Advantages of Windows Laptops Over MacBooks

Published: March 4, 2022 Updated: July 28, 2025 By: Category: Tips
advantages of windows laptop vs macbook

MacBooks are great but they’re pricey. You pay for the quality, hardware & brand.

On the other hand, Windows PCs are affordable, packs a lot of power for gaming etc and easier to upgrade or repair.

1. Price: MacBooks Are Expensive

Windows laptops offer way more pricing flexibility.

  • Entry-level Windows laptops? Start around $500–$700 AUD.

  • Entry-level MacBook (Air M4)? Starts around $1,699 AUD.

  • Want more ports, more RAM, and more storage? On a MacBook? That’ll be another $500–$1,000.

Meanwhile, Windows laptops at the same price point often come with:

  • Double the RAM

  • Larger SSDs

  • Touchscreens

  • Dedicated GPUs (in some models)

So in short you get more for your money with Windows.

2. Hardware Variety

Want a 13” featherweight ultraportable? Done.
Want a beast with an RTX 4090 GPU and dual fans that sound like a jet engine? Also done.
Want something with a detachable screen, 360° hinge, or even a built-in stylus? You got it.

With Windows laptops, you’re not stuck with two or three models. You’re choosing from hundreds of manufacturers—Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Razer, Microsoft, and more—each with unique form factors, cooling systems, display tech, and keyboard styles.

Compare that to Apple: MacBook Air. MacBook Pro. Three sizes. A few base configurations. That’s it.

3. Apple’s are great for work but not gaming

Apples are great for creative work. But if you’re even remotely into gaming, you need to get as far away from macOS as possible.

Here’s why:

  • Most games aren’t natively supported on macOS.

  • MacBooks don’t have dedicated graphic cards and the M4 still cannot handle games like an RTX 4000 series.

  • Steam, Epic Games, Battle.net? Supported, but barely. Expect limited libraries and compatibility headaches.

Meanwhile, Windows is still the global gaming standard. Native support. DirectX. Massive game libraries. Graphics card flexibility. High refresh rate displays.

If you are looking to play games like Elden Ring, Fortnite, or even Minecraft with RTX? You’ll need a Windows laptop.

4. Repairability and Upgrade Options

MacBooks are famous for their sealed-tight design—and not in a good way.

  • RAM is soldered.

  • SSD is soldered.

  • Battery is glued.

  • Repairs are expensive.

  • DIY upgrades? Forget it.

Compare that to many Windows laptops:

  • RAM slots are accessible and upgradeable.

  • Storage (M.2 NVMe drives) is replaceable.

  • Batteries can often be swapped with basic tools.

  • Fans, Wi-Fi cards, even keyboards—replaceable.

You get more control. More repair options. And far more future-proofing.

5. Software Compatibility and Flexibility

While macOS shines for creative work (Final Cut, Logic Pro, etc.), Windows wins the software compatibility war in almost every other category:

  • Legacy enterprise software

  • Custom-built applications

  • Accounting and business tools like MYOB, Xero (full desktop versions), and older Office plugins

  • Many engineering, architecture, and scientific tools (AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, MATLAB)

  • Gaming software, modding tools, emulators, and launchers

Windows machines easily dual-boot or virtualize Linux, Windows Server, and older Windows versions. You can’t even install macOS on a Mac older than 6–7 years anymore.

6. Plenty of ports

Modern MacBooks give you:

  • 1 or 2 Thunderbolt/USB-C ports

  • Maybe a headphone jack

  • Maybe HDMI and an SD slot if you go for the 14″ or 16″ Pro models

Want to plug in a USB-A device? Use an adapter.
Want to connect to Ethernet? Adapter.
Multiple external monitors? Depends on your M-series chip—some only support one.

Windows laptops, on the other hand, are loaded:

  • HDMI

  • USB-A

  • USB-C

  • SD card slots

  • RJ45 Ethernet

  • Dedicated power ports, so your USB-C ports remain free

For professionals, students, or literally anyone not living in a wireless utopia—this matters.

7. Windows Security Has Caught Up

Windows built-in security has caught up with macOS.

Windows 11 includes:

  • Built-in Defender Antivirus

  • BitLocker encryption

  • Secure Boot

  • TPM 2.0 compliance

  • Windows Hello biometric authentication

macOS is secure too—but they both have vulnerabilities. At the end of the day, your behavior matters more than your OS.

8. Better for IT Departments, Businesses, and Enterprise

  • Active Directory and group policy support

  • Remote desktop protocols that don’t require 3rd-party workarounds

  • Native compatibility with enterprise tools

  • Wider device management software compatibility (SCCM, Intune, etc.)

That’s why corporate fleets still run Windows—because it’s easier to control, deploy, and manage at scale.

Final Thoughts: Windows Isn’t “The Alternative”—It’s Still the Standard

MacBooks are fantastic machines. For design. For creative work. For ecosystem addicts who own AirPods, iPads, iPhones, and the entire Apple tree.

But if you want:

  • Customization

  • Gaming power

  • Upgrade paths

  • Broader software compatibility

  • Actual port selection

  • A lower price tag

…Windows laptops are not just an “alternative.” They’re often the smarter, more powerful, and better value choice.

Need help choosing or upgrading your laptop?
Our techs are here for honest advice and real-world recommendations.
Call 0484 357 559 and let’s make your next laptop the right one.

Author:
I am a computer engineer holding a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, complemented by a Master's in Business Administration from University of Strathclyde, Scotland. I currently work as a Senior IT Consultant in Melbourne, Australia. With over 15 years of...

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