Windows Features on Mac: The Switcher's Equivalents Table
Moved from Windows to Mac? Here is where each familiar Windows feature lives on macOS, and what to install when it is missing.
Windows → Mac equivalents
| Windows | On Mac | Built in? |
|---|---|---|
| Task Manager (Ctrl-Shift-Esc) | Activity Monitor; Force Quit with Option-Command-Esc | Yes |
| Snipping Tool (Win-Shift-S) | Shift-Command-5 (or -3 / -4) | Yes |
| Clipboard history (Win-V) | Spotlight clipboard history on macOS 26; clipboard managers on older versions | macOS 26+ |
| Snap windows (Win-arrows) | Drag to screen edges, or Window › Move & Resize (macOS 15+); Rectangle (free) | macOS 15+ |
| Alt-Tab between windows | Command-Tab switches apps; Command-` cycles windows of one app; AltTab (free) for previews | Partly |
| Cut and paste files | Command-C, then Option-Command-V to move | Yes |
| Right-click › New › Text Document | A Shortcuts Quick Action or a Finder extension app | No |
| Show desktop (Win-D) | Command-Mission Control, Fn-F11, or a hot corner | Yes |
| File Explorer address bar | Go › Go to Folder (Shift-Command-G); View › Show Path Bar | Yes |
| Copy file path | Select the file, hold Option, then Edit › Copy as Pathname (Option-Command-C) | Yes |
| Volume Mixer | App Volume Mixer | No |
| Per-app sound output device | Paid apps today — vote | No |
| Resource Monitor › Network | Activity Monitor › Network; NetScope for hosts and requests | Partly |
| Windows Firewall outbound rules | Third-party outbound firewall — vote | No |
| AutoHotkey key repeat | AutoKey; Hammerspoon for scripts | No |
| PowerToys Awake | caffeinate in Terminal | Yes |
| PowerToys Keyboard Manager | Keyboard › Modifier Keys; Karabiner-Elements (free) | Partly |
| Control Panel | System Settings | Yes |
| Ctrl-Alt-Del | Option-Command-Esc (Force Quit) | Yes |
| Print Screen to clipboard | Add Control: Control-Shift-Command-4 | Yes |
Keyboard: the three keys to remap in your head
- Ctrl → Command (⌘) for copy, paste, save, undo and most shortcuts.
- Alt → Option (⌥), used for special characters and alternate menu items.
- Windows key → Command for Spotlight (Command-Space) instead of the Start menu.
Missing something?
We build small Mac utilities for the gaps in this table. Vote for the next one or tell us which Windows feature you miss most.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mac equivalent of Task Manager?
Activity Monitor, in Applications › Utilities or via Spotlight. To force quit an app quickly, press Option-Command-Esc.
How do I cut and paste files on a Mac?
Copy the file with Command-C, then press Option-Command-V in the destination folder to move it instead of copying.
Does Mac have a volume mixer like Windows?
Not built in. App Volume Mixer adds per-app sliders and mute buttons to the Mac menu bar.
Can I snap windows on a Mac like Windows?
Yes, since macOS 15 Sequoia: drag a window to an edge or corner, or use Window › Move & Resize. Rectangle is a free app with more layouts and shortcuts.
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