Switching from Windows to Mac: What to Know in Advance, How to Move Your Data and What Difficulties to Expect

Many people tired of slowdowns, updates and viruses on Windows think about moving to a Mac. Modern MacBooks with Apple processors really are impressive: they run for a long time on battery, stay silent, wake instantly and need almost no maintenance. But changing platform isn't just a new laptop. Programs, habits, work processes, files and email all need thinking through in advance. Let's look at who the switch suits and how to make it without losses or disappointment.

Who a Mac suits well

• People who work in the browser, with email, documents and spreadsheets.
• Designers, photographers, video editors and musicians.
• Programmers, especially in web and mobile development.
• iPhone and iPad owners — syncing between devices is very convenient.
• Anyone who values battery life, silence and a long service life.

Who should think twice

• Accountants and users of specialised software. Many accounting, warehouse and record-keeping programs, as well as some banking clients and electronic-signature programs, only run on Windows.
• Gamers. The choice of games on Mac is much narrower, although it's improving.
• Engineers and designers using CAD. Some CAD programs are only available for Windows.
• People used to upgrading their own computer. In modern Macs the memory and storage can't be replaced — you need to choose enough from the start.

What about software

Mac versions exist

Browsers, Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, Zoom, Teams, Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber, Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Spotify and most cloud services work fully on Mac.

Alternatives exist

Many Windows programs have Mac alternatives — built-in (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Photos, Preview) or third-party. But they take getting used to, and file compatibility isn't always perfect.

Windows only

For programs that only run on Windows there are options: a Windows virtual machine on the Mac (on Apple processors that means Windows for ARM, with compatibility limits), remote access to a Windows work computer, or cloud versions of the programs. Each option needs testing in advance with your specific programs.

The Georgian language and keyboard layouts

macOS supports Georgian and its keyboard layouts, but their arrangement and the shortcuts for switching differ from what you're used to on Windows. Old documents typed in outdated "Georgian" fonts may display incorrectly — it's worth converting them to Unicode in advance.

Moving your data

• Documents and photos — moved via an external drive, the cloud or the built-in Migration Assistant.
• Email — if you use webmail or IMAP, simply add the account. Outlook PST archives need converting or Outlook for Mac.
• Passwords and bookmarks — synced through your browser account or a password manager.
• Software licences — check whether your licence covers Mac: some programs need to be bought separately.
• External drives — the Mac can only read NTFS drives. To share between systems you need a compatible format.

The difficulties of the first weeks

Different keyboard shortcuts, a differently organised file manager, a different logic for closing windows and installing programs, unfamiliar trackpad gestures — for the first week or two many people feel unsure. A short introduction to the basic principles of macOS when the laptop is handed over makes adapting much easier.

Printers, scanners and peripherals

Most modern printers and multifunction devices work with Macs, but drivers for older models and scanning features may not be available. MacBooks have USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, so old USB sticks, monitors and wired networking may need an adapter or a docking station.

It's also worth thinking about what happens to the old Windows computer. Keeping it for a few weeks as a fallback is sensible — it gives you somewhere to check a forgotten file or run an old program while you settle in. After that, it should be wiped properly before being sold or passed on.

What our technician does

1. Reviews your programs and tasks and tells you honestly whether a Mac will suit you.
2. Helps you choose a model with enough memory and storage.
3. Moves documents, photos, email, passwords and bookmarks and converts old formats.
4. Sets up the Georgian layout, printers, the cloud and, if needed, access to Windows.
5. Gives a short introduction to the basics of macOS.

A real example

An architect in Vake decided to switch to a MacBook, but her practice depended on a drafting program and an accounting client available only for Windows. Our technician checked compatibility: the drafting program had a Mac version, and the accounts were handled by an outside bookkeeper. For occasional tasks we set up remote access to the old office computer. We moved 300 GB of projects, converted the Outlook archive, set up the Georgian layout and the printer, and converted old documents in outdated fonts to Unicode. Within a week she was working confidently on the new laptop.

Call a technician

If you're planning to move from Windows to Mac and want to do it without losses, we'll come to any district of Tbilisi around the clock. Learn more on our computer setup, software installation and data transfer and recovery pages.