Windows VPS Vs. LINUX VPS: Differences You Should Know About

Senior Web Developer, HostAdvice CTO

Updated on November 23, 2022 3:15 PM

If you start looking for a good hosting plan on the web, you’ll see that most servers have Linux or Windows OSs pre-installed. That, however, may not mean anything to you. Let us offer some explanations so that you understand the difference.

A Virtual Private Server, or VPS, is a virtual server that a web hosting company offers. It offers more control over administrative access and permission to install any necessary software because it runs its operating system (OS).

A virtual private server is the next best thing if your business or website has outgrown the web hosting resources it was previously using.

This article will discuss the Linux VPS vs. Windows VPS to help you choose which best meets your virtual hosting needs.

Operating System — Why It Matters

Of course, Windows and Linux servers have different performance, security, pricing, database formats, and other features that will influence the functions of your hosting. Still, before getting to the controversial dimension, let’s first discuss what the two have in common.

Linux and Windows have similar approaches to data management. The most convenient tool you will find in both systems is the FTP server. It’s easy and fast — what else do you need from a file manager? The two OS are friendly with such popular file types as HTML (.html) and JavaScript (.js).
If you’re planning to work with forms and dynamic content, both systems will provide you with CGI, a tool commonly used for working on shopping carts and other eCommerce solutions.
MySQL, which is supposed to be a Linux format, can now also be processed by a Windows server, though it’s still more common for Linux.

What is Windows VPS?

Windows VPS is a web hosting solution offered by Microsoft. It runs on the Windows operating system and utilizes Microsoft database and website management solutions.

The Windows VPS provides far better interoperability with both third-party and Microsoft-provided applications. It boasts exceptional overall server speed, installable programs, and other crucial features.

Because it operates in a Windows server environment, it provides advanced control, security, and scalable performance and is relatively simpler to use.

Key Facts About Windows Server OS

If your webmasters work with ASP.NET, you’ll have to opt for a Windows-powered server.

ASP.NET is similar to HTML and PHP, but uses a different request processing scheme. You will also be happy to know that ASP.NET works with different database types.

While it’s a common belief that the ASP.NET algorithm helps Windows servers to work with big databases faster, you will, in fact, hardly find any data to support that idea.

You will also find many articles saying that Windows is less secure than Linux. This is also a myth. Linux also has a lot of security issues, and very often, it depends on the rack and its support. So don’t take such claims seriously.

Why Choose Windows VPS?

Here are the reasons why you should choose windows VPS over other virtual servers:

Cost-effective: Windows VPS is generally more affordable than other VPS operating systems. This makes it a good option for businesses on a tight budget.
User-friendly interface: Windows VPS is designed to be easy to use, even for those who are not familiar with computer systems. This can save you time and money in training new employees to use your company’s computers.
Compatibility: Windows VPS is compatible with many software applications, making it easy to find software that meets your specific business needs.
Scalability: Windows VPS can be easily scaled up or down to meet the changing needs of your business. This makes it a good choice for businesses that are growing or downsizing.
Flexibility: With Windows VPS, you have the flexibility to customize your server to meet your specific needs. You can install any software you need and make any configuration changes you require.

Pros and Cons of Windows VPS

As one of the best private servers, Windows VPS has its fair share of pros and cons that you should know before going for it:

Pros	Cons
Windows VPS is a user-friendly and approachable interface	While Windows VPS allocates the necessary resources to every website hosted on a single virtual server, if users utilize all of the bandwidth allotted to them, it may have an impact on other websites on the same physical server
Windows VPS enables you to install extra software and easily code your website on an expert level, making it the perfect server for your website’s requirements	Although it initially requires less technical knowledge, you need considerable experience as your website ramps up.
VPS hosting for Windows allows you to customize the server to fit your needs easily.	Windows VPS is not all that robust.
If your website grows and starts to receive more traffic, you can quickly scale up your Windows VPS plan to accommodate the increased demand.	Since you’re responsible for managing your server, you’ll generally have limited support from your hosting provider. This can be an issue if you’re not familiar with server administration.

What is Linux VPS?

Linux VPS is a virtual server tuned for maximum performance on the Linux operating system.

Linux VPS uses open-source web development tools and database platforms. Due to its low cost, Linux hosting has grown in popularity among small businesses.

All You Want to Know About Linux Hosting

Indeed, Linux is highly convenient. That’s one of the main reasons why this OS is the most popular server solution. The convenience of Linux servers has three key components: MySQL, PHP, and price.

As we’ve already said, you can also run both PHP and MySQL on Windows servers. However, these two formats work best when working together. Such a combination, in turn, works on Linux particularly well.

The reason for this is apparent — Linux was initially used for PHP and MySQL, so the whole system of this OS is tailored to these two formats. However, you must know that PHP will also work with several other database formats, such as Oracle, PostgreSQL, Sybase, Solid, etc.

