Switching Sides: A MacBook User's Journey with Windows

For the past six years, I've been using a MacBook. So, it was a surprise when I recently borrowed a Windows laptop for a test and found the gap between macOS and Windows, which was once significant, to be much narrower now. The most notable improvements in Windows are its intuitive design and exceptional performance. Whether for work or personal use, Windows has proven to be extraordinary.

I appreciate its simplicity. There's also a sense of nostalgia from my days as a kid and a student using Windows PCs and laptops. Despite the complexity that comes with its 100 times more features, Windows has managed to maintain a semblance of the simplicity of the past. I completely lost touch with Windows when I switched jobs and started using a MacBook. However, I've been pleasantly surprised by Microsoft's tremendous progress in recent years, bringing it on par with, if not surpassing, Apple in some aspects. The user's journey with Windows may be fun, too!

Despite its advancements, Windows does have limitations. Notably, it needs more 'freebies' like the games Minesweeper and Solitaire and offers fewer apps than MacBooks. Also, it could be more straightforward to change the default browser or deactivate OneDrive. Microsoft seems intent on promoting its products and services, often encouraging users to subscribe and spend more.

Yet, as an experienced user, you can navigate these issues, turning off unnecessary features and finding free solutions online, including those from Google.

However, Windows has technical quirks and bugs that could be addressed proactively. Just yesterday, I encountered an issue where the Windows start button stopped working for no apparent reason. It reminded me of my childhood when I frequently reinstalled Windows due to unexplained failures. Refusing to give up, I spent two hours searching online and watching YouTube tutorials. The solution involved uninstalling recent Windows updates and restarting the computer.

This experience underscores a continuing issue with Windows 11: Microsoft's policy of mandatory updates. These can be disruptive, introducing new bugs or removing familiar features, a frustration for ordinary users who may find troubleshooting challenging.

Despite this initial hiccup, I am considering purchasing a Windows laptop to replace my MacBook. I am satisfied with its current performance and overall functionality.