Why even bother with Windows (rather than Apple)?
Which operating system is your favorite?
2,9 / 5,0 | 
Ok, the headline might be a little exaggerated. Because computers equipped with Windows dominate the market. There are just as many pro users who use computers with Windows OS for music production as there are amateurs. But how come the advertising for Windows machines is different? There are very few ad campaigns, no sensational claims (compared to Apple)?
It happens a lot that you read negative threads and posts in blogs, forums, and communities about Windows machines. These are mainly about problems, constant updates, installation issues, and driver incompatibilities. But is this really the case? There are several answers to this question.
Microsoft Windows as an operating system
How come Microsoft Windows is installed on so many computers so casually with so little “fanfare”? If you compare that to the die-hard Apple fan base who is always on the hunt for any small leak about the next macOS? Of course: Apple’s strategy has always been based on marketing “gags”.
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And they somehow captivate (almost) everyone – positively or negatively. There is a whole culture and industry around Apple leaks, which are sometimes created from the thinnest rumor. Some of the VIP analysts and “leakers” now make a lot of profit from that. Even if the possible leak is not real at all.
It’s different with Windows. For quite a few many people, the OS just sits on their hard disk and runs in the background. In addition, most companies use Windows on their own company computers. And many schools use Windows in the classroom. So all of us should actually be subtly infected with the Windows “virus”. All kinds of laptops and desktops are delivered with a Windows license. In comparison, Apple computers can usually only be found in their own stores, or at Apple retailers.
The Windows OS has attracted plenty of negative attention in recent years due to constant and lengthy update orgies. Even though it runs well most of the time, or does it? Unlike macOS, Windows is not tied to a computer from the same manufacturer. Of course, Microsoft also manufactures its own computers (Surface) and relies on countless companies that develop and sell products for this OS.
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Compared to Macs, you can select just about any component of a new PC yourself, you can even build a whole system, if you’re nerdy enough. However, this also means that the operating system cannot boost performance if the overall package is cheaper. That’s why an Apple computer is in the high-price range right from the start.
So which OS is it?!
Apple fans like to talk and post openly about their MacBooks, iMacs, or Mac Pros. And therefore, they also talk about the latest macOS. It’s free advertising for Apple. And this closed system makes it easier for Apple to integrate/supply drivers. The internal hardware (usually) runs without problems.
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Self-assembled Windows PCs, on the other hand, contain an infinite number of component combinations. Microsoft cannot provide an all-encompassing driver solution for all combinations. Of course, this also means that Windows users must install and configure third-party drivers themselves. And that can create a plenty of errors.
So there are many positive, but also opposing arguments for both camps. Everyone can decide for themselves whether they want to spend a lot of money on a ready-made machine with a customized OS. Or they’d instead choose a DIY version for a fraction of the price that can be easily upgraded later.
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To summarize: I hear from both user bases in the music scene that Windows and macOS computers are equally popular. Windows fans are just less open about it. There also seem to be problems on both platforms (who doesn’t have problems with technology?). And the Linux scene is also getting bigger and bigger with more software on offer.
My take on operating systems: Windows vs. Apple
My OS “life” started with a Commodore C-64, followed by an Amiga 500 and then an Atari 1040ST. Because of the computing power and my curiosity about the first audio plugins, I then switched to a Windows computer – as a student, I definitely couldn’t afford an Apple Mac back then.
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After entering the music business, I “had” to buy my first Mac in order to stay compatible with the machines from my colleagues. Then I was infected. Furthermore, my family’s use of iPhones and iPads has kept us in the Apple cosmos. Because synchronizing data (calendars, messages, notes, and more) in my private life and exchanging pictures, videos, and other data packages works pretty well between the iDevices and macOS. So why change? Because: Never change a running system.
Which system do you work with? And what role does “either/or” play for you? Let us know in the comments!
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Originally published on Gearnews.de by Marcus Schmahl, translation by Julian Schmauch.
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16 responses to “Why even bother with Windows (rather than Apple)?”
10 years ago maybe Apple was ahead but imo they lost that lead. Of course it never helped the snobbist with their oh look at my expensive Apple product attitude. I voted as long as it works… if it does the job and doesnt mess up having to redo stuff etc who cares what OP it is?
The answer is pretty cut and dry but people still argue for hours :
– Windows is perfectly capable for audio, and if you prefer this system there’s no reason to change. If you plan on gaming or doing 3D with a big bulky powerhous, just get windows
– If you don’t need anything win specific or have no prior habits : apple is just better for audio. AND it has everything out of the box (midi/audio routing, realtime etc….). Also the Mx chips have the best values in town these days, so if you only do CPU heavy tasks (like audio) just get a Mac.
– Linux is to be reserved strictly for people doing highly hacky-DIY projects, or with strong-enough conviction (and time) to overcome the quirks. It is okay with a proprietary sofware (bitwig, renoise) but if you need a set and forget system to focus on music just do not go there.
