macOS-style dock for Windows 10
Because using macOS daily I also want my Windows to look as minimal as possible. Dock is something I’m just used to instead of bulky start menus. This is why I tried to replicate it with Adobe Photoshop as close as possible. The dock is fully designed by me, following macOS Design Guidelines.
macOS Big Sur Dock
macOS Dock for Windows 10
Original Reddit thread: My Windows 10 is now perfect
Download
Settings
Theme: Dev X custom (SecureUxTheme ThemeTool)
Dock theme: macOS (Winstep Xtreme)
Font: Selawik + Segoe UI (Winaero Tweaker or Font Changer)
Taskbar: TaskbarX transparent -100000 offset
Please note: You might have to set indicator separately from settings.
Tweak other settings according to your personal preferences.
Apps needed
These are the minimum requirement if you want to achieve the completely minimal view with the dock included.
- Winstep Xtreme (commercial)
- TaskbarX (open source)
- SecureUxTheme (open source)
Optional apps for more mac-like experience
These apps are optional but make your Windows 10 to look and behave even more like macOS.
- GrenShot (open source)
- QuickLook (open source)
- WinXCorners (open source)
- WinDynamicDesktop (open source)
Extra apps
With these you can hide and disable stuff that are not needed and polish your Windows 10 even further.
- AltSnap (open source)
- 7+ Taskbar Tweaker (open source)
- Ultimate Windows Tweaker (freeware)
- Winaero Tweaker (freeware)
- FlipIt (open source)
- EarTrumpet (open source)
- Ribbon Disabler (freeware)
- TaskbarCustomizer (open source)
- PowerToys (open source)
If you were a Mac user who has switched to Windows 10, you may be wondering how to get the Mac Dock on your computer. The good news is that it is possible to do this!
In this blog post, we will show you how to install the Mac Dock on your Windows 10 computer and customize its look. We will also provide a few tips for using the Dock.
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Why should you use macOS Dock on Windows 10 or 11?
The latest Windows 11 comes with an amazing, refurbished taskbar. However, using Dock has many benefits, especially when you have switched from Macbook to Windows PC.
There are a few reasons why you may want to use the macOS Dock on your Windows computer. Here are some of the benefits:
- The Dock makes it easy to access your favorite applications and files.
- It is customizable, so you can change its appearance and features to suit your needs.
- Dock provides quick access to system features, such as the Control Panel and Settings.
- The Dock is a great way to keep your desktop organized.
Installation of macOS Dock on Windows
Now that you know some of the benefits of using the macOS Dock on your Windows computer, let’s take a look at how to install it. The process is fairly simple and only takes a few minutes. You just need a third-party dock installer. One of the popular applications for that is RocketDock. Although it is a too old application, still it’s one of the most flexible applications to configure dock on Windows OS.
In this post, we will use RocketDock to demonstrate how to configure and use Mac Dock on Windows 10 or 11. There are other options too, which we’ll list down at the end.
Add a Mac-style Dock to Windows With RocketDock
Steps to Install RocketDock:
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Download the RocketDock from Softonic.
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Run the downloaded installer to begin installing the RocketDock on your system.
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Next, you can skip the optional offer by Softonic.
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RocketDock will start installing.
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On the next screen, click Next.
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Next, accept the agreement and click Next.
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In the next window, choose the location where you want to install the RocketDock.
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Finally, click the Install button.
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Click Finish to complete the RocketDock installation.
Steps to Configure RocketDock:
- Launch the installed RocketDock program from the desktop or Start Menu.
- By default, you will see the dock at the top of the desktop screen.
- You can change the screen position by right-clicking anywhere on the dock, hovering your mouse to Screen Position, and selecting your desired screen position.
- If you want to add an application, a file, or any other item, you can do that in a similar fashion. Right-click on the dock, hover your mouse over Add Item and select whatever you want to add from the list.
- To configure the RocketDock settings and set it in your way, right-click on the dock and select Dock Settings.
- On the Dock Settings window, you can configure General Settings, Icons Settings, Position Settings, Style Settings, Behaviour Settings, and About.
- If you don’t want the dock to always be active on the screen, you can enable the auto-hide option. Right-click on the dock and select AutoHide button.
Other ways to get Mac Dock on Windows 10
ObjectDock
ObjectDock is another popular dock application for Windows, which can be used to get the Mac Dock on your computer. It is one of the first Mac dock applications created for Windows.
