Thinking of making the spring from a Windows personal computer to the Mac ? Already switched from microcomputer to Mac but feeling a little missed and confused – wondering , perhaps , how to find your way around the unexampled frame-up , or how to receive replacement for   your favorite apps and features ? You ’ve hail to the right-hand shoes .

This year , as in late years , Apple ’s part of the traditional computing marketplace has increased . No doubt this is because the foundation of the newMacBook Pro 2016 TouchBarrange has introduced a whole new propagation of whipper to the Mac weapons platform . So what good clock time for a bam - up - to - date template to swop from Windows to Mac ? Read next : A PC substance abuser ’ guide to using a Mac

Installation & updates

Which version of macOS or Mac OS X should I install?

newfangled releases of OS Xare made yearly , normally in fall . Unlike with Windows , OS X is improve incrementally and completeWindows 8/10 - like overhaulsof the operating system are rare .

How do I update my Mac system?

The equivalent of Windows Update is found by clicking the Apple menu at the top left hand of the desktop , clicking App Store , and then sink in the Updates tab . This will update OS X itself , scheme components like iTunes , and any apps you installed via the App Store . Other apps have their own update procedure – ordinarily there ’s an option in the Preferences dialog box to automatically check for update , while apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud install backcloth apps that inform you when updates are useable .

mack are update by snap the Updates picture within the App Store – and this is true even for major operating system updates

How do I install or reinstall macOS?

See the section above discussing OS X Recovery . Alternatively , if your Mac is still bootable you may use the Mac App Store to download the later variation of OS X for reinstallation over the existing installation without lose data . Just search for the name of the version of OS X you ’re using ( that is , Yosemite or El Capitan ) , and come home the Download tie-in alongside it . If you ’re go an erstwhile version of OS X that lack the App Store you will need to use Software Update instead , which you ’ll happen it on the Apple menu .

Alternatively , if your Mac is onetime enough you may use the facility DVD - ROM that came with the computer – just insert it , then reboot and hold down D before the Apple logo appears . However , since Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in 2011 , OS X has only been made available via download – even if you ’ve bought a new Mac . It ’s also potential to create an instalment USB pin .

How do I activate the macOS operating system, enter its product key (aka serial number), or check that it’s legitimately licensed?

There ’s no need for any of this . Apple includes macOS free with every Mac and , since 2013 , both major and minor updates have also been free for any Mac that ’s compatible . Therefore , the idea of a Mac running an outlaw written matter of macOS does n’t really make sense ( at least outdoors of theHackintosh scene ) .

Where do I find the serial or registration number/key required to install macOS?

There is n’t one . Apple ( mostly ) eschews sequential numbers across its integral intersection range and apps establish without any such meaninglessness .

How do I dual-boot Windows or Linux on my Mac?

The BootCamp installation genius allow youinstall Windows 8/10 on Macs , and you ’ll notice it in the Utilities leaflet of the Applications lean ( remark that Windows 7 is no longer officially supported ) . Just follow the educational activity . Installing Linux is not formally affirm but can be achieved via apps likerEFIt .

I’m tired of macOS. Can I just wipe it and install Windows? Modern Macs are just another PC… Right?

Although Macs nowadays expend Intel CPUs and are similar to a PC , they ’re sufficiently different to stand for you ca n’t just insert a Windows DVD / USB reefer and install it over the survive macOS operating system .

The independent issue is the unparalleled Extensible Firmware Interface ( EFI ) used by Macs that controls booting . so as to use a non - macOS operating system this needs to be configure by theBoot Camp Assistant appthat ’s built into macOS . Boot Camp Assistant will also create a USB stick full of the necessary Windows drivers , and repartition the disk to make space for Windows .

Once you ’ve install Windows using Boot Camp Assistant you could then erase the macOS sectionalization if you wish – although we ’d advise leave it there .

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Beginner’s guide to the Mac

What’s the Mac equivalent of Windows 10’s Task View/virtual desktops?

The Task View feature in Windows 10 is a clear rip - off of Mission Control , which has been in macOS / OS X for several long time and works nearly identically .

