Why Do Mac Laptops Seem to Last Longer Than Windows Laptops?

Recently when we published an article about the new Apple MacBook, we suggested that readers might want to instead consider a comparably-equipped Windows machine. The comment section on that feature then lit up with opinions from readers on which laptops are better. Essentially, it became an argument about the pros and cons of Windows vs. Mac.
In those discussions, a frequent sentiment was expressed: Mac laptops are pricier, but they last longer. But where does this assumption come from? One argument is that, yes, of course, if you're comparing a Mac to all other Windows machines, regardless of the configuration and build quality, you'll get the sense that Macs last longer because they're naturally built better than a $300 machine.
But many still hold that even when comparing two like systems, in terms of processor, storage, design, etc., you'll still encounter an experience in which the Mac seems to last longer than the Windows laptop.
So what's going on here? Is that actually true? And if so, why? We turned to devout PC user, Michael Bonebright, for his perspective on this issue.
Windows and Mac are Totally Different Systems
Let's start this comparison of Windows and Mac by stating what should be obvious: comparing Windows and Mac to each other is kinda silly. From the operating systems (OS's) to the hardware to the software, these two computer ecosystems are apples and oranges, pun intended. Apple maintains strict control over almost every aspect of a given computer's production, which means there's no mystery in how any given component will communicate with another. Every action is like a dinner party with close friends that's been planned for months in advance. The Apple OS plays host, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Microsoft makes an operating system, and that's it. The BIOS (the software that allows the OS to talk to the hardware) is generally proprietary to the motherboard manufacturer. The individual hardware components (like a video card or CPU), peripherals (mouse and keyboard), and applications (like word processing software or games) can all come from different companies — Microsoft has no say in which parts are chosen for a given system. The Windows OS merely coordinates the communication between those individual parts. If a Mac is a dinner party, a PC is the United Nations where everyone speaks Windows.
So Why Do Macs Seem to Last Longer?
These design differences have repercussions on both sides. Apple's tight control of its ecosystem means all the components of a Mac system are optimized to work together. That allows every process to run more smoothly, throughout the lifetime of the system. This optimization comes at a premium though; component manufacturers aren't letting Apple dictate the production process for certain parts out of the goodness of their hearts. This is one reason why Macs cost more.
On the other hand, Microsoft's success and long-time dominance of the personal computing arena makes Windows the universal OS by default. Every hardware or software manufacturer (that isn't working on mobile components) makes parts that are compatible with Windows, but Microsoft doesn't really have a say in how those parts are made. A Windows machine is a collection of discrete parts, which makes processing inherently more difficult. (Of course, it also makes PCs cheaper.)
Over the life of a PC, all the components and applications can receive hundreds, even thousands, of minor and major updates from their manufacturers' support teams. Every change is noted in the Windows registry, which is essentially a very long list of commands that the OS has to read every time it boots up. As that list gets longer, the PC slows down. To keep up with our metaphor, this would be like if a UN meeting started with a reading of every other meeting's minutes. This slowing down can make your PC feel ancient.
Fixing a PC Isn't Hard, Just Time-Consuming
The average PC user understands that these computers require upkeep. But what you may not know is that as Windows evolved, the list of tips and tricks for tuning up Windows has also evolved. Microsoft has its own page dedicated to speeding up Windows, which includes ideas like limiting the number of programs that run at startup, deleting excess applications, and running the Disk Cleanup utility. (Note that these tips are current to Windows 7; if you're running something else, Google is your friend.)
Should those fixes not work, it's a great idea to make sure your drivers are up to date. Drivers are the operating instructions a manufacturer gives to Windows to tell it how to run a given piece of hardware. If you've got an Nvidia graphics card, the Nvidia GeForce Experience program will automatically tell you when to download and update your GPU drivers. (AMD has a similar program.) Otherwise, you can use Windows Update or Device Manager to update old drivers.
