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Is switching from Windows to Mac a good idea? (for photo retouching)

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SdeGat

SdeGat

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I have been a Windows user since its inception (yes, I'm that old).

I have a decent machine (see below) but have been experiencing really annoying speed issues with Lightroom Classic (LrC).

I have consulted forums for a few years but cannot solve my issues. I'm out of ideas.

Is is time to switch to a Mac Studio or something like that?

Or is my computer fine for the task? And I just need to find the issue/setting that's causing the problems?

I'm dealing with 45, 61 and 100 mpix RAW files all the time. Basically no video.

(Throughput on my M.2 SSDs is fine but there is a latency sometimes when, for example, I drag a bunch of files between two folders, the cursor just stops in between the two windows. And Windows usually executes the copy properly after the hiccup. Could that issue be linked to the LrC problems?)

Thanks.

Operating system: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, Version 10.0.26100
DirectX runtime version: DirectX 12
Driver: Studio Driver - 581.29 - Wed Sep 10, 2025
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-9900K CPU @ 3.60GHz
RAM: 64.0 GB
Storage (4): HDD - 1.8 TB,SSD - 1.8 TB,+2 more (all M.2 NVME)

Graphics card
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
Direct3D feature level: 12_1
CUDA cores: 5888
Graphics clock: 2475 MHz
Resizable BAR: No
Memory data rate: 21.00 Gbps
Memory interface: 192-bit
Memory bandwidth: 504.048 GB/s
Total available graphics memory: 44956 MB
System video memory: N/A
Shared system memory: 32674 MB
Dedicated video memory: 12282 MB GDDR6X
Video BIOS version: 95.04.3e.c0.5b
Device ID: 10DE 2786 13CE196E
Part number: G141 0345
IRQ: Not used
Bus: PCI Express x4 Gen3

Display (1): BenQ SW2700 (Clone)
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (native)
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Desktop colour depth: Highest (32-bit)
HDCP: Supported
 
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If you're willing to consider that drastic a change, I suggest trying a clean install of Windows 11 first.

(Image the existing installation first, of course.)

That can be simpler than spending hours troubleshooting.

At a guess, the I9-9900K should be better than adequate.
 
BobKnDP said:
If you're willing to consider that drastic a change, I suggest trying a clean install of Windows 11 first.

(Image the existing installation first, of course.)

That can be simpler than spending hours troubleshooting.

At a guess, the I9-9900K should be better than adequate.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I figured that the i9 should be fine.

I'm just frustrated with the LrC hiccups...
 
As a long time Windows user I recently switched to Mac Mini. It's an impressive piece of hardware but I find it utterly unintuitive and despite what I had heard believe Windows has a more accessibleband logical user interface. Don't underestimate just how big the switch will be.
 
I do not think that Mac has any advantage over Windows.

Based on specs, your rig should handle photo editing easy.

I think you have some bloat in the Windows registry.

Before you start to invest your money, clean up the registry (for free). Also, there are other registry cleaners you may want to try.

Sometimes, Windows go sluggish when you use cloud related links, so make sure you direct your editing stream properly.
 
