Windows shortcuts on a Mac: delete, cut and paste files, switch windows
Written by GuruHat, which makes PC Mode.
Short answer: on a Mac, press ⌘Delete to delete in Finder, copy with ⌘C then ⌥⌘V to move files, and ⌘` to switch windows of the same app.
If you'd rather keep your Windows habits, PC Mode is a free open-source app that adds one-key delete, ⌘X then ⌘V to move files, and ⌘Tab for individual windows.
The built-in Mac equivalents
| On Windows | On a Mac (built in) |
|---|---|
| Delete a file with Delete | ⌘Delete in Finder moves the selected item to the Trash. Plain Delete does nothing in Finder. |
| Cut and paste (Ctrl+X, Ctrl+V) | Copy with ⌘C, then ⌥⌘V in the destination moves the file. Finder has no ⌘X for files. |
| Switch windows (Alt+Tab) | ⌘Tab switches apps, not windows. Use ⌘` to cycle windows of the current app, or Mission Control to see them all. |
How to cut and move files in Finder
- Select the file or folder and press ⌘C.
- Open the folder you want to move it to.
- Press ⌥⌘V (Option-Command-V) instead of ⌘V. The item moves instead of copying.
Make the Mac behave the Windows way with PC Mode
PC Mode is a free, open-source Mac app that changes these three habits. You can turn each feature on or off.
- Delete from Finder with one key. While Finder is frontmost, press the key you choose (Rewind F7 by default, any of F7 to F12) to move the selected items to the Trash.
- Cut and move files. In Finder, press ⌘X, open the destination and press ⌘V. Changing the clipboard or leaving Finder cancels the pending move.
- Switch individual windows. ⌘Tab selects windows, including minimized and hidden ones. Release ⌘ to open the selection, Shift+Tab goes backward, Escape cancels.
- See what's slowing your Mac. In the ⌘Tab list, each app shows its live CPU and RAM use, with browser tabs and helpers added to their app the way Activity Monitor counts them.
Setup
- Download PC Mode, open the disk image and drag PC Mode.app to Applications.
- Open it once and grant the permissions it asks for: Accessibility and Input Monitoring under System Settings › Privacy & Security.
- Approve it in Login Items if macOS asks, so it starts when you sign in.
If something doesn't respond, see the PC Mode troubleshooting guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I delete a file on a Mac the way I did on Windows?
In Finder, select the item and press ⌘Delete. To use a single key, PC Mode can move the selected items to the Trash when you press F7 or another key you choose.
Can I cut and paste files on a Mac?
Not with ⌘X in Finder. Copy with ⌘C, then press ⌥⌘V in the destination to move the file. PC Mode lets you use ⌘X and ⌘V instead.
Is there an Alt-Tab for individual windows on a Mac?
⌘Tab switches between apps, and ⌘` switches windows of the current app. PC Mode makes ⌘Tab pick individual windows, including minimized and hidden ones.
Is PC Mode free?
Yes. It is free and open source. Download it from guruhat.com, drag it to Applications and grant the Accessibility and Input Monitoring permissions.