To access Mission Control , either hit the shortcut key at the top of the keyboard ( or the TouchBar picture ) , or take to the woods the Mission Control app in the Applications list of Finder . To add newfangled screen background click the plus clit at the top right wing . To switch between desktops , either work - up Mission Control and click the desktop at the top of the screen , or tap Ctrl+left or Ctrl+right . Note that ’s the Ctrl key , and not Cmd !

I just can’t get used to the Dock. Is there any way to get a Start menu and taskbar on a Mac?

TryuBar . For what it ’s deserving , many people prefer to shroud the Dock , so it ’s out of the way unless the shiner cursor is at the bottom of the screen . Alt+Cmd+D switches on and off Dock hiding .

How do I play my DVD or Blu-ray discs on my Mac?

Apple prefers you to buy or let movies within iTunes and to this end no Macs come with an optical effort nowadays . Therefore , first of all you ’ll need to purchase a USB DVD or Blu - ray of light drive .

DVDs will play straightaway once inserted via the progress - in macOS DVD Player app . To roleplay BluRay discs you ’ll demand a commercial app such asAiseesoft Mac Blu - beam PlayerorMacgo Blu - Ray Player .

How do I zip files/unzip files?

Right - cluck a filing cabinet or folder and pick out the Compress choice to instantly create a zip archive alongside the original file(s ) . mention that it ’s not potential to lend a parole to a zip using macOS , or set the strength of compaction . To slow down a zipped file , simply double - fall into place it and again the decompressed contents will now appear in the same leaflet .

macOS supports zipper compression and some Linux / Unix archive file formats out of the box , but support for decompressing other major formats – including RAR – can be added by instal the free - of - chargeThe Unarchiver . Also note that   there are macOS versions of bothWinZipandWinRAR .

How do I assign a drive letter to my USB stick or other removable storage?

mack do n’t use drive letters . Any USB stick you insert should appear in the left - hand sidebar of Finder under the Devices heading .

Technically speaking , USB stick are “ mounted ” within folders in the /Volumes booklet – and you may browse right away to this by opening Finder , hitting Shift+Cmd+G , then type /Volumes before clicking Go .

How do I access my digital camera once I’ve connected it via USB?

It should seem as an entry in the lefthand sidebar of Finder under the Devices heading , and you should also line up that Photos open up to let you automatically import any content .

However , you may also manually import exposure and video using the Preview app , which is in the Applications list of Finder . Once the photographic camera is attached via USB , click the File menu , and then choose the relevant Import From ingress at the bottom of the fare .

Importing content via this method acting is very similar to the way it ’s been done for geezerhood on Windows in that you ’ll see thumbnail preview of the camera content and can pick and choose which to spell – and where you ’d like them to be stored on your Mac .

How to move from PC to Mac: Update macOS

Where can I view Device Manager for my Mac?

The macOS System Information app depict similar information about computer hardware devices , the operating organization and apps installed on the system . It does n’t let you conform any options but this is much less necessary because of the tight consolidation between operating system and hardware in a Mac .

you may rule the System Information app by clicking the Apple computer menu , then About This Mac . Then click the System Report clitoris . In futurity you might choose to just defy down the Alt paint ( choice on some keyboards ) , and click the Apple bill of fare , and then the System Information computer menu selection .

How do I install new audio/video codecs on my Mac?

out of doors of specialist codecs for audio - visual work , there ’s currently no way to add extra codecs to macOS .

macOS corroborate a select handful of today ’s commonly used codecs and container files out of the box seat , such as MP3 audio and H.264 TV file that typically have an .mp4 file cabinet extension . The former MPEG2 data formatting used on DVD is also supported .

If you attempt to play a video data file in an unsupported codec , macOS might seek to temporarily transcode it into MP4 before each and every playback , which typically carry a long metre . However , some television formats , including the once - popular DivX / Xvid format ( MP4 Layer 2 ) , are just not supported on macOS .

How to move from PC to Mac: Boot Camp

Often the simplest answer is to use a third - party playback app like the free - of - chargeVLC , which is able to scan virtually every video / audio frequency eccentric ( including the popular Matroska Video File ( .mkv ) container data format ) , or to manually transcode the video to MP4 using a loose - of - charge app likeAdapter .

Also read : How to go down up a newfangled Mac

How do I find hardware drivers?

You very likely wo n’t need them . Just secure in the hardware and use it – USB joint and remembering cards will be find under the Devices heading of Finder .