SdeGat said:
I have been a Windows user since its inception (yes, I'm that old).
Click to expand...
Me too, though I've used both Macs and PC's since their respective releases as well as earlier systems.
SdeGat said:
I have a decent machine (see below) but have been experiencing really annoying speed issues with Lightroom Classic (LrC).
Click to expand...
Yes, I looked at your specs and you shouldn't be experiencing issues with LrC.
SdeGat said:
I have consulted forums for a few years but cannot solve my issues. I'm out of ideas.
Click to expand...
Can't help you there without know what the issues are.
SdeGat said:
Is is time to switch to a Mac Studio or something like that?
Click to expand...
Maybe. though if you are thinking about local AI processing you may want to reconsider. While I really like my Macosphere, the truth is that it just doesn't compete in the AI realm. The number of GPU cores compared to the latest Nvidia cards pales by comparison.
SdeGat said:
Or is my computer fine for the task? And I just need to find the issue/setting that's causing the problems?
Click to expand...
Yes, you need to figure out the issues.
SdeGat said:
I'm dealing with 45, 61 and 100 mpix RAW files all the time. Basically no video.
Click to expand...
OK
SdeGat said:
(Throughput on my M.2 SSDs is fine but there is a latency sometimes when, for example, I drag a bunch of files between two folders, the cursor just stops in between the two windows. And Windows usually executes the copy properly after the hiccup. Could that issue be linked to the LrC problems?)
Click to expand...
Not sure how you are doing that and whether that's from the desktop or in the LrC program. If this latency is occurring from the desktop then it's more likely a problem with your windows install or hardware - possibly the SSD's, memory timing, sockets, or board.
SdeGat said:
Thanks.
Click to expand...
You're welcome.
SdeGat said:
Operating system: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, Version 10.0.26100
DirectX runtime version: DirectX 12
Driver: Studio Driver - 581.29 - Wed Sep 10, 2025
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-9900K CPU @ 3.60GHz
RAM: 64.0 GB
Storage (4): HDD - 1.8 TB,SSD - 1.8 TB,+2 more (all M.2 NVME)

Graphics card
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
Direct3D feature level: 12_1
CUDA cores: 5888
Graphics clock: 2475 MHz
Resizable BAR: No
Memory data rate: 21.00 Gbps
Memory interface: 192-bit
Memory bandwidth: 504.048 GB/s
Total available graphics memory: 44956 MB
System video memory: N/A
Shared system memory: 32674 MB
Dedicated video memory: 12282 MB GDDR6X
Video BIOS version: 95.04.3e.c0.5b
Device ID: 10DE 2786 13CE196E
Part number: G141 0345
IRQ: Not used
Bus: PCI Express x4 Gen3

Display (1): BenQ SW2700 (Clone)
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (native)
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Desktop colour depth: Highest (32-bit)
HDCP: Supported
Click to expand...
If the issue persists, I think you should do a ground up reinstall of windows 11 followed by your programs. If the problem continues then it is likely a hardware issue.
 
Your computer seems more than adequate. First I would find a computer shop with a Windows geek who knows what's under the hood of Win 11. Have him give it the once-over and see what he recommends. If a Windows re-install is necessary, let him do it.

--
Harwood
(Formerly HarwoodF. That acc't locked up on me, so I had to create a new one.)
 
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You don’t say what your Windows computer is, but it has a 6 year old CPU, so I’m guessing it is roughly that old, which means its PCI bus and memory are also of that vintage. Recent Intel CPUs (i9-14900K or Core Ultra 9) typically benchmark about twice as fast as the i9-9900K and bus speeds have improved even more. So even if your other components (GPU, SSD, etc) are newer and state of the art, you are probably not taking advantage of their capabilities.

One advantage of staying with Windows is that you can probably get a new base system and use your high-end GPU and SSDs in it.
 
Paxo said:
As a long time Windows user I recently switched to Mac Mini. It's an impressive piece of hardware but I find it utterly unintuitive and despite what I had heard believe Windows has a more accessibleband logical user interface. Don't underestimate just how big the switch will be.
Click to expand...
 
I regularly edit 42mp photos on my:

Dell G16 7630
Processor: 13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-13900HX 2.20 GHz
RAM: 32GB
HD: 1 TB
Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, 8 GB GDDR6

...and it feels fine to me.

I don't use Adobe post-processing s/w.
 
SdeGat said:
Paxo said:
As a long time Windows user I recently switched to Mac Mini. It's an impressive piece of hardware but I find it utterly unintuitive and despite what I had heard believe Windows has a more accessible and logical user interface. Don't underestimate just how big the switch will be.
Click to expand...
Thanks Paxo, I am worried about that I must say. 😕
Maybe the fresh reinstall as many suggested is worth a try…
Click to expand...
I've never understood why people think MacOS is less intuitive (or harder to use) than Windows. They are pretty much the same. Screen controls move right to left, some keys in different places but can be swapped with key map, forward delete requires wide keyboard.