Should all else fail, you can always just reinstall Windows. A clean reinstall is by far the most time-consuming option, but it'll wipe out all but the most pernicious of PC problems. This Lifehacker article explains how to reinstall Windows without losing all your tweaks, but a completely fresh install is recommended if you think your PC's slowness could be due to an infection.
In the end, a MacBook isn't inherently better or longer lasting than a comparably configured Windows machine. It's just that the Apple and Microsoft ecosystems are vastly different, and that results in a different end user experience. Tighter controls over how Macs are built means your laptop is less likely to get bogged down by missing or conflicting updates, but you pay a hefty price for that luxury. Even the best Windows laptops require constant vigilance, but my souped-up gaming laptop with its Frankenstein parts can run circles around your Mac — so there.
Readers, what do you think? Does this explanation put the old "Macs last longer than PCs" argument to bed, or do you have another theory? Share your thoughts in the comments below, you know we'll read 'em!

The main point to note from a print designer's point of view is that the Mac is specifically designed for the designers; the colour management; the colour reproduction etc. are to be experienced.
I am not saying that the Mac is foolproof; I have seen the tower Macs with 16gb ram crash when multiple apps are opened. In big profile companies, they are using the Macs for the designing purpose and the Windows pc for other documentation and email management; I mean the same user using both systems simultaneously.
The real difference is the display; colour reproduction is like day and night even on the best third party monitor. So, Macs are for specific purposes. Not saying that windows is cheap.
It starts up faster then 90% of new computers and packs a punch
My 20" iMac (vintage 2007) is still plugging away at my neighbor's house, I sold it to him for $400 two years ago after paying $900 for it. $500 for 7 years of use isn't too bad.
Or you can buy a generic something that is an assemblage of disparate parts under a group effort by the lowest bidder.
What was the question again?
And while we're at it, don't forget that PC magazine consistently rates Macintosh as one of the best Windows machines out there, and that it's very simple to run Windows in a virtual machine at almost full speed under MacOS - something that Windows can't do with MacOS.
Both Windows and MacOS do some great things. But total cost of ownership for a Mac is virtually ALWAYS lower than for a Windows PC.
And if you need Windows for a specific program a Mac is the ideal hardware for virtualizing that Windows environment.
Oh Marcy, you're such a funny gal.
I will say that on the PC side you get what you pay for. You buy cheap you get junk - I've had a number of ThinkPads that easily outlived any sub-$500 Dell PC. I still use ThinkPad T60 (Purchased Feb 2007) to tinker with Window 10 TP.
Also, someone said " Because Apple keeps such tight oversight of what is allowed into its computers (including apps) it becomes virtually impossible to breach the systems." - that's just BS. The only thing that is truly helping Macs is the small market share. If it was +90% it would be cracked to pieces.
The lasting longer doesn't justify the high price unless the percentages say so. 1% longer for 99% higher price isn't worth it. I think for the average user who doesn't maintain their system will probably get 10%-25% more of their apple system. But they will pay about 30%-60% more.
windows is the long supported OS that everyone codes and is written to. Most vulnerabilities are found in windows because we all deal with it the most.
Linux the open source OS that is widely used and becoming the next biggest OS. Heck MAC OS was initially written on a legacy linux OS. Some commands are still the same. Thing is linux isnt shipped with pc purchases and regular people know nothing of it.
When you say MAC lasts longer than another OS, your fooling yourself. They last as long as the hardware and person who owns it is capable of utilizing it. Still have every computer bought and they still run faster than the crap everyone has. Intelligence of the system is what it comes down to.
windows 10 will be a free upgrade for anyone on window 7 or 8; including pirated versions...
- Apple only makes premium quality computers
- PCs/Windows usually have buyers looking for low end/low cost computers
Malwares/viruses are targeted at PCs because of its presence and market share. Just google for Apple software problems/malwares/bugs. If you are cheap enough to buy $200 PC, then you can't expect it to work for 100 years. Every component has its life. Cheaply made components don't last long. So compare > $600 PC with a mac. My 2009 Dell Studio is still going strong. I changed to SSD and core2Duo processor handles Windows 10 preview like a charm.
