Just Switched To Mac From Windows? Your Most Common Questions Answered

If you’ve recently moved from Windows to Mac and feel a bit lost, you’re not alone.

Every day, thousands of people Google the same simple questions about how Macs work, from how to right-click to how to Ctrl-Alt-Delete on a Mac.

Some things on macOS are more intuitive, others are just… different.

Here are some of the most common Mac questions from Windows users, answered simply and clearly for anyone still adjusting to Apple’s way of doing things.

1. Can I Run Windows on My Mac?

If you’re really missing Windows or just need to run a Windows only games or app, the good news is you can run Windows on a Mac.

The most popular methods is to use a virtual machine such as Parallels or VMware Fusion but there are apps called “translation layers” such as Crossover that can emulate Windows on a Mac.

Another option is to access Windows PCs remotely from a Mac using remote desktop software.

For more check out our guide on the best ways to run Windows on a Mac.

2. Can You Right-Click on a Mac?

Yes, even if it’s not obvious.

• Trackpad: Tap with two fingers
• Mouse: Click the right side of Apple’s Magic Mouse
• Shortcut: Hold Control (⌃) and click

If it’s not working, go to System Settings > Trackpad or Mouse and turn on “Secondary click.”

For more ways to do this essential task, check out our guide on how to right-click on Mac.

3. Where’s the Start Menu on a Mac?

There’s no Start Menu in macOS like you get on Windows, but here’s what you use instead:

• The Dock (app launcher)
• Spotlight Search (Command + Space)
• Launchpad (grid-style app list)
• System Settings (for preferences)

4. How Do I Uninstall Programs on a Mac?

Simply drag the app from Applications to the Trash.

Some apps (like antivirus tools) need an official uninstaller.

For more thorough cleanups to ensure that nothing is left behind, we recommend using AppCleaner (free) but for more tips, check out our guide on how to uninstall apps on a Mac.

5. What’s the Ctrl Key on a Mac?

The Command (⌘) key is usually used in place of the Control (Ctrl) key on Windows for shortcuts.

• Copy: ⌘ + C
• Paste: ⌘ + V
• Save: ⌘ + S

The Control key still exists on Mac keyboards, but it’s used mostly for right-clicks and Terminal commands.

6. Where’s the Backspace Key?

On Mac, Delete = Backspace.

To forward delete, use Fn + Delete.
On full-size keyboards, there’s a dedicated forward delete key.

7. How Do I Use Alt + Tab on a Mac?

Use Command + Tab to switch apps.
To switch windows within the same app, use Command + ` (backtick).

8. Where’s File Explorer on a Mac?

It’s called Finder. Look for the smiling blue face icon in the Dock.

Common Finder shortcuts:

• ⌘ + N: New window
• ⌘ + Shift + G: Go to folder
• ⌘ + Delete: Move to Trash

9. How Do I Force Quit an App?

Use Command + Option + Esc.
This brings up a Force Quit window (similar to Ctrl + Alt + Delete on Windows).

For deeper control (CPU, memory), use Activity Monitor in Applications > Utilities.

Check out our guide on how to force quit apps on a Mac for more.

10. Why Doesn’t Cut and Paste Work in Finder?

Mac disables cutting files by default. Instead:

• Copy with ⌘ + C
• Move (not copy) with ⌘ + Option + V

This moves the file to the new location and deletes the original.

11. How Do I Take a Screenshot on a Mac?

The easiest way to screenshot on a Mac is to use these built-in shortcuts:

• ⌘ + Shift + 3: Full screen
• ⌘ + Shift + 4: Select an area
• ⌘ + Shift + 5: Screenshot + screen recording tools

Screenshots done this way save to the desktop by default.

However, there are many other ways including taking timed and scrolling screenshots so we recommend our guide on how to screenshot on a Mac for more.

12. How Do I Install Apps on a Mac?

Usually from:

• Mac App Store
• Official websites (download .dmg files)

To install:

1. Open the .dmg file
2. Drag the app into the Applications folder
3. Eject the mounted disk image

If you want to install something outside the Mac App Store, you’ll have to disable Gatekeeper macOS by opening Terminal and typing:

sudo spctl --master-disable

Note that you should exercise caution doing this as Gatekeeper is designed to protect malicious apps from installing on your Mac.

13. How Do I View Hidden Files on a Mac?

Press Command + Shift + . (period) in Finder.
This toggles hidden files on and off.

You can also use a disk storage checking app on your Mac to reveal files that are hidden but may be hogging valuable disk space.

14. How Do I Access Settings on a Mac?

Open System Settings from the Dock or the Apple menu in the top-left corner.

Use Spotlight (⌘ + Space) to search for specific settings faster.

15. How Do I Switch Desktops or Workspaces?

Swipe with four fingers left or right on a trackpad to move between Spaces.
Or use Control + →/← arrow to switch.

Open Mission Control (F3 or Control + Up) to manage all desktops and windows.

16. Can I Use a Windows Keyboard with a Mac?

Yes. macOS will map the Windows key to Command by default.

You can change modifier keys in:
System Settings > Keyboard > Modifier Keys

Tip: Use Karabiner-Elements for deeper customization.

17. What’s the Equivalent of Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager)?

Mac’s version is Activity Monitor, found in:

• Applications > Utilities
• Or search for it with ⌘ + Space

Here you can see app memory, CPU, and energy usage, and force quit unresponsive apps.

For more, check out our guide to using Activity Monitor on a Mac as an alternative to Task Manager in Windows.

18. How Do I Rename Files Quickly?

Click once on a file name in Finder, or press Return/Enter to rename it.

To batch rename multiple files:

• Select them
• Right-click > Rename

19. How Do I Eject USB Drives or External Disks?

You can:

• Right-click the drive on your desktop and click Eject
• Or click the eject icon next to the drive in Finder
• Or drag the disk to the Trash (which turns into an eject icon)

Always eject before unplugging to avoid data loss.

To get the best external drives that play well with Macs, check out our guides to the best SSD drives for Mac and then best Thunderbolt drives for Mac too.

20. How Do I Type….on a Mac?

Finding where special characters are on a Mac can be tricky especially because of different keyboard layouts in different languages.

For some tips on the most commonly requested symbols check out:

• How To Type a Hashtag on a Mac
• How To Type a Tilde on a Mac
• How To Type @ on a Mac
• How To Type a Caret Symbol on a Mac
• How To Type a Check Mark on a Mac

Summary

The learning curve between Windows and macOS is real, but it’s also short.

Once you learn the basics like Command vs Control, Finder vs File Explorer, and the right-click mystery, macOS starts to make a lot more sense.

If you’re still adjusting, bookmark this guide and refer back as needed. Before long, your fingers will hit Command + Space without thinking.