ObjectDock is a Stardock creation that also includes other productivity tools. Its stylish and fully configurable interface distinguishes it from the rest. It provides fast access to your applications and files, much as Mac docks do. Equally crucial, you can make the dock appear automatically and discover it by moving the cursor to its position.
XWindows Dock
XWindows Dock is an open-source dock that can be used to get the Mac Dock on your computer. It’s not as popular as RocketDock and ObjectDock, but it does have some features that make it worth considering.
First, XWindows Dock is lightweight and fast. It doesn’t take up a lot of system resources, so it won’t slow down your computer. Second, it’s customizable. You can change the look and feel of the dock to match your needs. Finally, it supports multiple docks. This means you can have more than one dock on your screen, each with its own set of applications and files.
Winstep Nexus
If you want many customization options to personalize your dock, Winstep Nexus is the one you should get. It is free for personal use, although there is a premium paid package with extra features. It works with all Windows versions, ranging from Windows 2000 to Windows 10 and the latest Windows 11. It’s one of the most updated dock software since it gets updated on a regular basis.
Aqua Dock
Aqua Dock is a great Mac dock imitation for Windows. It has all the features of the Mac dock, including magnification and Exposé. Aqua Dock also supports skins, so you can change its appearance to match your desktop theme.
This free and easy-to-use dock app may help you improve your productivity. Without installing a new theme, you can make your Windows PC more attractive. You may also open your applications quickly with it.
Conclusion
Using the dock can give your PC a fresh look and also increase your productivity. There are many dock applications to choose from, but the ones mentioned here are some of the best. If you want to get Mac Dock on Windows, any of these docks will do the job. Try them out and see which one works best for you.
How to get Mac Dock on Windows?
There are many different ways to get a Mac dock on Windows. The most popular methods are using RocketDock, ObjectDock, and Winstep Nexus. All of these docks have different features, so you should try them out and see which one works best for you.
Can I use the Mac dock on any computer?
No, the Mac dock will only work on a Macintosh computer. However, there are many different docks that imitate the Mac dock for Windows computers. These docks will give you all the same features as the Mac dock, but they will only work on a Windows PC.
Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.
You may have shifted from a Mac device to a Windows PC or you adore the macOS interface and its simplicity to navigate. MacOS dock is highly customizable, therefore keeping your device easy to use and free from clutter. Taskbar is an inseparable part of Windows OS, however missing the charm of Dock in Mac. Multiple third-party developers have designed Mac like docks for Windows users. Vice versa, users willing to use Windows interface in macOS also have the options. In this article, we have compiled a list of applications on how to add a Mac like dock in Windows PC. They may be paid or free, depending on the purpose of use.
Most of the applications have copied the macOS interface, and others have added several customization options. You can install these apps and run on your Windows desktop or laptop like any other program.
1. ObjectDock
ObjectDock software is one of the first Mac dock programs developed for Windows. It is a product of Stardock developed alongside other productivity tools. Its fancy and fully customizable interface makes it stand out from the rest. Just like the Mac dock, it gives quick access to your applications and files. Equally important, you can enable auto-hide of the dock and locate it by moving the mouse over its position.
Here are the few features of ObjectDock.
- Easy to use settings page that you can use to create a smart interface easy to access using multiple docks.
- Show dots under running applications, show all running applications or show minimized windows.
- Add quick shortcuts for email, music player or document editor.
- You can customize effects, color, position, and the size of the dock.
- Create and easily customize tabbed docks of your applications and files.
- Enjoy the fancy animated effects of icons.
- Customize your dock with large number of available skins or download additional skins.
- You can easily drag and drop the applications to launch.
- Add magnification with different effects similar to Mac Dock when hovering mouse over the items.
- Enable loading the dock at startup and disable Windows taskbar.
- ObjectDock also allows you to add custom widgets called Docklets. You can add a search box and start typing the keywords right from the dock. It will open Google or the set search engine with your default browser.
Currently, it comes with a 30-day free trial version and around $6 for the paid version. Although it is not yet modified to support Windows 10, it worked well for us. It works best with Windows 7 and 8.
2. Winstep Nexus
Winstep Nexus dock is free for personal use, but there is the ultimate package with additional features. It supports all Windows versions ranging from Windows 2000 version to Windows 10 version. It is one of the continually developed dock software receiving updates frequently.
Have a look at some of the Winstep Nexus free version features.
