Windows VPS: When to Choose Windows Server
In the world of virtual private servers, choosing the operating system is one of the most strategic decisions. While Linux dominates the market for its flexibility and open-source nature, there’s a universe of applications, frameworks, and business requirements where Windows Server is not just an alternative, but the mandatory choice. If your business is based on Microsoft technologies, if you need native compatibility with specific software, or if you simply prefer the graphical interface you’re accustomed to, a Windows VPS is the solution you’re looking for.
In this article, we’ll explore in detail when and why to choose a VPS with Windows Server, analyzing its strengths, ideal use cases, and how we at Servereasy can offer you a powerful infrastructure optimized for the Microsoft ecosystem, always with the guarantee of high performance thanks to our 100% NVMe RAID 10 storage and our proprietary DDoS protection.
Linux VPS vs Windows VPS: Key Differences
The choice between Linux and Windows depends entirely on your technological and application needs. There’s no “better” answer in absolute terms, only the one most suited to your project. Let’s look at the main differences in a comparative table.
| Feature | Linux VPS | Windows VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally cheaper (no OS licensing cost) | Slightly higher cost due to Microsoft licensing |
| Technology Stack | LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), LEMP (Nginx), Python, Node.js, Ruby | Microsoft stack: IIS, ASP.NET, .NET Core/Framework, MS SQL Server |
| Remote Access | SSH (Secure Shell) via command line | RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) with full graphical interface |
| Ease of Use | Requires command line familiarity (more complex for beginners) | Intuitive graphical interface, similar to a Windows desktop PC |
| Software Compatibility | Ideal for open-source software (WordPress, Magento, Joomla) | Essential for Windows-specific software (e.g., some business management systems, MS Exchange) |
| Control Panels | Plesk, cPanel (available on request) | Plesk (industry standard for Windows) |
5 Scenarios Where a Windows VPS is the Winning Choice
While Linux is incredibly versatile, there are specific situations where a Windows VPS is not just preferable, but essential for your project’s success. Here are 5 concrete use cases.
1. Development and Hosting of .NET Applications
If your application is developed using the ASP.NET or .NET Core/Framework framework, a Windows server is the native environment. Although .NET Core is cross-platform, integration with IIS (Internet Information Services) and the entire Microsoft ecosystem is flawless on a Windows VPS, ensuring maximum performance and compatibility.
2. Microsoft SQL Server (MS SQL) Database
MS SQL Server is one of the most powerful and widespread database management systems in the enterprise world. If your software or application is based on MS SQL, a Windows VPS is the only solution that guarantees native integration and optimized performance. Running MS SQL on Windows allows you to fully leverage tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
3. Using Remote Desktop (RDP) for Remote Work
A Windows VPS can be transformed into a powerful personal or corporate remote desktop, accessible from anywhere in the world. Thanks to the RDP protocol, you can have a complete Windows work environment, with your software, files, and configurations, always online and protected, without depending on a physical PC. It’s the ideal solution for smart working, distributed teams, and for accessing Windows software from non-Windows devices (such as Mac or tablets).
4. Hosting Windows-Specific Software
Many business software, management systems, CRMs, or vertical applications are designed exclusively for the Windows environment. If your company depends on one of these tools, a Windows VPS is the only infrastructure capable of hosting them reliably and securely, ensuring operational continuity.
5. Game Servers for Windows-Based Titles
Some of the most popular online games require a Windows-based server to function correctly. If you’re thinking of creating a dedicated server for games that run natively on Windows, a high-performance Windows VPS is the right choice to ensure low latency and a smooth gaming experience for your community.
Do you have a .NET application or need MS SQL?
Our Windows VPS are ready for your project. Choose the power and compatibility you need.
Why Choose a Servereasy Windows VPS
Offering a Windows VPS doesn’t just mean installing the operating system. It means building an underlying infrastructure that enhances its performance and security. Here’s why our Windows VPS make the difference:
- Extreme Performance with NVMe RAID 10: Unlike many competitors who use SATA SSDs, all our VPS, including Windows ones, run on 100% NVMe storage in RAID 10 configuration. This means read/write speeds up to 12 times faster, with drastically reduced database response times and application loading.
