Making the move from Windows to macOS is an increasingly common choice in the UK — driven by Apple Silicon’s impressive performance and battery life, the build quality of MacBook hardware, and the appeal of a tightly integrated hardware-software ecosystem. But switching platforms means rethinking your software setup, and a little preparation makes the difference between a smooth transition and a frustrating first few weeks.
This guide covers the practical steps for getting your software sorted on a new Mac, including which Office version to buy, how to handle file transfers, and what to expect from the experience.
Before You Switch: Prepare Your Files
The most important step happens before you even turn on the new Mac. Organise your files on Windows and ensure everything critical is in a format that macOS can open.
The good news is that most file formats are cross-platform by design. Microsoft Office documents (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx), PDFs, images (.jpg, .png, .tiff), and common audio/video formats all work on both systems. The formats to watch out for are Windows-specific executables (.exe files) — these won’t run on Mac at all.
Transfer Methods
- External drive — Format a drive as exFAT (readable by both Windows and macOS) and copy your files across. This is the most reliable method for large amounts of data.
- OneDrive or Google Drive — Sync your files to the cloud on Windows, then access them on the Mac. Works well for documents and moderate file sizes.
- Apple Migration Assistant — This built-in macOS tool can migrate data from a Windows PC over Wi-Fi, including documents and some application settings. It’s slower than a direct drive transfer but very convenient for complete moves.
Installing Microsoft Office on Mac
If you use Microsoft Office on Windows, you’ll want the Mac version installed from the start — it’s the software you’ll use every single day.
For most Mac users, Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac at £49.99 is the right choice. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, all updated for macOS and optimised for both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel Macs. The interface closely mirrors the Windows version, so the learning curve is minimal if you’re already familiar with Office.
If you’re watching costs, Office 2021 for Mac at £74.99 is a mature, fully supported release, and Office 2019 for Mac at £29.99 provides a more affordable entry point for users who don’t need the latest features.
What’s Different in Office for Mac
Office on macOS is functionally very similar to the Windows version, but there are some differences worth noting:
- Access and Publisher are not included — These applications are Windows-only. If your workflow depends on Access databases, this is a genuine constraint.
- Keyboard shortcuts — Many Office shortcuts use Cmd instead of Ctrl. For example, Cmd + B for bold, Cmd + Z for undo. This mirrors macOS conventions and feels natural once you’ve adjusted.
- Visual differences — The Mac version uses macOS-native UI elements and tends to feel more at home on Mac hardware.
Learning macOS: The Key Differences
The Dock and Finder
The Dock at the bottom of the screen replaces the Windows Taskbar. Applications you use frequently can be pinned here. Finder is the file manager, equivalent to Windows Explorer — it lives in the Dock permanently and uses a sidebar with common locations like Desktop, Documents, and Downloads.
Keyboard Shortcuts
The Command key (⌘) takes the role of Control in Windows for most shortcuts:
- Ctrl + C → ⌘ + C (copy)
- Ctrl + V → ⌘ + V (paste)
- Alt + F4 → ⌘ + Q (quit an application)
- Windows key → ⌘ + Space (Spotlight search)
- Alt + Tab → ⌘ + Tab (switch apps)
Application Behaviour
On macOS, closing a window (clicking the red button) does not quit the application — it remains running in the background. To quit an application, use ⌘ + Q or right-click the Dock icon and select Quit. This is one of the most common early frustrations for Windows switchers.
Installing and Removing Apps
Mac applications typically come as .dmg disk image files. Opening one mounts it as a virtual drive; you then drag the application to your Applications folder. To remove an app, simply drag it from Applications to the Trash. There’s no system-wide uninstaller registry as there is on Windows.
Finding Your Windows App Equivalents on Mac
| Windows App | macOS Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Internet Explorer / Edge | Safari (built in) or Chrome/Firefox |
| Outlook | Outlook for Mac (included in Office 2024) |
| File Explorer | Finder |
| Task Manager | Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities) |
| Paint | Preview (built in) for basic edits |
| Notepad | TextEdit (built in) |
| WordPad | TextEdit or Pages |
| Windows Media Player | QuickTime Player (built in) |
macOS-Exclusive Advantages
- Continuity features — AirDrop, Handoff, and Universal Clipboard let you move content between a Mac and iPhone/iPad seamlessly.
- iCloud integration — If you use an iPhone, iCloud syncs contacts, calendars, photos, and files automatically.
- Apple Silicon performance — M-series chips deliver exceptional performance per watt, translating to all-day battery life on MacBooks.
- macOS updates are free — Major OS updates cost nothing on Mac.
What You Might Miss from Windows
- Access database software
- Some specialist business and engineering applications that are Windows-only
- The ability to run Windows-only games without additional software
- Greater hardware customisation options
The transition takes a couple of weeks to feel natural, but most switchers report being happy they made the move. Starting with the right software — particularly Office 2024 for Mac to keep your productivity apps familiar — makes the adjustment much smoother. Browse the Mac software range at GetRenewedTech to get set up from day one.