However , there are perhaps two exceptions . art driver are installed with each macOS   update but for cutting - edge play performanceonlyif your Mac feature Nvidia graphicsyou caninstall new driver manually . If your Mac expend Intel or AMD graphics then you may not manually update the driver because Intel and AMD do n’t make them uncommitted to end users .

The other elision isprinter drivers , which   you might demand to download from the manufacturer ’s website . However , many drivers are build into macOS   for popular model . To verify if a printer is installed , open System Preferences and click the Printers & Scanners point . If the printer does n’t appear in the lean , click the Plus icon at the bottom left and survey the operating instructions .

How to move from PC to Mac: Touchbar

number one wood usually are n’t required for Mac OS X although the exclusion can be for printers for which a driver is n’t include within OS X itself

How do I scan documents or photographs on my Mac?

The eq of Windows‌ Photo Gallery or Windows Fax and Scan is found in System Preferences – click the Printers & Scanners lead , then select the scanner or multifunction equipment in the lean at the left and click the Scan tab , and then the Open Scanner button .

How do I get files off my Windows-formatted USB stick or memory card?

Just insert it into your Mac . Macs can understand the FAT data formatting used on most USB stick , storage cards and extraneous hard drives . If the stick , card or platter is NTFS - formatted you ’ll only be capable to read files and not indite new 1 . If you oft require read / write entree to NTFS - formatted disc , third - company apps likeTuxera NTFS for MacorParagon NTFS for Maccan help .

Apps & games

Where do I get Mac equivalents for Windows apps like Microsoft Office?

Mac versions of most popular apps are useable . Just hit Google .

For exercise , login to your Office 365 subscriptionand you ’ll find a download link for Microsoft Office 2016.Adobe Creative Cloud is uncommitted for Mac . Dropbox is available for Macand , of course , iTunes add up built - into OS X. There ’s aMac rendering of TrueCrypt , although because the project was abandoned a act of years ago you ’ll require tohack it slightlyto make it work on innovative releases of macOS .

There’s just one Windows app that I can’t find a Mac replacement for!

There ’s a handful of potential path , other than put in Windows via BootCamp ( see below ) .

The first is to run avirtualised interpretation of Windows , where Windows run fundamentally as a background app . Apps like VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop admit clever immersive modes where the Windows background is hidden and the app seem to run like a native Mac app , include give birth its own Dock ikon .

The 2nd path is to apply an app likeCrossOver Office , which usesWineto allow sure Windows apps to lam via a form of emulation . backing for Windows apps can be a bit patchy , however , and it ’s really only really the hugely pop ones like Microsoft Office that work acceptably .

How to move from PC to Mac: uBar

What are the macOS alternatives for the Windows system and accessories tools like Notepad, Command Prompt, Paint and so on?

Here ’s a quick look - up table :

Notepad / WordPad : TextEdit in the Applications list of Finder ; click Format > Make Plain Text to switch to Notepad - similar canonic textual matter redaction , or Format > Make Rich Text to exchange to more advanced WordPad - similar features

Command Prompt / Windows PowerShell : Terminal in the Utilities leaflet within the Applications list

How to move from PC to Mac: Blu-ray

Snipping Tool : Grab in the Utilities folder within the Applications list , or via the macOSbuilt - in screenshotting prick

Character Map : Within any covering , penetrate Edit > Emoji & Symbols

Windows Media Player : QuickTime Player in the Applications inclination of Finder

How to move from PC to Mac: Zip

Quick Assist / Remote Desktop Connection : Open iMessage , start a conversation with the individual ( who must be using a Mac ) , click the down pointer next to their name at the top of the conversation , and click Invite To portion out My Screen

File Explorer : Finder , which is always the first release on the loading dock

Task Manager : To force - give up presently - running apps , throw down Alt+Command and tap Esc . To reckon technical info about presently - running apps , open Activity Monitor , which is in the Utilities leaflet of the Applications list .

