Windows to Mac: Accessories You Actually Need

You just switched from Windows to Mac. The laptop is beautiful, macOS is different, and you’re staring at two USB-C ports wondering where all your ports went.

Here’s what you need to know — and buy — to make the transition smooth. Some of your Windows accessories work fine on Mac. Others don’t. And there are a few Mac-specific things you’ll want.

What You Can Keep

Your monitor. Any monitor with HDMI or DisplayPort works with a MacBook through a USB-C adapter or hub. If it has USB-C input, even better — one cable for video and charging. Don’t buy a new monitor just because you switched to Mac.

Your USB keyboard and mouse. They work. Plug them in via a USB-C hub. The Windows key becomes the Command key, which takes a day to get used to. You can remap keys in System Settings → Keyboard → Modifier Keys.

Your Bluetooth headphones. AirPods are nice, but any Bluetooth headphones work with Mac. Just pair them in System Settings → Bluetooth.

Your external drives. If they’re formatted as exFAT or FAT32, they work on Mac immediately. NTFS drives are read-only on Mac — you’ll need to reformat to APFS or exFAT (which erases data, so back up first).

What You Need to Buy

1. A USB-C Hub — From $35

Your Windows laptop probably had USB-A, HDMI, and maybe an SD card slot built in. The MacBook has none of that. A USB-C hub is non-negotiable.

Anker 547 Hub (7-in-2) — $35 Amazon (paid link) Clips onto your MacBook, gives you HDMI, USB-A, SD card, and passthrough charging. This is the first thing to buy.

2. A Better Charger — $36

The included 30W charger is slow. Coming from Windows laptops that often include 65W chargers, you’ll feel the difference.

Anker Prime 67W GaN — $36 Amazon (paid link) Cheaper than Apple’s charger, faster, smaller, and charges your phone too.

3. A Mac-Compatible Keyboard (Optional)

Your Windows keyboard works, but the key layout is different. Ctrl+C becomes Cmd+C. Alt becomes Option. The Windows key becomes Command. This trips up every switcher for the first week.

Two options:

• Remap your existing keyboard in System Settings. Free, works fine.
• Get a Logitech MX Keys S — $109 Amazon (paid link). It has both Mac and Windows legends printed on the keys, and switches between Mac and Windows mode automatically. If you keep a Windows PC alongside your Mac, this keyboard handles both.

4. A Mouse That Works on Both

Logitech MX Master 3S — $99 Amazon (paid link) Connects to 3 devices. Keep it paired to your Mac and your Windows PC. Push a button to switch. If you’re gradually transitioning, this mouse lives on both sides.

5. External Storage — $80

If you’re migrating files from a Windows PC, an external SSD is the easiest bridge.

Samsung T7 Shield 1TB — ~$80 Amazon (paid link) Format it as exFAT, and it reads and writes on both Mac and Windows. Copy your files from the PC, plug it into the Mac, done.

The Key Differences to Know

What	Windows	Mac
Copy/Paste	Ctrl+C/V	Cmd+C/V
Close window	Alt+F4	Cmd+Q
Task manager	Ctrl+Shift+Esc	Cmd+Space → “Activity Monitor”
File manager	Explorer	Finder
Right-click	Right mouse button	Two-finger tap on trackpad, or Ctrl+click
Install apps	.exe files	App Store or .dmg files
Uninstall	Control Panel	Drag to Trash (or AppCleaner)

Total Cost to Switch Comfortably

Item	Price
Anker 547 Hub	$35
Anker Prime 67W Charger	$36
Samsung T7 Shield 1TB	$80
Logitech MX Keys S (optional)	$109
Logitech MX Master 3S (optional)	$99
Essentials only	$151
Full setup	$359

Our Verdict

The switch from Windows to Mac is mostly software — and you’ll adapt within a week. The hardware side is simpler than you’d think: a hub, a charger, and maybe a shared keyboard and mouse. Don’t overthink it, don’t overbuy. Start with the $151 essentials and add the Logitech combo later if you need it.