Do you love the sleek design of macOS but prefer using Windows 11? You’re not alone! Many users appreciate the functionality of Windows but want to enjoy the elegance of macOS. In this guide, we’ll show you how to completely transform your Windows 11 interface into a macOS look-alike.
By the end of this tutorial, your Windows PC will resemble macOS with a familiar dock, icons, and menu bars. The best part? Everything you need is included in one handy zip file, except for one tool, Ultra UX Theme Patcher, which must be downloaded separately.
So, let’s dive in!
Why Customize Windows to Look Like macOS?
Before we begin, let’s understand why you’d want to customize Windows 11 to mimic macOS.
- Aesthetic Appeal: macOS is known for its clean, modern, and minimalist design. Many people find it more visually pleasing than Windows’ default interface.
- Familiarity: If you’re used to macOS but need to work on Windows, making Windows look like macOS can help bridge the gap.
- Enhanced Productivity: With the macOS-like dock and layout, you might find it easier to navigate, boosting your productivity.
Now that we know why, let’s move on to the tools you’ll need to achieve this transformation.
Tools You’ll Need
Here’s a list of tools we’ll be using to give your Windows 11 a complete macOS makeover:
- 7TSP Icon Theme – Replaces default Windows icons with macOS-style icons.
- StartAllBack – Customizes the start menu and taskbar to match macOS.
- MicaForEveryone – Adds macOS-like transparency effects.
- OldNewExplorer – Modifies File Explorer to resemble Finder in macOS.
- macOS Themes – Applies macOS themes to your system.
- Ultra UX Theme Patcher – Allows third-party themes to be applied to Windows.
- macOS Cursor – Adds the macOS pointer.
Everything except Ultra UX Theme Patcher is included in the zip file, which you can download via the button provided. Ultra UX Theme Patcher will need to be downloaded manually.
also download Ultra UX Theme Patcher
Step 1: Backup Your System
Before making any changes, create a system restore point. This will help you revert your system in case something doesn’t go as planned.
Here’s how to create a restore point:
- Go to the search bar and type “Create a restore point.”
- Select your system drive (usually C:), then click on “Configure.”
- Enable “Turn on system protection” and set the max usage slider to around 5%.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
- Now, click “Create” to name and save your restore point.
Step 2: Install Ultra UX Theme Patcher
This is the only tool you’ll need to download separately. Ultra UX Theme Patcher allows you to install third-party themes on Windows, which is essential for applying the macOS themes.
- Head over to Ultra UX Theme Patcher’s official website and download the latest version.
- Run the installer and follow the instructions to patch your system.
- Restart your computer once the patching is complete.
Step 3: Apply macOS Themes
With Ultra UX Theme Patcher installed, you can now apply third-party themes to your system. The macOS themes included in the zip file mimic the look and feel of macOS Monterey or Big Sur.
- Unzip the provided files.
- Navigate to the “Themes” folder.
- Copy the theme files into
C:\Windows\Resources\Themes
. - Right-click on the desktop and select “Personalize.”
- In the Themes section, you’ll find the new macOS themes. Apply the one you prefer.
This will give Windows 11 the general appearance of macOS, but we’re not done yet!
Step 4: Use StartAllBack for Taskbar and Start Menu Customization
Windows 11’s taskbar and start menu differ quite a bit from macOS’s dock and menu bar. We’ll use StartAllBack to fix that.
- Install StartAllBack from the zip file.
- Once installed, launch the program.
- In the settings, select the “Dock” style for the taskbar to make it look like macOS’s dock.
- Adjust the Start menu layout to resemble the macOS top menu bar.
Now, your taskbar and Start menu should closely resemble those on macOS!
Step 5: Replace Icons with 7TSP Icon Theme
To complete the look, you’ll need to change the default Windows icons to macOS-style icons using 7TSP Icon Theme.
- Open 7TSP from the zip file.
- Select “Add a custom icon pack” and choose the macOS icons file.
- Apply the changes and wait for the process to complete.
Once done, you’ll see that all system icons now look like those from macOS.
Step 6: Use MicaForEveryone for Transparency Effects
macOS is known for its sleek transparency effects, especially in windows and menus. MicaForEveryone allows you to add similar effects to Windows 11.
- Run MicaForEveryone from the zip file.
- Enable transparency effects and customize the intensity to your preference.
- You can apply these effects to the Start menu, File Explorer, and even individual windows.
Now, your Windows 11 will have the signature transparent design that makes macOS so visually appealing.
Step 7: Modify File Explorer with OldNewExplorer
Windows 11’s File Explorer differs quite a bit from macOS’s Finder. To make it look more like Finder, we’ll use OldNewExplorer.
- Install OldNewExplorer from the zip file.
- In the settings, enable options to hide the ribbon and change the navigation pane to match macOS Finder.
- Customize the folder icons and layout for a closer resemblance.
With these changes, your File Explorer should now look like macOS’s Finder.
Step 8: Add macOS Cursor
The final touch is to change your mouse cursor to the macOS style.
- Open the “macOS Cursor” folder from the zip file.
- Right-click the
.inf
file and select “Install.” - Open the Mouse Settings by typing “Mouse” into the search bar.
- Go to the “Pointers” tab and choose the macOS cursor scheme from the list.
Apply the changes, and your cursor will now look like the one in macOS.
Final Steps: Reboot and Enjoy!
After completing all these steps, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
Now, when your system boots up, you should be greeted with a beautifully transformed Windows 11 that looks and feels like macOS! You’ll enjoy the iconic macOS dock, icons, transparency effects, and the streamlined elegance of macOS right on your PC.