- Extensive customization capabilities ranging from the docking behavior, magnification size, set hotkeys to run Winstep Nexus features et cetera.
- Built-in clock alarm to help you run your errands in a scheduled manner. However, the free version comes with a one alarm clock support with the Nexus ultimate having unlimited alarms and task scheduler support.
- It is configurable with multiple monitors and high DPI support, meaning you can place the docks in any section of the screens.
- It’s capable of running all UWP apps for Windows 10 and other previous versions ordinarily.
- It is a smooth replacement of the system tray and taskbar capable of displaying all applications either one by one or in a group.
- For visual captivation, the Nexus free version supports built-in animated icons. They are easy to use with a drag and drop support to any position of the screen.
You can launch the software to try it out for fully customizable Mac experience in your Windows PC.
3. XWindows Dock
Maybe you want a fully packed dock with fewer customization. XWindows Dock is easy to use, but it is not feature-packed. The dock interface is a complete clone of the Mac OS dock. You can add icons and remove them as you wish, but it is not as fancy as the Winstep Nexus dock.
XWindows Dock is entirely free and supported by almost all Windows versions. It worked well in our Windows 10, but the problem came in its positioning. You have to hide the taskbar for it to be visible. Also, you have to reduce the dock size for it to display the dock apps fully.
It is almost a decade since its last update, which means in case of any other release, the software may be faulty. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a simple dock for your PC, then XWindows will serve you well.
4. Aqua Dock
Improve your productivity using this free and simple yet fully functional dock application. Spruce up your Windows PC looks without installing a new theme. Besides, you can launch your apps quickly.
When setting up, you can leave the dock floating over the taskbar or choose to hide the taskbar. Also, you can move it to whichever position of the screen you wish. The dock can be made transparent to appear only when needed. Make it visible on one monitor only in case you are using many.
Aqua Dock icons are animated and can enlarge when highlighted. Further, the dock can be resized by just moving the window margins. To add custom icons on the dock, drag, and drop, and it will be configured with its added icon. Aqua Dock is ideal to use for Windows XP or later.
5. RocketDock
RocketDock is another super easy Mac-like dock configurable with your Windows PC. Although it has been neglected in terms of updates for many years, users still love it. If you were after a free dock, then RocketDock should work out for you.
Apart from being a basic dock, it has multiple customization features. You can customize the application icons, the font style, and the positioning of the dock. You can make it float or hide and locate it by moving the cursor over its position.
Despite it being a bit outdated, it is supported by multiple Windows versions. In our Windows 10 PC, it worked just fine. Users who need extra skins can opt to use ObjectDock skins that are easily compatible. It is not the one for you if you are looking for a fancy dock.
Add Mac Like Dock in Windows PC
Now you can proceed to add a Mac-like dock in your Windows PC and break the Windows monotony. We have selected the best options available either for personal or professional use. All the docks listed are suitable for you who are looking for a paid or an unpaid alternative.
In the ever-evolving landscape of operating systems, users are often looking to customize their experience to suit personal preferences. The macOS Dock is a well-known feature among Apple users, providing quick access to applications, folders, and other essential functionalities. For Windows 10 and 11 users who admire the aesthetic and functionality of the macOS Dock, there are several methods to replicate this feature. This guide explores detailed methods to get a macOS-like Dock on your Windows system, enhancing usability and providing a visually appealing desktop environment.
Understanding the macOS Dock
Before diving into the emulation process, it’s essential to understand what makes the macOS Dock a compelling feature. The Dock serves as a central hub for launching applications, switching between them, and accessing files with ease. It represents efficiency and an organized workflow, often lauded for its minimalist design combined with functionality. The Dock typically includes:
- Application Shortcuts: Quick access to frequently used apps
- Minimized Windows: A section for minimized applications
- Documents and Folders: Easy access to specific files and directories
- Stack Management: Organized views of files and folders grouped together
- Customization Options: Personalization in appearance and behavior
The aim of replicating this on Windows is to enhance user experience through similar aesthetic and functional means.
Method 1: Using Third-Party Applications
Several third-party applications can help you create a macOS-style Dock on your Windows PC. Here are some of the most popular options:
1.1. RocketDock
RocketDock is one of the most popular applications for creating a macOS-like Dock on Windows. It seamlessly integrates with the Windows operating environment while providing customization options to mimic that of the macOS Dock.
