Over the decades i've noticed Windows copied many many features from Apple OSX. Basically indistinguishable between the latest versions.
Here's a short list of things i've noticed.
What else am i missing?
1. Aero Glass vs Aqua
Transparent and glossy user interface in Windows 7 vs. macOS's Aqua UI with translucent effects.
2. Taskbar vs Dock
Taskbar in Windows serves a similar purpose to the Dock in macOS.
3. Window Preview (Windows 7) vs Expose
Taskbar window previews in Windows 7 are similar to macOS Exposé feature that lets users view all open windows.
4. Start Menu search vs Spotlight Search
Start Menu search (Windows 7 onwards) is similar to macOS’s Spotlight search.
5. Virtual Desktops (Windows 10/11) vs Spaces
Virtual desktops were introduced in Windows 10 and work similarly to macOS’s Spaces for managing multiple workspaces.
6. Live Tiles vs Widgets
The Live Tiles in the Windows Start Menu (introduced in Windows 8) have a similar concept to the widgets in macOS.
7. File Explorer vs Finder
File Explorer in Windows vs. Finder in macOS, both for file management.
8. Task View vs Mission Control
Task View (Windows 10/11) shows all windows in a visual overview, similar to macOS's Mission Control.
9. Action Center vs Notification Center
The Action Center in Windows 10/11 is similar to the Notification Center in macOS.
10. Cortana vs Siri
Virtual assistant Cortana in Windows is similar to Apple’s Siri.
11. Windows Defender vs Gatekeeper
Windows Defender's antivirus and security features resemble macOS’s Gatekeeper for app security.
12. Snap Assist vs Split View
Windows 10 introduced Snap Assist for snapping windows to sides, which is similar to macOS's Split View feature.
13. Dark Mode (Windows 10) vs Dark Mode (macOS Mojave)
Dark Mode introduced in both OSes around the same time, but with macOS Mojave having it first.
14. Windows Store vs Mac App Store
Both Windows and macOS have app stores for easy installation of apps (Windows Store vs. Mac App Store).
15. Edge Browser vs Safari
Microsoft Edge and Apple Safari, both are web browsers created for their respective ecosystems.
16. Taskbar grouping vs Window grouping in the Dock
Windows 7 introduced taskbar grouping, which is similar to how the macOS Dock groups open windows of the same app.
17. User Account Control (UAC) vs System Preferences
Windows UAC and macOS's security and privacy settings serve similar functions for user account management.
18. OneDrive vs iCloud
Both services provide cloud storage and sync across devices.
19. Windows Update vs macOS Software Update
Both operating systems use a built-in system for automatic updates.
20. Windows Hello vs Touch ID
Windows Hello uses biometric authentication (like facial recognition or fingerprint), similar to Apple’s Touch ID.
21. Control Panel vs System Preferences
Both OSes have centralized panels for adjusting system settings.
22. Aero Peek vs Mission Control
Aero Peek (Windows 7) allows you to preview desktop contents, similar to macOS's Mission Control.
23. App Permissions (Windows 10/11) vs App Permissions (macOS)
Both operating systems offer granular control over app permissions, such as access to camera, microphone, etc.
24. Handoff vs Continue on PC
Handoff in macOS allows users to switch between devices seamlessly, while "Continue on PC" in Windows offers a similar cross-device experience.
25. System Restore vs Time Machine
System Restore in Windows and macOS’s Time Machine both serve as backup and recovery tools.
26. Dark Mode (Apps) vs Night Shift
Dark Mode in Windows 10/11 apps and macOS’s Night Shift, both focusing on reducing eye strain at night.
27. MacOS Dock vs. Start Menu Pinning
Pinning apps to the Start Menu in Windows 10/11 is similar to pinning apps to the macOS Dock.
28. Quick Actions vs Quick Actions
Quick Actions in Windows and macOS are both shortcut features available from the taskbar or control center.
29. Keyboard Shortcuts for Screenshots
Both operating systems have similar shortcuts for taking screenshots: Print Screen on Windows and Command+Shift+4 on macOS.
30. Windows Store PWA support vs Safari PWA support
Both platforms now support Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
31. Night Light vs True Tone
Windows Night Light reduces blue light while macOS has True Tone for adjusting the screen temperature.
32. Clipboard History (Windows 10) vs Universal Clipboard
Clipboard History (Windows 10) allows for multiple items in the clipboard, and macOS’s Universal Clipboard lets users copy on one device and paste on another.
33. Emoji Picker (Windows 10/11) vs Emoji Picker (macOS)
Both operating systems have a built-in emoji picker.
34. Task Manager vs Activity Monitor
Task Manager in Windows and Activity Monitor in macOS both show system resource usage and running processes.
35. Security & Privacy Settings vs Privacy Settings
Both Windows and macOS have settings for managing privacy, permissions, and security.
