Merill Fernando, a Product Manager at Microsoft, recently sparked conversation by openly sharing his preference for macOS over Windows 11. In a post that quickly gained traction on X, Fernando remarked on his return to macOS after spending time on Windows, describing the experience as frustrating despite his professional ties to Microsoft’s flagship operating system.
Fernando clarified that although he works at Microsoft, his main device is a company-issued MacBook. For personal projects, including his podcast, newsletter, and open-source contributions, he relies on a Mac Studio. This setup reflects a deliberate choice centered on maintaining a workflow that he finds more intuitive and efficient.
Rather than abandoning Microsoft’s ecosystem altogether, Fernando integrates it into his macOS environment. He accesses services like DevBox and Surface devices remotely through the Windows App for macOS and uses Parallels to run virtual machines when necessary. This hybrid approach allows him to benefit from specific Microsoft tools without giving up the overall user experience he prefers on macOS.
Fernando also outlined the tools that anchor his productivity. He credits Raycast for streamlining his daily tasks, enabling quick navigation between Microsoft Teams, Outlook, VSCode, Terminal, and other applications through custom key mappings. His browsing is split between Microsoft Edge for work and Arc for personal use, while Terminal sessions are handled via Ghostty, having previously used Hyper.
His remarks offer a rare, unfiltered perspective from inside a major tech company. They highlight a reality that some users — even those employed by Microsoft — find macOS better suited for certain workflows, particularly when it comes to productivity and system stability. While Windows 11 continues to evolve, Fernando’s experience underscores that for many professionals, macOS remains a compelling choice.
