Linux vs Windows VPS Hosting – Which OS Should You Choose?
When your website outgrows shared hosting, VPS is the natural next step. You get dedicated storage, RAM, and CPU resources in a virtualized environment, which means more stable and scalable hosting.
But here’s where things get interesting. You have to pick between Linux and Windows as your operating system, and that choice matters more than you might think.
These two operating systems power over 60% of all websites. I’ve tested both extensively, and while they can run many of the same applications, they handle administration and tools in completely different ways. One costs less, offers better security, and is actually easier to use than the other. Let’s find out which one.
The Fundamental Difference Between Linux and Windows Servers
When choosing between Linux VPS and Windows VPS hosting, you need to understand what actually separates them.
Windows hosting uses Windows Server as the operating system and relies on Microsoft solutions like SQL Server and ASP.NET for database and website management. Linux hosting runs on open-source Linux distributions and uses free tools like MySQL and PHP.
Among small businesses, Linux hosting dominates. While statistics show that each OS serves about 30% of total websites, those numbers are misleading. Large enterprises with massive IT budgets account for most Windows hosting usage. Most small and medium businesses choose Linux, and there’s a good reason for that.
The cost difference alone is significant. Linux is free and open-source, while Windows requires expensive licensing fees that hosting providers pass on to you. Linux, being an open-source operating system, is more cost-effective and costs less than Windows VPS
Performance – Does the OS Really Matter?
Any web hosting operating system should be fast and stable. When you’re paying for VPS hosting, you expect top-notch performance. The good news is that both Linux and Windows can deliver excellent speed and reliability.
I tested identical VPS configurations with both operating systems. Both handled typical website loads well, but there were differences. Linux’s efficient resource management ensures consistent performance with minimal downtime, while Windows tends to use more RAM and CPU for the same tasks.
Windows servers require more powerful hardware to achieve the same performance levels as Linux. That overhead comes from the graphical interface and background services Windows runs by default. For most websites, you won’t notice a difference. But if you’re running high-traffic sites or resource-intensive applications, Linux gives you more headroom.
Both operating systems support performance optimizations. With Linux, you can tune the kernel and tweak system settings. Windows lets you adjust registry settings and disable unnecessary services. The difference is that Linux starts lean and you add what you need, while Windows starts heavy and you remove what you don’t.
Pricing
Let’s talk money. This is where the difference becomes crystal clear.
Linux VPS Pricing
Linux VPS hosting starts around $5-10/month for basic plans. You’re only paying for the server resources – the operating system itself is free. Most providers include popular control panels like cPanel or DirectAdmin, though these might add $10-15/month.
For a decent 2GB RAM Linux VPS, expect to pay $20-30/month. Bluehost’s VPS Standard at $29.99/month handles multiple WordPress sites with ease. European users often prefer OVH, one of the largest VPS providers globally, with data centers across multiple continents and competitive pricing starting at around €3.50/month for their starter VPS.
Windows VPS Pricing
Windows VPS hosting starts higher because of licensing costs. Windows VPS uses a Windows-based operating system, while Linux VPS uses a Linux-based operating system, and the Windows OS isn’t free.
The same 2GB RAM configuration costs $40-60/month with Windows. Microsoft charges hosting providers for Windows Server licenses, and they pass that cost to you. Plus, if you need Microsoft SQL Server, that’s another license fee on top.
Some providers like Kamatera offer competitive Windows VPS pricing, but you’re still looking at 30-50% more than equivalent Linux plans.
Flexibility and Control
VPS hosting is about having control over your environment. Both operating systems give you that, but in different ways.
Linux offers incredible flexibility. You can choose from dozens of distributions – Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, and Rocky Linux. Each has its strengths, and you can pick what works for your specific needs. You also get your choice of control panels, web servers like Apache or Nginx, and database systems. Everything is modular and replaceable.
Windows locks you into Microsoft’s ecosystem. You’ll use IIS as your web server, SQL Server for databases, and Plesk if you want a control panel. With a Windows VPS, you won’t miss out on any web server functionality, but you’ll be severely limited in selecting your CMS and tools. That’s not necessarily bad if you need those specific tools, but you don’t have alternatives.