Installation Steps:
- Download RocketDock: Visit the official RocketDock website, and download the latest version.
- Install the Application: Run the installer and follow the prompts to install RocketDock on your computer.
- Adding Applications: Right-click on the Dock to add applications. You can drag and drop desktop shortcuts directly onto the Dock.
- Customization: Right-click on the Dock and access the settings to alter the appearance, position, and behavior of the Dock, including its transparency, size, and icon theme.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and fast.
- Highly customizable with various themes and icons.
- Supports multi-monitor setups.
1.2. ObjectDock
Another excellent option to consider is ObjectDock, known for its intuitive interface and robust features. ObjectDock provides a powerful Docking environment along with additional functionality.
Installation Steps:
- Download ObjectDock: Navigate to the official Stardock website to download ObjectDock.
- Install the Software: Follow the setup wizard to install ObjectDock.
- Configure the Dock: Open ObjectDock, and you’ll find a default Dock. Remove the unwanted items and add your frequently used applications.
- Modify Appearance: Right-click on the Dock for settings where you can change themes, icon sizes, and other visual elements.
Advantages:
- Offers both free and paid versions with additional features.
- Skin support allows for macOS-style customization.
- Integration with various file types and folders.
1.3. Winstep Nexus
Winstep Nexus is another powerful option for users wishing for a Dock-like experience. It includes additional features such as the ability to create multiple docks.
Installation Steps:
- Download Winstep Nexus: Go to the official Winstep website and grab the Nexus Dock.
- Run the Installer: Follow the prompts to install the application.
- Dock Configuration: Create your Dock by adding your favorite applications. You can also include documents and folders.
- Personalization Options: Access the settings for various visual themes, icon packs, and transparency adjustments.
Advantages:
- Highly customizable with tabbed docks.
- Provides quick access to system functions.
- Integrated with various resource management features.
Method 2: Utilizing Desktop Shortcuts
While third-party applications are the easiest way to achieve a macOS Dock-like experience, some users prefer native methods. Desktop shortcuts can be employed to create an organized layout that mimics the Dock.
Creating Desktop Shortcuts:
- Select Applications: Identify the applications you use most frequently.
- Right-Click & Create Shortcuts: Right-click on the application’s executable file or from the Start menu and select “Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).”
- Organizing Shortcuts: Arrange the shortcuts on your desktop in a row or column, setting them up similar to the Dock interface.
- Customizing Icons: You can change the icons of these shortcuts to resemble macOS icons for a uniform look.
Using Taskbar for Shortcuts:
- Pin Applications to Taskbar: Right-click the application in the Start menu, and select “Pin to taskbar.”
- Arrange Icons: Drag the icons on the taskbar to arrange them as per your preference.
Method 3: Customizing Windows Taskbar
With Windows 10 and 11, the taskbar can be customized to some extent to mimic the macOS Dock visually and functionally. Here are steps for customization:
Taskbar Configuration:
- Change Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
- Positioning: Adjust the taskbar to be centered or left-aligned (Windows 11 allows for easier centering).
- Combine Taskbar Buttons: Choose to combine taskbar buttons, which can create a clean dock-like appearance.
- Use Icons Only: Opt to display icons instead of labels for a sleek look.
Using TaskbarX for Further Customization:
- Download TaskbarX: A popular tool that centers your taskbar icons and allows for further customization.
- Run TaskbarX: Once installed, you can adjust transparency, movement, and other settings for the taskbar to enhance its dock-like qualities.
Method 4: Installing macOS-like Themes
A thorough approach to achieving the macOS aesthetic involves altering the theme of your Windows interface to look more like macOS. This can involve various visual changes that transcend only the Dock.
4.1. Download Themes and Icons
- ResourceHacker & UltraUXThemePatcher: To customize themes effectively, consider using tools that allow the installation of third-party themes. Be cautious and create a system restore point before diving into this method.
- Install Patchers: Follow instructions to install resource patchers.
- Download macOS Themes: Several websites offer macOS-style themes for Windows. Be sure to download them from reputable sources.
- Apply Themes: Open the theme settings on Windows and select the newly downloaded macOS themes.
- Icon Replacement: Replace system icons with macOS versions for an authentic look.
4.2. Usage of Rainmeter for Advanced Customization
Rainmeter is another powerful tool that can be used to create a customizable desktop environment on Windows.
- Install Rainmeter: Download from the official site and install it on your PC.