36. Find My Device vs Find My Mac
Windows and macOS both offer location tracking and recovery tools for lost devices.
37. File History vs Time Machine
File History (Windows) and Time Machine (macOS) are backup tools for user files.
38. Aero Snap vs Mission Control
Windows 10's Aero Snap feature is similar to macOS's ability to snap windows to sides of the screen.
39. Window Shading vs Minimize to Dock
Window Shading in Windows (rolling up windows) is similar to macOS’s ability to minimize windows into the Dock.
40. Windows Ink vs Mark-up (Preview)
Windows Ink (pen tools) is somewhat analogous to the markup tools available in Preview on macOS.
41. Windows Ink Workspace vs Markup in PDF
Windows Ink Workspace allows sketching and note-taking, much like Preview's markup for PDFs on macOS.
42. Task Manager Performance Tab vs Activity Monitor’s Performance Tab
Both systems show CPU, memory, and network usage in real-time.
43. File Path vs Path Bar
Windows shows the file path at the top of File Explorer, similar to macOS's Path Bar in Finder.
44. Control+Tab in Taskbar vs Cmd+Tab in Dock
Both OSes offer a keyboard shortcut to quickly switch between open apps.
45. App Resizing vs App Resizing
Both Windows and macOS allow users to resize app windows, often in similar ways.
46. Ease of Access vs Accessibility
Both operating systems have settings aimed at users with disabilities.
47. Sticky Notes vs Stickies
Both offer built-in note-taking apps (Windows Sticky Notes vs macOS Stickies).
48. Live Wallpapers vs Dynamic Wallpapers
Both Windows and macOS support live or dynamic wallpapers that change with time.
49. OneDrive File On-Demand vs iCloud Drive Optimized Storage
Both services allow users to access files without taking up space on the local device.
50. Windows Ink vs Markup in Preview
Both offer similar tools for drawing or marking up documents.
51. Smart Folders vs Libraries (Windows)
Smart Folders in macOS group files by type, which is similar to the Libraries feature in Windows.
52. AppleScript vs PowerShell
AppleScript and PowerShell both allow for scripting and automation of system tasks.
53. iMessage Integration vs Messaging on Windows
iMessage on macOS and messaging in Windows 10/11 both integrate SMS and other messaging services.
54. Time Machine vs File History
Both features provide versioned backups of files.
55. Siri Shortcuts vs Cortana (earlier versions)
Both allow users to create custom voice commands and automations.
56. Mission Control vs Task View
Task View (Windows 10/11) is similar to macOS’s Mission Control for managing and switching between virtual desktops and apps.
57. Touchpad Gestures vs Trackpad Gestures
Both operating systems support multi-finger gestures for navigating, zooming, and swiping through apps.
58. File Extensions Visibility vs File Extension Visibility
Both operating systems allow users to toggle the visibility of file extensions in file management.
59. Smart Lookup vs Spotlight
Smart Lookup in Windows 10 (via right-click) allows users to search for definitions, information, or web results, similar to macOS's Spotlight search.
60. App Store Auto Updates vs Mac App Store Auto Updates
Both platforms allow automatic updates for installed apps from their respective app stores.
61. Energy Saver (Battery Saver) vs Battery Health Management
Both systems have energy-saving features that optimize battery usage, with macOS having "Battery Health Management" and Windows offering "Battery Saver" modes.
62. File Compression (ZIP) vs Compression (ZIP)
Both Windows and macOS allow users to compress and decompress files with ZIP formats in Finder and Explorer.
63. AirDrop vs Nearby Sharing
AirDrop on macOS allows easy file transfer between Apple devices, whereas Nearby Sharing in Windows 10 allows similar file transfers across compatible devices using Bluetooth.
64. Auto Start Apps vs Login Items
Both systems have a way to manage apps that automatically start when the OS boots.
65. Focus Assist vs Do Not Disturb
Focus Assist on Windows 10/11 helps users silence notifications, similar to macOS's Do Not Disturb feature.
66. Drag-and-Drop File Management vs Drag-and-Drop File Management
Both operating systems support drag-and-drop functionality for files across different applications.
67. Windows Update vs macOS Software Update
Both systems use built-in mechanisms to keep their operating systems up-to-date, including security patches and system enhancements.
68. Bluetooth Settings vs Bluetooth Preferences
Both OSes have centralized areas for managing Bluetooth devices and settings.
69. Windows 10/11 Widgets vs macOS Widgets
Both systems introduced widgets for quick access to personalized information, such as weather, news, and calendar events.
70. Security Center vs Security & Privacy Preferences
Both operating systems have dedicated security and privacy settings for configuring firewalls, encryption, and other protections.