How to move from PC to Mac: USB stick

border / net Explorer : Safari in the Applications lean of Finder

Cortana : Siri , which can be activated by fall into place the Dock picture , or by holding Cmd+Space for a few irregular . record more : How to use Siri on Mac

content : iMessage in the Applications lean of Finder

How to move from PC to Mac: System information

OneDrive : iCloud Drive , access via its icon in the left - paw sidebar of Finder

Some apps like Mail , Calendar , Photos and Maps have identically named analogues in the Applications list of Finder . There is no swap - in for Paint , in term of create art or diagrams from moolah , although the Preview app is used to view and markup existing images and PDFs .

I was told Pages, Keynote, Numbers, iMovie etc were free with a new Mac but they’re not on mine! How do I get them?

Just open up the App Store , which is in the inclination of Applications in Finder . You ’ll be propel to establish them automatically .

I’m a gamer, and although the Mac is getting better when it comes to games, some titles simply aren’t available. What are my options?

As with the previous reply about running Windows package , some people practice Wine to play Windows game and – despite its name – CrossOver Officecan help . It hold up classics like World of Warcraft , for model .

Alternatively , the free - of - chargeWineskin appcan also make frame-up of Wine for Windows game playing a lot gentle .

you’re able to also virtualise Windows in an app like VMware Fusion or Parallels Desktop , although virtually always the only path to get a fully acceptable experience with a good frame rate is to install Windows on your Mac via BootCamp and boot to it when you want to play games . For more details see ourguide to gaming on a Mac . Oh , and you might change your thinker about the Mac depository library when you ’ve take our roundup of thebest Mac plot .

How to move from PC to Mac: VLC

Read next : personal computer vs Mac : Which is dependable ?

Can macOS apps run full-screen, like Metro apps in Windows 8/10?

Many can , yes . Just click the green blob at the top left of the app windowpane . This will also car - enshroud the menu , app streak and Dock , but hover the computer mouse cursor at the top or bottom of the screen door can reveal all .

Apps can be switched back to standard windowpane by again penetrate the immature blob or , if this is n’t seeable , you might try clicking the View carte , and then the Exit Full Screen alternative . Hitting the Escape key might make for too .

How do I control what apps start when my Mac boots?

The equivalent weight to the Windows Start menu ’s Startup folder is regain by open System Preferences , click the Users & Groups icon , select your username at the left , and clack the Login Items tab . Select an item then click the negative button beneath to remove it . Some apps cover away in organisation folder , however , and pruning them is only for ripe users .

Which apps start when Mac OS X boot is controlled via the Users & Groups section of System Preferences

Settings & preferences

How to I edit the macOS Registry in order to tweak system settings?

Unlike Microsoft Windows , macOS does n’t use a centralRegistryfile to store ironware and software program place setting . Instead , each app has its own distinct conformation single file , normally found in the program Support folder of the hidden Library booklet inside your personal Users folder .

System preferences are in the /Library / software Support folder . Each file cabinet is in the .plist Property List XML data formatting , and it ’s not intended for the exploiter to straight redact them .

Where do I find the Control Panel on a Mac in order to adjust settings?

Most system of rules setting can be tweaked via the System Preferences app , which you ’ll find in the Applications listing within Finder . ( We cover that exhaustively here : nail guide to System Preferences . )

Most apps include all the macOS built - in apps , such as iTunes , have their own discrete preferences dialog boxes that can be accessed by opening the app and clicking the coating fare , and then Preferences . or else , the Cmd+comma keystroke will open up the preference dialog box .

Can I optimise my Mac’s performance by tweaking BIOS or UEFI settings?

Macs use a form of EFI but there ’s no optimization configurations or boot - meter console / apparatus screen . Because Apple curb both the operating system and the hardware , Macs are optimised out of the box .

What’s the Mac equivalent of FDISK for repairing and scanning disks?

Macs apply adifferent filesystem technologycompared to Windows and it ’s only more springy , so the likes of unexpected shutdowns are repaired automatically and invisibly . However , two maintenance task can be attempted if you run into file or app subversion . Both are accessed via Disk Utility , which is in the Utilities leaflet of the Applications list .

Select the independent Mac operating system division at the left wing of the Disk Utility windowpane – it ’ll be indent beneath the disk ’s main debut in the inclination . Each choice discussed below offer up Verify and resort option . The former wo n’t fix anything but merely develop a symptomatic report .

The Mac equivalent weight of FDISK is the Disk Utility , which can repair error and otherwise distribute all kinds of disks

How to move from PC to Mac: Printer drivers

Security & privacy

What antivirus or antimalware software should I install on my Mac?

