Work Smarter, Not Prettier: Why Windows PCs Dominate in Finance

If you’re studying finance in Australia and aiming for investment banking, corporate advisory, or funds management, you’ll notice one thing quickly once you enter the workforce: everyone is using a Windows PC.

It’s not about tradition, it’s about compatibility and efficiency. From building financial models to navigating Bloomberg or IRESS, Windows is the standard platform in finance. If you’re on a Mac, don’t panic, you can still bridge the gap – but understanding why Windows dominates will give you a head start.

Why Finance Runs on Windows

1. Excel for Windows is the Industry Standard
Not all Excel versions are created equal. The Windows version offers:

• Full VBA support for automating tasks
• Advanced tools like Power Query, Power Pivot, and key add-ins
• Complete shortcut functionality for fast, efficient modelling

Mac users often find features limited or unavailable, creating friction when collaborating on models, completing tests, or following tutorials.

2. Finance Software is Built for Windows
Platforms like Bloomberg Terminal, IRESS, Capital IQ, and Refinitiv are designed for Windows. Mac users may lose functionality or need workarounds, slowing them down.

3. IT Systems in Firms Are PC-Based
Banks’ and finance firms’ infrastructure – from security to compliance – is Windows-first. Familiarity with the environment from day one demonstrates practical readiness.

4. Keyboard Shortcuts Are Critical
Speed matters. Most Excel shortcut guides are Windows-focused, and efficiency is crucial in high-pressure finance roles. On a Mac, many shortcuts don’t translate directly.

Macs Aren’t Wrong – Just Less Common in Finance

Macs are reliable, user-friendly, and popular in creative industries. Apple has done an incredible job positioning them as premium student devices.

Finance, however, is different. It values tools built for analysis, speed, and collaboration. What works in a café or lecture theatre might not hold up in a corporate finance environment. Macs aren’t “bad” – they’re just not the default for your career path.

Should This Be Taught Earlier?

Absolutely. Many students reach university without experience on Windows. In finance, that gap can be a disadvantage during internships, modelling courses, and grad recruitment.

Technical literacy – like Excel for Window – should be introduced early, just like engineers learn CAD or coders learn Git. Familiarity with the tools of the trade is a professional edge.

Already on a Mac? Here’s How to Bridge the Gap

You don’t have to ditch your Mac—but you do need access to Windows:

• Cloud-Based Windows Desktops: Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop or Shadow PC gives full Windows access.

• Run Windows Locally: Parallels Desktop works on newer M1/M2/M3 Macs. (Boot Camp is no longer supported.)

• Remote Desktop: Connect to a PC through uni or home setup.

• Borrow or Buy a Budget PC: Even a basic Windows laptop helps for modelling practice and interview prep.

Final Advice: Start Now

Don’t wait until your first day on the job. Master Windows and Excel shortcuts today to gain an immediate advantage.

Whether you’re adapting from a Mac or refining PC skills, fluency with the tools the industry uses will set you apart. In finance, it’s not about which laptop looks better – it’s about which one lets you work faster, smarter, and more efficiently.