Linux is just cheaper. Most distributions of this OS cost nothing. Some OS versions like RedHat will have several unique features created for better server performance, so they will have a price, but it’s not high compared to that of Windows.

Linux is great for a start-up: you get a flexible system, popular coding and database formats, low price, and more.

Why Choose Linux VPS?

Here are some reasons you may want to host your website on a Linux VPS server:

Linux VPS are inexpensive: Since most operating systems based on Linux are free, you pay less since providers do not need to pay for a license.
Flexibility: Linux VPS enables you to select any control system: ISPmanager 5, Plesk, cPanel, and CentOS Web Panel.
Performance: A Linux VPS also offers better performance than other types of hosting because it’s not shared with other users. It also comes with its own dedicated resources, so you can be sure that your website or application will always have the resources it needs to run smoothly.
Security: Linux is known for being very secure. This is because it’s difficult to write code that exploits the Linux kernel’s security vulnerabilities.

Linux VPS: Pros and Cons

Like Windows VPS, Linux VPS have its pros and cons, as shown in the table below:

Pros	Cons
Because each Linux account is isolated from the others on the server, your account is much less likely to be hacked or compromised.	Limited Software Compatibility: While most popular software will run just fine on a Linux server, some programs only work on Windows.
For Linux VPS, the initial investment is lower. With a Linux VPS, you may set up access from various places, enabling you to provide seamless access to all your clients worldwide.	You must move the data to a new partition to operate on another OS, which can take some time if the data is large.
With Linux, you have your own dedicated resources and no other accounts competing for those resources. You’ll therefore enjoy better performance and faster page loads.	Using a Linux server requires more technical knowledge than using a Windows server. This becomes a challenge if you’re not comfortable working with command lines.
Visualization of Linux servers will not cause any downtime.	Newbies cannot maintain numerous servers because Linux VPS is a highly sophisticated platform

Expert tip: While Linux is secure, it can still get hacked. To protect your Linux from malicious traffic, you can disable IPv6 and update your /etc/sysconfig/ network settings to display IPV6INIT=no and NETWORKING_ IPV6=no.

Linux vs Windows VPS: A Full Comparison

If you’re considering using a virtual private server (VPS), you may be wondering which operating system is best for your needs. Linux and Windows VPS have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the differences before making a decision.

In the table, we do a full comparison between Windows VPS and Linux VPS to help you make an informed decision.

Windows or Linux — What to Choose?

It’s up to you to choose between Windows and Linux. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, depending on whether your webmaster can make maximum use of server features.

Linux is a stable, reliable, and secure operating system that’s suitable for a wide range of uses. It’s also free and open-source, which makes it a popular choice for many businesses. However, Linux can be more difficult to use than Windows, and it may not be compatible with all software applications.

Windows, on the other hand, is user-friendly and compatible with most software applications. However, it’s not as stable or secure as Linux, and it’s not free.

Remember, your server doesn’t create websites; your webmaster does. So, listening well to the web master’s advice is probably the best choice between Windows and Linux.

Looking for the Best Windows VPS hosting? Our experts have compared the best providers.

Alternatively, Check our recommendations for the Best Linux VPS hosting.

Conclusion: Which One is the Smart Choice?

Linux and Windows VPS have unique benefits.

If you ask us what option is better — Linux or Windows — we won’t give you an answer. As in many cases, it depends on what you need from your server. That’s why it’s always good to make a specific list of expectations before choosing a hosting package. Then you can compare this list with the capabilities of different OS, hosting plans, web hosts, and other considerations.

The best fit for you will depend on the programs you would run, your team’s level of expertise, and your budget. Here’s a quick rundown of their perks:

Windows is more beginner-friendly
Linux is less expensive
Windows is sufficient for everyday computer activities
Linux has greater security

Useful Resources

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Windows and Linux VPS?

The main difference between Windows and Linux VPS is the operating system. Windows VPS uses a Windows-based operating system, while Linux VPS uses a Linux-based operating system. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for your needs.

2. What’s the best OS for VPS?

The best OS for VPS depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you plan to use Microsoft products with your VPS. If you want a more stable and secure option, then you should choose a Linux VPS host.

3. Which is the best Windows VPS host?

There are many great Windows VPS hosts out there, but it depends on your specific needs. Some things to consider include price, features, support, and performance. Once you have done your research, take a look at our recommendations for the Best Windows VPS hosting.

4. Which Linux is best for VPS?

As with Windows VPS hosts, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best Linux for VPS depends on your requirements. When choosing a Linux for VPS, consider factors like price, uptime, customer support, and scalability. Once you have done your research, take a look at our recommendations for the Best Linux VPS hosting