Things look good when you are inside a prison/walled garden and nothing can go wrong. You have to come out and see unlimited customization of PCs and experience it.
As the article said, if you maintain any PC (there are automated tools to do so), your windows will work for a longer period.
I've irreparably broken 5 PCs. I'll stick with Macs. Pay more, but peace of mind.
Consumer Reports surveyed 50,000 readers on laptop reliability and Apple laptops needed the least repairs, only 8% during the first 3 years of ownership, compared to 12% for Gateway and Toshiba.
When support is needed, where to get it and how much will it cost? For Windows machines in the USA, phone support is almost always off-shore; for Apple customers in the USA, phone support is regional and in the USA.
Compare the cost of support over five years of ownership: with Windows machine, the owner will eventually pay for technical support; with a Mac, support is free from any Apple store.
Compare the cost of OS upgrades: until Windows 10, upgrades cost $89 - $199 with more features costing more; the last two upgrades for Apple's OS X have been free and previous upgrades cost $20 - $30 with all features included.
Total ownership costs are often lower for Apple than Windows.
so a lot of the manafactors that are windows machines some are quality and last 12 -15 yeas then
there are others that cater to windows and are manufacured with low quality parts and
just a couple of years so really if you choose a reputable manufacture for you window
s machine then you have a quality computrer that will last for many years under reasonable
circomestances , unlike the apple it is one computer one suppler and a certain amount of
quality that goes into the build of this computer ( keep in mind that they are all ruuning
prety much the same hardware and is the sofrt ware that makes the the differnts )
so yes some windows macinesd do not dstand the test of time but the high end window computers
will last as longe as a apple in most cases !
Bottom line is you get what you pay for !!
If one machine works for you, great, use it, if another works for you, great, use it.
The comment about "if you do art or graphics then a Mac is better" is just completely moronic. My HS friend has been a hardcore Mac user since the early 80s, works at an international science lab, and helped design and build one of the top 10 most powerful computers in the world. Science research associated with hospitals and universities.
Can he use a PC? You bet. What's his machine of choice? Apple.
Is that a personal decision, of course. Why get so crazy about what someone else is using, believing, or thinking as long as they're not harming you?
Take it easy, people. You'll be OK. It's a machine, just use it.
you pay double amount of money for Mac and expecting same period time of use?
you're using more stuff into your PC laptop than Mac.
I understand Mac book pro has good quality, but as you mentioned those are totally different system.
some people buy pricey mac book pro and operating windows. I really don't get it.
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The key difference to me is what you intend to do with both machines. If you like to get to the bare bones of a machine, a PC will probably suit you (though it is more susceptible to some memory or processor suck IMO). An Apple product will not afford the customizability you crave, but will last longer.
I've had major component level repairs on 4 of the 13 (drive, screen, logic board) and duct-tape level fixes on most. I did clean OS installs on 8 of them, most of those because I like to start fresh when a new version of Mac OS comes out. Most persistently annoying things about daily use of Mac laptops: keyboards, battery & charger issues. Other than that I'd call the last 22 years remarkably smooth.
And you do not usually consider additional purchase of Applecare warranty program if you buy a PC laptop. You do not usually have relability issues. In case warranty expires, the repair cost is way much lower.
Then why do you have a misconception that Apple products last longer? One reason is that you can sell your used Macs at higher price all the time. The time duration until you feel your laptop is out of date is longer when you have a Mac.
Macs are overpriced, especially when you consider the reliability issues.
- Powerbook G4- fans, hinges, Superdrive
- MBP 2009- fans, GPU, Superdrive
- MBP 2011- GPU recall
I've owned PC laptops, as well. I'd say durability/reliability wise, the MBPs are like high end PC laptops, which is common sense a lot of people don't consider for some reason. The only thing I haven't found to be as good on the PC laptops is the trackpad, but that's not a reliability problem.