- Choose a macOS Skin: Find a macOS skin pack that suits your needs. The “macOS Big Sur” skin is popular among users.
- Customize with Rainmeter: After installation, use Rainmeter to arrange your launched applications, weather information, and more for a macOS-like feel.
Conclusion
Achieving a macOS-like Dock on Windows 10/11 is entirely feasible through various methods. Whether you choose to utilize third-party applications, employ desktop shortcuts, customize the taskbar, or alter the overall theme of your operating system, there are numerous ways to enhance your user experience.
Always ensure to download files from reputable sources, and be cautious when changing system settings or files. By implementing these tips and tricks, you can create a visually appealing and functionally efficient setup that brings the best of macOS right to your Windows desktop.
In a world where personal computing aesthetics matter, replicating the iconic macOS Dock experience can lead to a more enjoyable and productive working environment.
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Do you want to use the macOS Dock on Windows 11/10? In this article, we will show you how you can get the macOS-style Dock on Windows operating system. For this, you have to download and install Winstep Nexus on your system. This software is free for personal use.
Winstep Nexus lets you add macOS Dock on the Windows operating system. After installing the software, run it to get the macOS Dock on your desktop. If you hide your desktop icons and Taskbar, you will make your PC screen look like an Apple desktop.
This freeware offers a lot of features. We will describe some of these features here. Let’s have a look:
- How to change the position of macOS Dock.
- How to remove and add programs to the Dock.
- How to change the theme of the Dock.
- How to change the appearance of the macOS Dock.
1] How to change the position of macOS Dock
When you launch Nexus for the first time, it will appear on the top of the screen. To change its position, right-click on the Dock and click Screen Position. Now, select the position on the desktop where you want the Dock to appear. The Rotate option will align the Dock vertically. You can use this feature if you want to place the Dock either on the left side or on the right side of the desktop.
You can also change its location by dragging it.
The Lock Position option is similar to the Lock the Taskbar in Windows 10. If you want the Dock to always appear on the top of all the apps, click on the Z-Order and select Always on Top.
2] How to remove and add programs to the Dock
By default, you will not get your favorite programs pinned on the Dock. Let’s see how you can add a program to the Dock.
Follow the below-listed steps:
- Right-click on the Dock and go to “Insert New Dock Item > Item.” This will open a new window.
- Select Program from the Item type drop-down menu.
- Copy the path where the program is installed on your computer. For this, right-click on the desktop icon of the program in Windows 10 and select Open file location. Click on the address bar of the File Explorer window and copy the entire path.
- Paste this path into the box adjacent to the Filename. After that, you have to write “application name.exe” followed by a backward slash. You will get the application file name at the location where it is installed. For example, if you want to add Firefox to the Dock, you have to paste its installation path and type
\firefox.exeat the end of it. Similarly, if you want to add Edge, you have to type\msedge.exe. - When you are done, click OK.
To remove a particular program from the Dock, right-click on it and select Remove from Dock.
3] How to change the theme of the Dock
To change the theme of the Dock, right-click on it and select Preferences. Now, in the Preferences window, click on the Themes tab and select your favorite theme from the list. If you want to change the wallpaper, select Wallpaper from the drop-down menu under the Themes tab. The software also shows you the preview of the selected theme or wallpaper.
TIP: You can also make Windows 11 Taskbar look like Mac Dock.
4] How to change the appearance of the macOS Dock
Launch the Preferences window by right-clicking on the Dock. Click on the Appearance tab. Here, you can:
- Make the Dock transparent by clicking on the Dock Transparency button.
- Vary the space among the icons by clicking on the Icon Spacing button.
- Change the color of the icons and the Dock base.
Apart from the above options, several more customization options are available in the Appearance section of the Dock.
To disable the Nexus, right-click on the Nexus in the system tray and select Exit. Alternatively, you can also right-click on the Dock and select “Exit > Exit Nexus.” If you do not want Nexus to run on Windows startup, disable it from the Startup tab of the Task Manager.
That’s it. We have explained commonly used features of the Dock. You can explore more features in the Dock Preferences. We hope you liked the article.
You can download the software from Winstep.net.
Read next: Best Gaming Browsers for Windows PC.
Nishant is an Engineering graduate. He has worked as an automation engineer in the automation industry, where his work included PLC and SCADA programming. Helping his friends and relatives fix their PC problems is his favorite pastime.