- Proprietary DDoS Protection Included: Every Windows VPS is protected by our Always-ON DDoS mitigation infrastructure, capable of absorbing attacks up to 1.2 Tbps. Your server will always be online, even under attack.
- Supermicro Enterprise Hardware: We only use enterprise-grade hardware, with latest generation AMD EPYC and Intel Xeon processors, to guarantee constant stability and computing power.
- Milan Datacenter: Our proprietary datacenter in Milan guarantees minimum latency for your users in Italy and Europe, as well as full GDPR compliance.
- Immediate Scalability: Is your project growing? You can upgrade your Windows VPS plan in a few clicks, without downtime, adding vCPU, RAM, and storage when you need it.
Not sure which configuration to choose for your Windows project?
Our team of experts is at your disposal to recommend the best solution.
Windows Server, the Professional Choice for the Microsoft Ecosystem
Choosing a Windows VPS is not a matter of preference, but a strategic decision based on precise technological requirements. If your business revolves around .NET applications, MS SQL databases, or Windows-specific software, a Servereasy Windows VPS offers you the most stable, performant, and secure platform on the market. Thanks to our cutting-edge infrastructure, you can leverage all the power of the Microsoft ecosystem without compromise, with the peace of mind of a service managed by experts and located in Italy.
Can I install any Windows software on the VPS?
Yes, a Windows VPS gives you full administrator privileges, allowing you to install any software compatible with your chosen Windows Server version, exactly as you would on a physical PC or dedicated server. This includes applications like Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange, business management software, and the entire .NET development stack.
What is the cost difference between a Linux VPS and a Windows VPS?
A Windows VPS has a slightly higher cost compared to a Linux VPS with the same hardware resources. This difference is due to the cost of the Windows Server license, which Microsoft requires for each installation. At Servereasy, we include this cost in the monthly fee, offering you a transparent, all-inclusive solution.
How do I connect to my Windows VPS?
Access is via the RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) protocol, a tool integrated into all Windows versions. We’ll provide you with an IP address, username, and password. Simply enter these credentials in the Remote Desktop Connection client to view and control your server’s desktop as if you were sitting in front of it.
Do you offer different versions of Windows Server?
Yes, we offer the latest and most stable versions of Windows Server, such as Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022. During your VPS configuration, you can choose the version best suited to your compatibility needs and applications.
Can I use a Windows VPS to host a WordPress site?
Technically it’s possible, but it’s not the recommended solution. WordPress is optimized for a Linux environment (LAMP/LEMP stack). While it can run on Windows with IIS, performance, security, and ease of management are significantly better on a Linux VPS. We recommend a Windows VPS only if you have other Windows-based applications to host on the same server.
Is DDoS protection included on Windows VPS too?
Absolutely yes. Our proprietary 1.2 Tbps DDoS protection is included free on all our services, regardless of operating system. Your Windows VPS will be protected 24/7 from any type of volumetric or application-layer attack, ensuring maximum service continuity.
What kind of support do you offer for Windows VPS?
We offer complete support on the infrastructure, ensuring your VPS is always online, reachable, and with the promised hardware performance. Our team is available for issues related to connectivity, hardware, and the virtualization platform. Operating system management, software installation, and application configuration are the customer’s responsibility, who has full administrator rights.
Why should I choose a Servereasy Windows VPS instead of a cloud service like Azure?
Our Windows VPS solution offers a key advantage: fixed and predictable cost. Unlike consumption-based models of large cloud providers, with us you pay a fixed monthly fee that includes all resources (vCPU, RAM, NVMe storage) and unlimited traffic. This protects you from unexpected costs and allows you to plan your budget with certainty, while also offering exceptional performance thanks to our enterprise hardware and Milan datacenter.
