Introduction
Canary Mail is available on both macOS and Windows, offering a shared core email experience with some platform-specific differences.
This guide explains:
- What works the same across Windows and macOS
- What differs due to operating system limitations
- What to expect when using Canary Mail on both platforms
If you are deciding between Windows and Mac or using both, this article will help you understand the differences clearly.
If you're new to the app, see the Canary Mail overview for macOS or the Windows overview guide for a complete feature breakdown.
At a Glance: Windows vs macOS
What’s the Same on macOS and Windows
The following core Canary Mail features work the same on both platforms:
- Unified inbox for multiple accounts (Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, IMAP)
- Email syncing via standard IMAP and Exchange
- AI Copilot for drafting, summarizing, and searching emails
- PGP encryption support
- Thread view and conversation grouping
- Core inbox filters such as unread, flagged, and focused views
Your email data stays with your provider on both platforms. Canary Mail acts as the client interface on each device.
What’s Different Between macOS and Windows
Some differences exist due to how each operating system handles system integration.
Another difference users may notice is the setup experience. On Windows, Canary Mail supports QR-based restore flows to quickly configure accounts on a new device, while macOS follows a traditional account setup flow aligned with Apple system standards.
macOS-Specific Behavior
- Integration with Apple system services such as Keychain
- Keyboard shortcuts and interface behavior follow macOS conventions
- System-level integrations aligned with Apple workflows
Windows-Specific Behavior
- Windows-native UI patterns and shortcuts
- Different system notification handling
- Performance characteristics may vary depending on system configuration and mailbox size
Feature availability is aligned, but interaction details may feel different because each app follows its platform’s conventions.
Using Canary Mail Across Both Platforms
If you use both macOS and Windows:
- Your email accounts can be added on both devices
- Your email accounts and folders remain consistent because they sync through your email provider.
- With Cloud Sync enabled, your accounts, preferences, signatures, and templates can sync across devices.
- Setup experience differs slightly - Windows supports QR-based restore flows for faster device setup.
- Performance depends on mailbox size, provider, and local system resources
- The learning curve is minimal once you are familiar with the core interface
Canary Mail is designed to be predictable across platforms while still feeling native on each operating system.
To configure cross-device syncing, see Cloud Sync setup on Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canary Mail better on Mac or Windows?
Canary Mail is optimized for both platforms. macOS users may notice deeper system-level integration due to Apple technologies, while Windows users get a native Windows experience with platform-specific UI and notifications.
Are all features available on both platforms?
Core features are available on both macOS and Windows. Some UI interactions and system integrations differ by operating system.
Will my emails sync the same way?
Yes. Canary Mail syncs using standard IMAP or Exchange-supported connections, and your emails remain stored with your email provider.