The Easiest Tricks To Make Windows 11 Look Even More Like MacOS
Having been developed by two different tech giants, Windows and MacOS are a world apart. Windows can run on different desktop and laptop setups, while MacOS is exclusive to eight types of computer only (viaApple). Windows has the taskbar andFile Explorer, while MacOS has the dock and Finder. Naturally, even the look and feel of Windows are entirely different from that of MacOS.
If you were previously an Apple user and recently switched to a Microsoft OS, you’ll most likely have a hard time navigating through the system. This is especially true since there are built-in functionalities in MacOS that Windows doesn’t have.
Fortunately, you may find many ways to make your Windows device look like a MacOS. In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the easiest tips and tricks to make you feel more at home with Windows. And unlike other risky ways, these ones won’t significantly change your computer’s system files or potentially break your system.
Create a transparent and centered taskbar
Among the things that make MacOS stand out is its centered dock, where you can conveniently access your frequently used apps (viaApple). In Windows, this is called the taskbar. However, unlike the taskbar, the dock doesn’t fill the entire lower part of your screen as it adjusts depending on how many apps you add to it. This makes your desktop look clean and sleek.
To give Windows the same visual appeal, you can use TaskbarX. The app turns your taskbar invisible, making it appear as if it doesn’t take up much of your screen. You can either buy the app from theMicrosoft Storeor download it for free from itsGitHubpage. If you go with the second option, here’s how you can install the app.
To make the taskbar transparent, go back to the extracted folder and install the TaskbarX Configurator app. You will then find the “Transparent” option under the Style tab.
It is worth noting that the app only works on Windows 10. However, there is a workaround for Windows 11 if you installExplorePatcher.
Add grouped shortcuts to your taskbar
Another taskbar customization you can opt into is installing the TaskbarGroups app. This free app lets you make folders right in the taskbar, similar to what MacOS has in its dock. While it isn’t the exact replica visually, it’s still a nice addition to your setup. To install the Taskbar Group, follow the steps below (viaGitHub):
Get dynamic wallpapers
Do you love how MacOS desktop wallpaper automatically changes depending on the time of day? You can actually do that in Windows, too. Although this feature isn’t built-in for Windows unlike MacOS, you can simply install the WinDynamicDesktop from theMicrosoft App Store. It’s completely free and very easy to set up. After installing the app, follow these steps:
Your desktop wallpaper should now reflect the photo corresponding to your current time. This picture will change as you get through the day.
Change the cursor
Even though changing the cursor icon might seem like a minor thing, it can actually add to the Mac-like appeal of your Windows computer. To change the cursor on your computer, here’s what you need to do (viaYouTube):
Use a Spotlight-like search bar
Spotlight is Apple’s way of looking upMac apps, documents, images, and practically any other item on your computer (viaApple). Sure, Windows also offers this functionality via theStart Menu, but Spotlight is more convenient as it pulls up a search bar right in the middle of your screen.
To add a Spotlight-like search bar on your Windows device, you needPowerToys. This Microsoft-developed free app contains a set of utilities that lets users tweak their computer to improve productivity. Here’s how you can use PowerToys to add the centered search bar:
you’re able to also change the keyboard shortcut and enable all types of plugins like Calculator, OneNote, Shell, and Unit Converter.
