Paste on Mac

5) To right-click:

On Mac, right-click is called Control-click. You can perform it by holding the Control key while you click the item. Additionally, there are other easy ways to right-click on Mac.

Right-click on Mac for a file
Right-click or Control-click on Mac

6) In summary, you’ll normally use the Command key on Mac as you’re used to your Ctrl key on Windows for additional shortcuts: For example:

  • On Windows: Ctrl + S to save and Ctrl + N for a new document.
  • On Mac: It will be Command + S to save and Command + N for a new document.

Names of settings and their locations

A table showing names of settings and their locations on Windows and Mac

The information from the above table is written below. On the left, we have mentioned the item name for Windows, and on the right, its macOS counterpart:

  • File Explorer | Finder: Click Finder in your Mac’s Dock.
  • Taskbar | Dock: On the bottom, it holds open applications and those you Pin (Keep on Mac).
  • Control Panel | System Settings or System Preferences: Click the Apple icon > System Settings or use the System Settings app icon in your Dock.
  • Device Manager | System Information: Click the Apple icon > About This Mac.
  • Task Manager | Activity Monitor: With Finder open, click Go > Utilities > Activity Monitor.
  • Command Prompt | Terminal: With Finder open, click Go > Utilities > Terminal.
  • My Computer | Computer: Open Finder and click Go > Computer.
  • Properties | Get Info: Select the item and click File > Get Info or right-click and choose Get Info.
  • Search | Spotlight: Click the Spotlight (Search) button in the menu bar or use Command + Space.
  • Shortcut | Alias: Right-click an item and pick Make Alias to create a “shortcut.”
  • Recycle Bin | Trash: Located in your Dock.
  • Exit | Quit: To close an app, choose Quit from the app’s menu.

Applications

Application windows

  • On Windows, you have Minimize, Full Screen, and Close buttons on the top right of your application windows.
  • On Mac, you have Close (red), Minimize (yellow), and Full Screen (green) on the top left.
Window Buttons on Mac

Applications

Launchpad and Dock on Mac
Launchpad on Mac

What did we miss?

There are plenty of other differences for Windows users to get used to when they switch to a Mac, but these are some very common ones to bookmark and try to remember in the beginning.

Are you a former Windows user still trying to figure out something like this on your Mac? Or are you a recent convert and want to share some tips of your own? Either way, feel free to comment below!

Remember, sometimes it’s just those simple or subtle differences that become aggravating to figure out!

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