📄 Overview Table (Mac vs Windows)
Task / Setting | macOS (Mac) | Windows (PC) |
Login at startup | Use Login Items to manage what apps start when you log in | Use the Startup Folder ( |
Add an app to auto-start | Add the app to Login Items. | Paste a shortcut to the app in the Startup Folder. |
Printers & Scanners setup | Manage via Printers & Scanners settings in System Settings. | Manage via Printers & Scanners panel in Windows Settings. |
Default printer selection | macOS auto-handles default printer (or uses built-in default printer behavior). | Must set default printer manually via Windows printer settings. |
Security / App permissions & firewall | Use Security Permissions controls (e.g. macOS Firewall / Gatekeeper) to allow apps. | Use Firewall → Allow App option to permit programs. |
🔧 Step-by-Step Comparison With Images & What to Do
1. Login / Startup Items
macOS
Open System Settings → Login Items (or “Users & Groups → Login Items” depending on macOS version).
Add the apps you want to start automatically at login.
These apps will launch every time you log in.
Windows
Press Win + R, type
shell:startup, and press Enter to open the Startup folder.Paste a shortcut to any application you want to auto-start on login.
The application will run at Windows login.
2. Adding Apps to Auto-Start (Login)
macOS
In Login Items, click the “+” button.
Select the application you want to add.
Confirm — the app is now set to open at login automatically.
Windows
Copy the shortcut of the application.
Paste the shortcut into the Startup folder you opened via
shell:startup.Windows will launch that app automatically on login.
3. Printers & Scanners Setup
macOS
Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
Click “+” to add a new printer or scanner.
The device will be available systemwide for printing/scanning.
Windows
Head to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners (or similar depending on Windows version).
Click “Add a printer or scanner”.
Follow prompts to detect and install the printer/scanner.
4. Setting Default Printer
macOS
In Printers & Scanners settings, right-click (or select) your preferred printer.
Choose it as default (if not already). macOS often handles default selection automatically.
Windows
In Printers & Scanners settings, select the printer you want as default.
Click “Set as default” (or similar). Windows does not auto-choose — user must explicitly set it.
5. Security / Permissions / Firewall Settings for Applications
macOS
Open System Settings → Security & Privacy → Firewall (or similar).
Ensure firewall is enabled.
When an application requests access (e.g. to network, camera, files), approve via permissions dialog.
Windows
Go to Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall → Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Check the boxes for the apps you want to allow (private/public networks).
Confirm and save — apps are granted network permissions via firewall.