The command line versus GUI debate matters here, too. Windows gives you Remote Desktop access, which feels familiar if you use Windows on your desktop. You can point and click your way through server management. Linux typically uses SSH and the command line, though you can install graphical interfaces if needed.
Security
Security should be a top concern for any website owner. The two operating systems take different approaches.
Windows servers are the most frequently attacked because they’re common targets and often run older, unpatched software. Microsoft releases regular security updates, but Linux is known for being very secure because it’s difficult to write code that exploits the Linux kernel’s security vulnerabilities.
Linux benefits from its architecture and the open-source community. When vulnerabilities are discovered, patches often appear within hours, following security best practices. The smaller attack surface and permission-based security model make Linux inherently more secure.
That said, a properly configured and updated Windows server can be very secure. The problem is that it requires more active management and vigilance. With Linux, you start from a secure baseline. With Windows, you have to build that security.
When to Choose Linux VPS
Linux makes sense for most websites and applications. Choose Linux if you’re running:
WordPress or Other CMS Sites – WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal run beautifully on Linux. The LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) is the gold standard for CMS hosting, with extensive Ubuntu documentation available for beginners.
E-commerce Platforms – WooCommerce, Magento, and PrestaShop are optimized for Linux environments.
Custom Web Applications – If you’re using Python, Ruby, Node.js, or PHP, Linux provides better support and performance.
Development Environments – Developers prefer Linux for its flexibility and control, making it perfect for cloud-based Linux management.
I’ve tested dozens of Linux VPS configurations, and providers excel in different areas. SiteGround stands out with their geographic server distribution and optimization tools, while OVH dominates the European market with their extensive infrastructure and DDoS protection included on all plans.
When Windows VPS Makes Sense
Windows VPS has specific use cases where it’s the only real choice:
ASP.NET Applications – If your application is built on .NET Framework or uses ASP.NET, you need Windows.
Microsoft SQL Server – While SQL Server can run on Linux now, it works best on Windows with full feature support, according to Windows Server documentation.
Remote Desktop Services – Windows VPS provides convenient access to the server via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), perfect for teams needing graphical access.
Legacy Windows Software – Old business applications that only run on Windows obviously need Windows hosting.
Exchange Server – For businesses running their own email server with Exchange, Windows is required.
Making the Right Choice
After testing both extensively, Linux is the clear winner for most use cases. It costs less, performs better with fewer resources, offers more flexibility, and provides better security. Your choice between Linux and Windows Server depends on your project’s requirements, budget, and technical expertise.
Choose Linux unless you specifically need Windows-only features. The cost savings alone make it worthwhile – you’re looking at 30-50% less for equivalent resources. That money is better spent on more RAM, storage, or a CDN.
If you do need Windows, make sure you actually need it. Many people choose Windows because it seems familiar, then realize they’re paying extra for features they don’t use. Remote Desktop access is convenient, but is it worth the extra cost when SSH works fine?
Technical Support
Both operating systems offer good support options, but they work differently.
Linux benefits from a massive community. Thousands of developers contribute to documentation, forums, and tutorials. Any problem you encounter, someone has solved it before. Hosting providers also tend to have more Linux expertise on staff.
Windows offers official Microsoft support, but it comes at a premium. Your hosting provider pays for support licenses and passes that cost to you. The documentation is centralized and professional, but the community is smaller.
The Bottom Line
For 90% of websites, Linux VPS is the better choice. It’s cheaper, more secure, more flexible, and performs better on equivalent hardware. Unless you specifically need Windows-only features like ASP.NET or SQL Server, there’s no reason to pay the Windows premium.
The learning curve for Linux might seem steep if you’re used to Windows desktops, but modern control panels make it simple. You don’t need to be a command-line wizard to manage a Linux VPS effectively.
If you’re ready to choose a VPS provider, check out our detailed comparisons of Hostinger’s VPS plans or explore alternative VPS hosting options. The right provider matters as much as the operating system choice.
Remember, you can always start with a Linux VPS and migrate to Windows later if needed. But once you see the cost savings and performance benefits, you probably won’t want to switch.