71. System Tray vs Menu Bar
Both offer a system tray (Windows) and menu bar (macOS) where apps can place status indicators, system information, and quick access options.
72. Hyper-V vs Virtualization via Parallels Desktop or VMware
Hyper-V in Windows is a built-in virtualization platform, similar to macOS's support for running virtual machines using third-party tools like Parallels Desktop.
73. Keyboard Shortcuts for Accessibility vs VoiceOver
Both Windows and macOS offer accessibility features like keyboard shortcuts for easier navigation, with macOS offering VoiceOver and Windows providing Narrator.
74. File Preview (QuickLook) vs QuickLook on macOS
Windows 10 and 11 allow users to preview file contents quickly without opening them, which is similar to macOS's QuickLook.
75. Start Menu Live Tiles vs Dynamic Icons in Launchpad
Both OSes offer dynamic icons that show live information, with Windows using Live Tiles and macOS offering widgets and app icons with live data.
76. Windows Ink Workspace vs Notes App
Both offer note-taking functionality with Windows Ink Workspace providing a stylus-based approach and macOS's Notes app offering similar features.
77. Windows Security vs macOS Security
Both operating systems include built-in security mechanisms like firewalls, anti-virus, and secure boot features.
78. Siri in macOS vs Cortana in Windows
Both are AI-powered assistants integrated into the OS to help with tasks and voice commands.
79. Mac Pro XDR vs Windows Workstations
Both Apple and Microsoft offer high-performance computing setups for professionals, such as the Mac Pro XDR and high-end Windows workstations.
80. Dark Mode in Apps vs Dark Mode in Apps
Both Windows 10/11 and macOS support dark themes across many built-in and third-party applications.
81. Side-by-Side Windows vs Split View
Windows 10 introduced the ability to snap windows side-by-side, similar to macOS's Split View functionality.
82. File Recovery via OneDrive vs File Recovery via iCloud
Both OneDrive and iCloud provide file recovery services, allowing users to restore deleted or previous versions of documents.
83. Mac Mini vs Windows Mini PC
Apple’s Mac Mini and smaller Windows PCs both cater to users seeking compact, powerful desktop solutions.
84. Windows Tablet Mode vs macOS Continuity
Windows Tablet Mode offers a touch-friendly interface, while macOS Continuity allows users to transition seamlessly between different devices, like from iPhone to MacBook.
85. Windows Store (Universal Apps) vs macOS App Store
Both have app stores that manage and distribute apps, with the Windows Store offering Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps and macOS offering Mac App Store apps.
86. Taskbar Search Box vs Spotlight
Windows’ taskbar search box provides similar functionality to macOS’s Spotlight for finding files, apps, and web content.
87. Multiple Monitor Support vs Display Arrangement
Both operating systems provide easy-to-use interfaces for setting up and managing multiple monitors.
88. Touchscreen Support (Windows) vs Touchscreen Support (macOS via iPad Sidecar)
Windows supports touchscreens natively, while macOS supports an external iPad as a second touchscreen using Sidecar.
89. Window Resizing via Corners vs App Resizing in macOS
Both operating systems allow users to resize windows by dragging the corners, a standard UI feature on both platforms.
90. Desktop Customization (Windows) vs Desktop Customization (macOS)
Both Windows and macOS allow users to customize desktop backgrounds, widgets, and themes to personalize their desktop experience.
91. Task Manager (Windows) vs Activity Monitor (macOS)
Both Task Manager and Activity Monitor serve the same purpose of displaying active processes, CPU, and memory usage.
92. OneDrive Personal Vault vs macOS FileVault
Both systems feature encryption and additional security for files stored in the cloud or on local storage.
93. Windows Store for Apps vs Mac App Store for Apps
Both operating systems provide an official app marketplace for downloading, purchasing, and managing apps.
94. Screenshots with Snip & Sketch vs macOS Screenshot
Snip & Sketch in Windows provides an easy way to take screenshots and annotate, a feature similar to macOS’s screenshot tools.
95. Print to PDF vs Save to PDF
Both Windows and macOS have the ability to print or save documents as PDFs without needing third-party software.
96. Fast File Transfers with USB-C vs macOS USB-C Speed
Both Windows and macOS support high-speed USB-C data transfers, providing similar speeds and experiences when connecting devices.
97. File Explorer Preview Pane vs Quick Look in Finder
Both Windows File Explorer and macOS Finder offer preview panes for quickly viewing file contents.
98. Auto Updates for OS vs Automatic Software Updates
Both systems have automated OS update systems that keep the user’s system up-to-date with security patches and features.
99. Picture-in-Picture vs Picture-in-Picture
Both systems support a picture-in-picture mode in video players and certain apps.
100. Fullscreen Apps vs Fullscreen Apps
Both Windows and macOS allow users to maximize apps to full screen, providing a distraction-free experience.