That’s about it.
I have to add a point for linux : free and compatible with old machines.
you can do absolute wonders with an scavenged old laptop and a 75$ Renoise DAW (you don’t even need a midi KB or au audio interface: trackers are made to work with just a computer and shortcuts)
I seem to read a lot of complaints from MAC OS users about new OS/Chips breaking backwards compatibility and various software no longer working or being inefficient. Seems like a lot of hassle.
It doesn’t break anything, you are just stuck in compatibility mode (rosetta) which is slightly less optimised but otherwise perfectly useable.
This is the reason I’ve decided to go back to Windows. I ventured into the world of Mac with all the M1 hype, but after using it for around 18 months, I just got frustrated. When running in native mode, I’ve had all sorts of weird issues with different DAWs, or VSTs and just found myself Googling for solutions every time I tried to make a track. It was really annoying and solutions that state “run it in Rosetta” just riled me. The only DAW that works seamlessly is Logic, which makes sense, but I’m not all that keen on it, let alone learning another DAW.
I’m not hating on Mac though. It’s obviously a premium product with a loyal following, but I just don’t see that it’s all that different to running a Windows PC. As long as you don’t scrimp on the PC specs, a PC is fine for most people. If you buy a cheap PC, of course you’re going to hit CPU bottlenecks.
Used both macOS and Windows forever. Prefer windows overall for reasons.
However, as soon as Linux can reliably and efficiently use windows VSTs, or enough top manufacturers start making native Linux versions of theirs, I’ll be switching for sure.
Don’t hold your breath on that. Linux market share (for desktop) is a very steady<3%… and unless someone comes up with a silver-bullet transpilling/cross-compatibility tool Linux will just never have any of the big names of audio production.
Add to that the fact audio producers are a fraction of this 3% so you end up with an extremely niche usage that is bound to stay unstable and experimental for the foreseeable future
If windows would have a native aggregated device as mac does, I would switch to windows.
honestly the M1 macbook air is a no brainer for music production. you can get it under 1000 coins; it’s powerful enough for most people and it’s a very good value even compared to windows pc. You can get M2/M1 pro if you want but the value plummets fast. As for mac vs pc I haven’t used a pc for music for 10 years but 10 years ago mac had the advantage (better out of the box drivers; full plug and play; more stable….). can’t say if it’s still the case though.
I own both systems and I swore this year that I would never purchase another Windows device ever again. Regrettably, Windows 11 has been rather stable and works well, it is however the Microsoft Surface that is absolutely awful!
I have owned 2 Surface Book 2’s and Surface 7. Both Surface Book units suffered battery bulging. And even though they were covered by Microsoft’s recall, it took them 7 months to replace them. YES, 7 months! They said the back log of verifying and determining that it was a system issue and not a user one required the extensive time!
And when the Surface 7 screen cracked during shipment, it took them another 3 months to replace that device.
And the USB C ports on all three computers failed at various times. An apparent issue Microsoft is aware of however has failed to address.
Never again. Apple is not perfect, I have had my fair share of issues with hardware, still the build quality is far more superior to Microsoft.
I hate all operating systems equally, but differently.
The only advantage my 2019 mbp has over my win10 stationary pc is latency. The TB3 connection is about 10x faster. 3ms vs 35ms roundtrip.
Macbook Pro M1 for Live Shows and Tracking (No fan noise, less audio interface noise, better latency, overall reliability). Desktop Workstation with Windows for mixing (Reliability slightly less of an issue)
I went with Windows, because I have a custom built, beefy rig that I use for all sorts of purposes, music production just being one of them, and I don’t ever see myself using something other than Windows, given the things I use my computer for.
Apple has never appealed to me particularly, but the company I work for is pushing them for laptop replacements. Those who’ve opted for them basically all have the same response, great build quality but the grass isn’t greener or anything. They have their own host of problems and quirks. Listening to someone say that Macs barely have an issues is like listening to someone saying they’ve never had any real problems with Windows. Just roll your eyes and move along.
Now, I work with Linux in my job. I build, configure and maintain Linux systems for a variety of purposes. It’s a remarkable OS that does what it does better than any other OS does what it does. It’s just a terrible desktop OS, and I don’t see that changing any time soon, if ever. The only shining light I could possibly imagine with respect to audio production on Linux is if Valve’s work opens up compatibility across a wider set of software. It seems to be driving development in this domain the most. But even then, I don’t see licensing software makers playing nice, and that’s the real crux of the issue when it comes to Linux. Getting a DAW to run doesn’t mean anything if the majority of plugins don’t run because of licensing checks.
I don’t purchase computers, I build them. That removes Apple from the equation.
I can have twice the compute power, RAM, SDD, Video capability for the same price (or less).
Apple will never win that scenario.
I can dual-boot Windows or various Linux distros.
I’m not missing anything about Apple’s draconian app-store control, limited configuration options, limited software options, or the flashy aluminum alloy outer crust.