Phase 1: File migration
Documents/Photos/Videos: simplest path is external USB drive. Format as exFAT for compatibility with both. Copy Windows files → external → Mac.
Email + contacts: if you used Gmail/Outlook web, nothing to migrate — log in on Mac, everything's there.
Outlook PST files: import via Microsoft Outlook for Mac. Or use a migration tool like AID4Mail (paid) for bulk conversion.
Bookmarks: export from Chrome/Edge as HTML, import into Safari/Chrome on Mac.
Phase 2: App alternatives
Microsoft Office: native Mac version (same Office 365 license works). Free alternative: Apple iWork.
Adobe Creative Cloud: native Mac, often better experience than Windows.
Notepad++: BBEdit (free) or VS Code on Mac.
WinRAR / 7-Zip: The Unarchiver (free Mac App Store).
VLC: native Mac, identical.
Spotify, Zoom, WhatsApp, Slack: native Mac versions, identical.
PC games: Steam works on Mac with limited library; pro/AAA gaming not Mac's strength.
Phase 3: Keyboard differences (the surprise)
Cmd (⌘) on Mac = Ctrl on Windows for most shortcuts. Cmd+C = copy, Cmd+V = paste.
Option (⌥) on Mac = Alt on Windows.
No dedicated Home/End/Page Up/Page Down on most Mac keyboards. Use Fn + arrow keys.
No Delete key (forward delete) — Mac's 'Delete' is actually Backspace. Use Fn+Delete for forward-delete.
Right-click: two-finger tap on trackpad, or Control+click.
Phase 4: macOS habits to learn
Spotlight (Cmd+Space): app launcher + search. Use it constantly.
Mission Control (F3 or 3-finger swipe up): see all open windows.
Spaces (Ctrl + left/right arrow): virtual desktops.
Force quit (Cmd+Option+Esc): when an app freezes.
Drag-and-drop: works almost everywhere across apps. Try it.
Phase 5: Pakistani-specific transitions
JazzCash/EasyPaisa: web-based, works fine on Mac browsers. No native Mac apps.
PTCL/Nayatel: routers work identically with Mac as with Windows.
Pakistani banking apps: web-based, work in Safari/Chrome on Mac. Mobile apps stay on phone.
Government portals (FBR IRIS, NADRA Pak Identity): web-based, work in Safari. Some require Internet Explorer-specific features — use Chrome as fallback.
Phase 6: What to skip / accept
Don't try to make Mac 'feel' like Windows with theming/Stardock-style tools. Different design philosophy — adapt rather than fight.
Don't install antivirus from your Windows habit. macOS doesn't need it (XProtect is built in).
Accept first 2-week adjustment period. Productivity drops, then climbs above Windows baseline.