Windows 11 vs macOS Monterey — 6 ways Microsoft already wins

(Paradigm credit: Microsoft/Apple tree)

Every bit a Mac user it's hard for me to wait at Windows 11 and not exist jealous. Just wait at what Microsoft has unveiled here. The multitasking runs circles effectually macOS Monterey, and I prefer the new Start menu and taskbar to the macOS dock.

The docking features of Windows xi as well looks superior to macOS, and I similar Microsoft'southward more flexible approach to widgets. And while the Windows Store has been a mess up until now, the addition of Android apps in Windows 11 looks like a big deal.

Here are 5 means Windows 11 beats the latest macOS Monterey based on the features announced thus far.

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Windows eleven Snap Layouts beats macOS multitasking

Windows 11 Snap Layouts — (Image credit: Microsoft)

With macOS yous tin work with ii apps side past side — and that's it. Windows 11 introduces a new Snap Layouts feature that lets y'all sew together to three apps side by side and choose from a bunch of other layouts, such every bit a 2x2 grid for iv apps or on on the left and two on the right.

You tin too create Snap Groups in Windows 11 that you can park right in the taskbar, so yous can pick up correct where y'all left off after you lot answer that notification.

Windows xi touch back up gets meliorate

windows 11 widgets — (Image credit: Microsoft)

While Apple refuses to bring touch on to the Mac and keeps pushing the iPad Pro, the best 2-in-1 laptops running Windows xi will get improved touch support. You'll see more than space between the icons, larger touch targets and visual cues for sizing and moving windows. The onscreen keyboard is getting meliorate, too.

Windows 11 gaming wipes the floor with Macs

windows 11 games — (Image credit: Microsoft)

In add-on to having easy access to the awesome Xbox Game Pass, Windows 11 is offering a few key gaming upgrades that will take the all-time titles to the next level. DirectX 12 support brings meliorate high-frame rate gaming, while Machine HDR will evangelize improve visuals in a wide range of games.

In addition, if you take a PC that supports DirectStorage, you should enjoy much faster game load times. (Think Xbox Series X in PC grade.) macOS is still miles backside on gaming, with and then many fewer titles than Windows.

Windows eleven offers a smarter way to dock

windows 11 docking — (Image credit: Microsoft)

Whether you're working from home and you move from room to room or yous're in an function setting, many of us are constantly docking and undocking. But information technology tin take a chip to jump back into action. Windows 11 has a new docking experience that I wish macOS had.

If you unplug a laptop from a dock to motion rooms, the windows that were on your monitor will minimize in Windows 11. When y'all come back and so re-connect to a dock, all of your Windows will re-appear the style they were before.

Windows 11 has a more than open up App Shop

Windows 11 android apps — (Image credit: Microsoft)

The Microsoft Store has non been the best during the Windows 10 years, but it'south getting a lot better with Windows 11, with a store that's a lot more open than macOS' walled garden. For example, Microsoft is letting developers use their own commerce engines, like Adobe, so it's not going to force devs into giving Microsoft a cutting.

In addition, Android apps are coming to the Windows Store, which on newspaper is skilful. Nonetheless, you'll exist limited to the options in the Amazon App Store. You lot may be able to sideload apps in Windows 11, but we wouldn't recommend information technology. We'll have to see how good the selection is come up this fall, and how good the implementation is.

Conversation from Microsoft Teams vs FaceTime

windows 11 teams — (Paradigm credit: Microsoft)

FaceTime on macOS Monterey looks a lot cooler than the new Conversation from Microsoft Teams, which is built into Windows xi. That's because FaceTime has a new SharePlay feature that lets you sentry moves and shows with friends or listen to music. But if yous're on Android or Windows, you tin can merely exist seen and heard through a web link, every bit there's no dedicated FaceTime app for those platforms — which means they won't become SharePlay. Conversation with Microsoft Teams will exist available on Windows, Android and iOS.

Bottom line

There's lots of things that I like nigh macOS better than Windows. AirDrop continues to be ane of my favorite features, and I like that my messages from iPhone automatically announced on the desktop (something merely Android owners could practise on Windows). In addition, macOS updates are generally much smoother, whereas Windows 10 has had all kinds of problems, several of which have resulted in severe bugs or blue screens of expiry. Microsoft says Windows Updates volition improve in Windows 11, and we'll wait to se that when it happens.

macOS Monterey, launching this fall, promises several other welcome upgrades. These include a much improved FaceTime, a redesigned Safari with handy Tab groups, Quick Notes and more seamless integration with the iPad with Universal Control. But if y'all're in the Windows campsite — or you're thinking about switching — Windows 11 has macOS trounce in several means at this early stage.

Correction: The app store department of this article incorrectly stated the Apple tree store. It should have said Microsoft'southward Windows store. We regret the error.

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Marking Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for nearly twenty years. In addition to overseeing the direction of Tom'south Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends. Mark was previously editor in primary of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.