Hands-On Windows 155: A Cure for Mac Envy

Host: Paul Thurrott
Date: August 28, 2025
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Paul Thurrott tackles the long-standing phenomenon of "Mac Envy" among Windows users—a feeling of longing for the polished look and feel of Apple’s macOS and hardware. Paul discusses both hardware and software approaches for Windows 11 users who want a more “Mac-like” experience, focusing on free utilities to mimic key Mac features and enhance usability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Evolution of "Mac Envy" (01:09–03:30)

• Background: Paul explains how Windows users have always had some degree of Mac envy, especially since the return of Steve Jobs and the rise of macOS X's visual polish in the early 2000s.
• Modern Context: Recent updates like Apple’s “Liquid Glass” visuals, transparent widgets, and docks have reignited this envy.
• Quote:
  "We've always felt on the Windows side like second class citizens... In some ways it's gotten better over time."
  — Paul Thurrott (01:31)

2. Hardware Solutions: Surface and ARM-based PCs (03:00–03:45)

• Recommendation: Upgrading to ARM-based Windows 11 devices (like Surface Laptop) provides Mac-like hardware aesthetics, performance, and battery life.
• Practicality: Many ARM-based PCs are available for under $1,000.

3. Spotlight Search Equivalent on Windows (03:45–05:01)

• Mac Feature: The Mac’s Spotlight Search (Cmd + Space) is much loved by Paul for its quick application, file, and web search.
• Windows Alternative:
  • Microsoft PowerToys includes “PowerToys Run” (now replaced by “Command Palette”) for similar search capabilities.
  • Usable with customizable keyboard shortcuts; Paul sets his to Win + Space.
  • Extensible with plugins, can function as a Start Menu replacement.
• Quote:
  “You will see an interface very much like that thing I just showed on the Mac, the Spotlight search feature. So it works the same way.”
  — Paul Thurrott (04:30)

4. Full Screen Mode Differences (07:16–08:50)

• Mac Feature: Full-screen mode is a favorite of Paul’s, but Windows 11 doesn’t have a system-wide equivalent.
• Workaround: Users can auto-hide the taskbar for a pseudo-fullscreen experience.
• Issue: Hiding the taskbar hides the clock and other system info, which Paul finds inconvenient.

5. Bringing the Clock Back: DSClock Utility (08:00–09:00)

• Solution: DSClock is a small utility offering a configurable always-on-top clock and date display, customizable and transparent.
• Quote:
  “What I missed was... I was looking to see the time in the corner here, right?... So I started researching whether there would be some kind of utility that might make up for that. And what I found... was something called DSClock.”
  — Paul Thurrott (08:20)

6. Transparent Taskbar: TranslucentTB (09:00–09:45)

• Mac Feature: The Mac’s dock is stylishly transparent.
• Windows Alternative: The TranslucentTB utility (available free from the Microsoft Store) creates a transparent or translucent taskbar, mimicking the macOS Dock style to some extent.
• Quote:
  "This is kind of nice because this mimics in some ways the way that the Mac OS dock works, right?"
  — Paul Thurrott (09:40)

7. Deeper Theming: Stardock WindowBlinds (09:45–10:20)

• Advanced Option: Stardock’s WindowBlinds (paid utility) enables advanced theming, including glass-like “Aero” effects and transparency.
• Paul's Take: While not currently using it himself, Paul notes it’s a great option for users wanting a full visual overhaul.

8. Summary: Windows Advantages and Final Thoughts (10:20–End)

• Paul’s Perspective: Despite missing out on some Mac polish, Paul feels Windows 11 is logical, better at multitasking, and with a few tweaks, easily bridges most of the “envy gap.”

• All Utilities Mentioned Are Free (except WindowBlinds):

  • DSClock
  • TranslucentTB
  • PowerToys Command Palette

• Quote:
  “I don’t personally suffer from Mac envy, but if you do, maybe this can help.”
  — Paul Thurrott (11:20)

Memorable Quotes

• On Feeling Second Class:
  "We've always felt on the Windows side like second class citizens. In some ways it's gotten better over time." (01:31)

• On Command Palette:
  "You will see an interface very much like that thing I just showed on the Mac, the Spotlight search feature." (04:30)

• On Missing the Clock:
  "What I missed was... I was looking to see the time in the corner here, right?... So I started researching... and what I found... was something called DSClock." (08:20)

• On Mimicking the Mac Dock:
  "This is kind of nice because this mimics in some ways the way that the Mac OS dock works, right?" (09:40)

• On Windows Strengths:
  "I find it to be much more logical and have better and more consistent multitasking..." (10:55)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:09: Introduction to “Mac Envy,” Mac history, and Windows catching up
• 03:45: Spotlight Search on Mac vs. Command Palette in Windows
• 07:16: Full screen mode on Mac vs. maximizing windows and hiding the taskbar on Windows
• 08:20: Solving the missing clock problem with DSClock
• 09:00: Transparent taskbar with TranslucentTB
• 09:45: Advanced theming with Stardock WindowBlinds
• 10:20: Summary, personal recommendations, and episode wrap-up

Utilities Mentioned

• PowerToys Command Palette:
  Search and launcher utility similar to Mac Spotlight. (Free, Microsoft Store)

• DSClock:
  Customizable clock/date widget, always on top. (Free, downloadable online)

• TranslucentTB:
  Makes Windows taskbar transparent. (Free, Microsoft Store)

• Stardock WindowBlinds:
  Advanced theming and visual customization. (Paid)

Conclusion

Paul Thurrott’s “A Cure for Mac Envy” provides practical, free strategies to make Windows 11 both look and feel more like a Mac, while highlighting Windows’ own strengths. Whether it’s maximizing visual style, restoring lost functions, or making the Start experience more powerful, Paul makes it clear that Windows users needn’t feel like second class citizens—most of those nice-to-have features can be replicated or even improved in the Windows world.