Macs lineament built - inantivirus and antimalware background apps , making apps like Windows Defender unnecessary . Your Mac will mechanically obstruct internet browser plugins if a zero - day effort is ground , for model , or even remove known malware without the user being aware .

However , you might choose to augment this with your option of antivirus app and several examples are liberal in the App Store . They typically scan on demand , rather than sit in the background monitoring for infections or scanning periodically . Be aware that they also report and remove Windows virus that might be infecting your Indian file or e-mail .

Adware is a woefully increasing problem , and the freeAdware Medic appcan search for and remove object lesson .

How to move from PC to Mac: CrossOver

Although malware and adware are n’t immense issues for Mac user it ’s still potential to get apps like Adware Medic to scan your organization

Also read : Mac keyboard short cuts you need to acknowledge

How do I back up my Mac?

The Mac eq of the Windows Backup and Restore app isTime car . Just sequester a USB disk drive and an choice should come out offering to make use of it .

If you do n’t see this , open System Preferences , then snap the Time Machine icon and move the OFF / ON electrical switch to ON . you’re able to also expend aTime Capsule , which work over Wi - Fi avoiding the need for a direct association . Time Machine and Time Capsule are fully automate and work in the background . Read more : How to back up a Mac

Mac OS XTC backup is deal via Time Machine or Time Capsule , and can be controlled via the Time Machine component of System Preferences

How to move from PC to Mac: Siri on Mac

How do I encrypt a disk on a Mac?

Mac contains build - in saucer FileVault encoding that ’s similar to Windows ’ BitLocker in that it encrypt the intact phonograph recording , including user information . To activate FileVault , open System Preferences ( it ’s in the Applications tilt of Finder ) , then click the Security & Privacy icon , and pick out the FileVault yellow journalism . Then snap the Turn On FileVault push button and follow the instructions .

look on the speed of your Mac ’s disk , encoding will take a few hours to finish in the background . mac are fully usable while encryption is take office , and you could catch a progress barroom within System Preferences . take down that if you ’ve a MacBook then encoding will only happen when your Mac is connect to the power .

Toencrypt a obliterable disc like a USB disc , open Disk Utility ( see above ) , choose the obliterable disk ’s partition in the listing at the left of the app window , and select the Erase tab before take Mac OS Extended ( Journaled , Encrypted ) from the Format dropdown list , then click Erase and follow the instructions . As will hopefully be obvious , this will rub out whatever is on the disk so backup files temporarily first . The encipher saucer will only be compatible with Macs .

How to move from PC to Mac: Fullscreen

What’s the Mac equivalent of Safe Mode?

macintosh have   aSafe Mode – just hold down Shift just before the Apple logo appears when booting – and it ’s similar to Windows ’ Safe Mode in that it ’ll not load potentially problematical organization extension or hardware gadget driver .

However , OS X Recoveryshould be used if you need to repair things , and can be accessed by holding down Cmd+R while booting . This offers the ability to access Disk Utility , restore a Time Machine backup ( see below ) , oreven instal Mac OS from scratchby downloading the file verbatim from Apple – no videodisc require !

Can I protect my Mac with a BIOS password?

FileVault is certainly the good form of protection for your data point , as discussed above . However , it ’s still possible for somebody with physical access to your Mac to pass over it via a boot disk . The solution is to ready a Firmware Password , which password - protects booting in a mode other than via the common user login .

Important short letter : At the time of composition there ’s a hemipterous insect with OS X Recovery whereby it selects a US keyboard layout for British English Macs . This means some keyboard symbolic representation are in the unseasonable post – you might call up you ’re typecast 1234 £ as a countersign , for instance , but you ’ll actually be type 1234 # . To avoid this , always check the language configurations on the menu bar at the top rightfulness of the silver screen , or only use passwords involving letter of the alphabet and number .

A boot - time password can be add up to protect Macs from booting via USB retention stick , or interchangeable

How to move from PC to Mac: Users & Groups

How to move from PC to Mac: System Preferences

How to move from PC to Mac: Disk Utility

How to back up a Mac: Adware Medic

How to move from PC to Mac: Time Machine

How to move from PC to Mac: Firmware Password Utility