The always-there menu is a great boon to usability if you ask me. Migrating to a new Mac is simple. There's even a Windows to Mac migration assistant, which I have not used, but I've gone Macbook to Macbook twice. Applications come along, no re-install.

Homebrew gives you pretty much all of Linux with minimal effort.

It's true Windows runs more applications. My wife has Sibelius music notation (W10 only) Sony Vegas (easy to replace) and Quicken (obsolete). Regarding photo software, ACDSee works better on Windows, and iMatch is Windows only.
 
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I will largely agree with the others. I do not see any inherent advantage to Mac and the transition can be a real pain.

I think the problem is somewhere in your machine. If you want to troubleshoot, a clean re-install of Windows would be a good start, possibly on a new replacement SSD. Then a fresh install of your Adobe software and other programs. If that solves the problem, great. If not you could be looking at serious time spent troubleshooting.

Since you are considering the expense of moving to Mac you might consider replacing your Windows machine. Very likely less money and an easier transition than a Mac. And potentially quicker than trying to diagnose problems on your current computer.

Gao
 
"when, for example, I drag a bunch of files between two folders, the cursor just stops in between the two windows"

I think I may have solution; when you drag from one window to another DO NOT drag over the Navigation Pane on the left side of either window! I have had the same issue for years, the more "stuff" you have in the Navigation Pane, the worse the problem becomes. I have nine network shares mounted and if I accidentally drag over a share - BOOM Windows wants to take a break while the share spins up and reports the contents. It's worse with the network shares, but happens with Folders, Favorites, USB or Internal Drives. I have taught myself to drag files in from the top or bottom of the window.

"I have a decent machine (see below) but have been experiencing really annoying speed issues with Lightroom Classic (LrC)"

I have been having a similar experience. Fortunately, I have now gone 3 days without this happening. Maybe that's not enough to say it's solved, but I am quite hopeful.

I DISABLED all acceleration on my Nvidia RTX 5080. I set the Core Clock to +101MHz and the Memory Clock to +200MHz because the Nvidia Control Panel recommended this when I ran Automatic Tuning. However, I now think that extra speed was saturating either the CPU or the System Bus. After the changes to default values, I'm finding things are not slower, instead everything feels the same, but also feels more stable, I don't get the crashes and annoying speed issues I had before.

Furthermore, when I enable Intel 200S Boost in BIOS, every Adobe Product became very unstable. I'm not blaming Adobe, I just saw that their products didn't appreciate the speed boost. I've now DISABLED 200S in BIOS (would recommend the same if your motherboard supports it).

Anyway, I hope something here can help. I've been dealing with this too long myself and wish someone had told me these things a while ago. As far as moving to a Mac, I have used both and prefer the Windows experience a lot more.
 
MagicCaptainMario said:
"when, for example, I drag a bunch of files between two folders, the cursor just stops in between the two windows"

I think I may have solution; when you drag from one window to another DO NOT drag over the Navigation Pane on the left side of either window!
Click to expand...
I should have mentioned that you can go to the menu at the top of a Window, select View --> Show --> Navigation Pane to get rid of it and just see if this helps.
 
Photo editing will be as good on either platform. The tools are the same, Windows and MacOS both work well, are stable and reliable.

The differences are elsewhere.

Microsoft's main market is professionals in enterprises. They cannot afford to break compatibility with important existing software when they release a new version of Windows. It can happen that something breaks, but it is the exception rather than the rule. Windows is a reliable workhouse, with the design and facilities of an utilitarian software product. Your whole experience will be heavily dependant on how good the hardware is, there are lots of choices, of varying quality, and how reliable the hardware drivers that sit between Windows and the computer are.

