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5 reasons why Windows isn't the best OS for productivity
Our operating system of choice has a huge impact on how we interface with our computers. Some users prefer a no-compromises approach, with every aspect of the experience being customizable. Others will want an experience where they don’t have to think about things like dependencies, or heaven forbid, open a command line. There’s nothing wrong with either approach: You do whatever works best for you.
Windows is far and away the most popular operating system in the world for traditional desktop computers, but it’s not the best one for productivity, and here are 5 reasons why.
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You don't need to rely on built-in Windows apps; here are alternatives that will do a far better job.
Bloatware
It has only been getting worse
If you haven’t done a fresh Windows install lately, the amount of bloatware that comes with the system by default is pretty mind-boggling. Bing this, Copilot that; I’m sure there are some people who find these pre-installed apps and features useful, but most users just aren’t going to be needing this stuff; they’ll have their own productivity software that they’ll be using most of the time. By contrast, macOS comes with almost no bloatware whatsoever, and almost all Linux distros are clean by nature. You put the apps you want on your system, and that’s it.
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Laptops come with too much bloatware, but there are some useful ones.
Lack of built-in productivity software
Microsoft Office should come with Windows
Let’s be real for a second. Pages, Slides, and Numbers aren’t one-to-one replacements for the Microsoft Office Suite of Word, PowerPoint and Excel, but having them by default on macOS is better than not. The ability to open these kinds of documents by default feels like something your computer should be capable of out of the box, without some Draconian subscription program like Microsoft Office 365. An OS should come with some productivity software by default, or at the very least have it available for free. In the case of Linux, LibreOffice is a very suitable replacement for Microsoft Office, and it's free and open-source.
4 Office alternatives that let you work across devices
Part of choosing an MS Office alternative is knowing if it will work across your devices. Here are four that are free and cross-platform.
Lack of integrated local file sharing
AirDrop is just too good
As someone who takes a lot of photos on my phone with the intention of transferring them to my PC, I’ve found myself wishing for an AirDrop equivalent on Windows for quite some time, even if it were just between a laptop and my PC. Microsoft has done well to begin rolling out AirDrop capability for Windows PCs, but it requires levels of additional configuration.
AirDrop just works out of the box, and is a must-have for anyone who’s got their work split between a phone and a traditional computer. You could always share files between Windows machines, but it’s a much more involved process than the two-press process of AirDrop. Linux local file sharing isn't as seamless either, but there are fewer obstacles in your way than there are on Windows.
AirDrop ultimate guide: Everything you need to know about Apple's file transfer solution
AirDrop is one of the most convenient file sharing solutions, and there's a lot to know about it
Keyboard and touchpad shortcuts are less robust
Windows shortcuts are clunky
One thing I always miss when swapping off of my MacBook is the gestures and keyboard shortcuts. I’ll be clearer; it’s not like Windows doesn’t have keyboard shortcuts or touchpad gestures, they’re just worse. They feel worse, they’re less intuitive, and this is especially true of trackpad gestures. They don’t seem to be the same across Windows devices either. Some laptops have different gestures turned on out of the box, and the Windows key shortcuts are easier to fat finger than they are to hit intentionally.
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Can't find your mouse? Use these 20 touchpad gestures to boost your productivity on your Windows 11 laptop.
Most malware is made for Windows
It’s easier to have your system compromised
malware
One side effect of being one of the most ubiquitous operating systems is that you also have the bulk of all malware made for your OS. Windows is just a much easier target because of how widely used it is. macOS and Linux distros don’t run into applicable malware nearly as much, but it’s definitely still possible to have your system infected. Having malware on your system means less time working and more time diagnosing or reinstalling your OS.
7 ways to tell if your Windows laptop has malware
Red flags your laptop is compromised
Everybody has different needs
Sometimes the most comfortable operating system will be the one you get the most work done with, but if you’re able to grind through the growing pains, other operating systems can be much better for sitting down and getting work done. If you’re exhausted by Windows and you have the budget, trying a Mac could be worth a shot. There are also free Linux distros that are worth checking out if you don’t mind putting in some initial legwork.
