Mac tips for Windows switchers

Find out how to perform some common tasks on your new Mac.

Right-click

Click the right-hand corner of your Apple mouse or click with two fingers on your Apple trackpad. You can change this in Mouse settings and Trackpad settings.

Scroll, swipe, click

Settings for scroll direction, swipe gestures and button assignments are also in Mouse and Trackpad settings.

Close and resize windows

Buttons for closing, minimising and maximising a window

Change volume

Use the volume control in the menu bar or Control CenterControl Center

Change Mac settings

Looking for the Control Panel? Use System Settings (or System Preferences)

Browse for files

Looking for Windows File Explorer? Find out about the Finder.

Find files

Use Spotlight

Open apps

You can also use Launchpad and the Dock to open your apps (programs).

Throw files away

Looking for the Recycle Bin? Use the Bin, which is in the Dock.

Rename files

Click the file once to select it, then press the Return key and enter a new name. Press Return when you've finished.

Preview files

Preview most files on your Mac using Quick Look.

Back up files

Time Machine keeps a copy of all your files and it remembers how your system looked on any given day.

Keyboard shortcuts

Many Mac keyboard combinations use the Command (⌘) key. Learn more keys and keyboard shortcuts

Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad

Cut

Command-X

Copy

Command-C

Paste

Command-V

Undo

Command-Z

Print

Command-P

Close window

Command-W

Switch apps

Command-Tab

Quit app

Command-Q

Forward delete

Fn-Delete or Forward DeleteNo alt supplied for Image

Find files

Command-Space bar

Force quit app

Option-Command-Esc

Take screenshot

Shift-Command-3

Learn more

  • For more information to help you get to know your Mac, use the Help menu in the Finder menu bar.

  • What’s it called on my Mac? includes additional Windows and Mac terms.

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