Apple has a completely different approach. They make complete products, hardware and software, tightly integrated. Reliability is very high, performance great, etc... Apple absolutely shines on innovation, style, pleasure of use and integration between the different devices. If you use a Mac, an iPad and an iPhone, they are not separate islands, they are a whole system that works amazingly well. The downside of rapid innovation is that Apple will break compatibility with existing software if keeping it hampers an important progress. I noticed it happening less and less, the last time I experienced it was years ago, but the philosophy is different compared to Microsoft on that point.

There is another aspect, often overlooked. When you try to sell a used Windows computer, it is generally worth very little. Apple products keep a much better resale value.
 
Paxo said:
As a long time Windows user I recently switched to Mac Mini. It's an impressive piece of hardware but I find it utterly unintuitive and despite what I had heard believe Windows has a more accessibleband logical user interface. Don't underestimate just how big the switch will be.
Click to expand...
I have been using Macs since 1984. I find the macOS to be more elegant and straight forward to use.

At the same time in my corporate career I was forced to use Windows in every job I had. So I have used Windows since version 3.0 and stopped at version 8. I played with version 10 on an old laptop we had and was unimpressed. Version 7 was the best they had ever done.

Given that I lived in both worlds for decades I would always choose macOS. The latest versions are much more complex than the early days but are also way easier to use.

You are facing a difficult problem that has nothing to do with macOS. Your challenge is to UNLEARN windows. All the muscle memory and concepts you have acquired over decades of use leads to expectations that the macOS should work the same way. It does not.

For me it was like be bilingual all my working life. But someone who is only familiar with Windows will need to exert a certain amount of effort to make the change. Once you do you will see it is worth it.

My family is totally Apple so we know macOS, iOS, iPadOS, TV OS etc. very well. If you are using a desktop Mac get a Logitech MX Master mouse 3s or 4 and you will be much happier than using the Magic Mouse .

This Apple support website can help you a lot: Get started with your Mac also

Switched from Windows to Mac?

This video may help:



But Stage Manager is gone from macOS 26.

--
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know." - Diane Arbus
 
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I processed over 1000 shots (Canon R5 CRAW, 45MB about 25MB on disk), culling, editing a selection of 50 in LR and Topaz Sharpen AI, exporting selection in full and all shots in small format to jpg yesterday without finding it too slow on a i5-8600 with RTX 4060.

Only half of the 48MB RAM used. Slowest part was the back-and-forth file transfer to Topaz for every edit (files on 7200 rpm HD, catalog and previews on M2 SSD).

Your configuration has (much) better specs than mine.

As already suggested, fresh Win 11 install a few months ago did wonders for me too.

PS: as reported elsewhere, limit opening other applications when working on LR Classic. These older CPU's have a limited number of threads, maybe LR needs them all.
 
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There are many such complaints about slow performance over at the Adobe Forums on both Mac and Windows. So switching from one computer to another is not guaranteed to help, but it might. And of course the opposite is true, there are many many many more users who are satisfied with the speed of LrC on both.

I agree with others who have indicated there is something preventing you from getting the speed you want. The problem isn't Windows.

You need to troubleshoot and identify the cause of your problems since there are many potential "problems" each with a different solution. Now back to your original question ... you need to describe what actions in LrC are slow in order for people to provide meaningful advice.

--
Paige Miller
 
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Paxo said:
As a long time Windows user I recently switched to Mac Mini. It's an impressive piece of hardware but I find it utterly unintuitive and despite what I had heard believe Windows has a more accessibleband logical user interface. Don't underestimate just how big the switch will be.
Click to expand...
That reminds me my first experiences with MacOS, coming from Windows. That was more that 20 years ago. Among the first things I tried was to install a printer driver. Turned out there was no obvious way of doing that. Not obvious to me anyway. I found out I just had to print from an app and it would find the printer and print without me ever creating the printer manually.

A few years later Windows 7 was doing the same trick, but indeed the 2 systems work quite differently and switching from one to the other is not obvious.
 
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