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Microsoft Virtual Server Reviews

Vendor: Microsoft
4.1 out of 5
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What is Microsoft Virtual Server?

The most cost-effective server virtualization technology is now available as a free download. Virtual Server is a key component of any server consolidation strategy. Increase hardware utilization and cut power costs while enabling your organization to rapidly configure and deploy new servers.
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Microsoft Virtual Server is the #3 ranked solution in top Application Virtualization solutions. PeerSpot users give Microsoft Virtual Server an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Microsoft Virtual Server is most commonly compared to Numecent Cloudpager: Microsoft Virtual Server vs Numecent Cloudpager.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Virtual Server
December 2025
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Microsoft Virtual Server mindshare

As of December 2025, the mindshare of Microsoft Virtual Server in the Application Virtualization category stands at 5.0%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Application Virtualization Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Microsoft Virtual Server5.0%
Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)23.8%
Microsoft App-V20.8%
Other50.4%
Application Virtualization

PeerResearch reports based on Microsoft Virtual Server reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryApplication VirtualizationDec 29, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersDec 29, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Virtual Server vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)Dec 29, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Virtual Server vs Microsoft App-VDec 29, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Virtual Server vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)Dec 29, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Numecent Cloudpager4.515.0%100%1 interviewAdd to research
NextAxiom HyperService0.02.5%0%1 interviewAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers
Last updated Dec 28, 2025

Valuable Features

Microsoft Virtual Server offers resource scalability, seamless management, integration with Microsoft products, stability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and robust security features. Users appreciate its ease of deployment, ease of use, high availability, and storage simplicity. It enhances server management, allowing efficient resource allocation and rapid restoration. Its compatibility with various operating systems and ability to handle numerous users make it practical for diverse applications. Virtualization streamlines backup processes, aids in swift recovery, and optimizes operational efficiency.
  • "Microsoft Virtual Server machines are good compared to on-premises infrastructure; you can take a snapshot whenever we require it, and we can rebuild it, and the data is safe, easily accessible, fast, and scalable."
  • "The performance, pricing, and PowerShell commands are valuable features."
  • "You can detach and reuse the storage drive without disrupting the virtual server, which is quite useful. Additionally, it provides options like network security groups to protect virtual machines from unauthorized access."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft Virtual Server requires enhancements in its pricing, integration, and stability. There is a need for better user-friendliness, security, and technical support. Users experience challenges with operating system compatibility, customization, and migrations. Improving network performance, dashboard features, and automation would be beneficial. Pricing flexibility and seamless updates are desired. Additionally, better compatibility with Linux, scalabilit, and server management are necessary for improved performance.
  • "Identifying the server owner or the virtual machine owner is a difficult task for admins."
  • "There is room for improvement in the user interface, which could be more user-friendly."
  • "One feature I would like to see is better compatibility with macOS. Due to business policies, macOS isn't currently available in the Azure Marketplace. Microsoft should come to agreement with it."

ROI

Microsoft Virtual Server provides an impressive ROI by saving organizations time and reducing costs around 15%. Many see a nearly instant return due to its pay-as-you-go model, which eliminates upfront capital expenses. Users report ROI between twenty to thirty percent and find it affordable, saving approximately 50% compared to on-premises infrastructure. Its reliability and accessibility are also considered valuable benefits, further contributing to its cost-effectiveness.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers considering Microsoft Virtual Server often find it expensive, with costs perceived as high compared to market alternatives. Licensing options include perpetual and yearly models, with some users noting increased costs over time. While some report cost reductions via Microsoft's SaaS offering, others suggest price improvements, noting a need to separate purchases for additional components like ADF. Licensing flexibility exists but varies in cost, often impacting budgeting considerations. Users express mixed views on overall affordability.
  • "Microsoft Virtual Server’s licensing is expensive."
  • "Microsoft Virtual Server is a low-cost solution."
  • "The tool's cost has been taken care of with the help of Microsoft Fabric and with a consolidated or unified interface, where the entire product serves as a SaaS offering for the user."

Popular Use Cases

Microsoft Virtual Server is utilized for virtualizing environments, managing virtual machines, and running internal applications. Organizations use it for engineering, drafting, administration, and to centralize Active Directory and file servers while managing user access. Others deploy virtual desktops, run ERP systems, support different operating systems, test applications, and facilitate disaster recovery. It helps reduce hardware expenses and is often implemented in cloud and hybrid settings for authentication, application hosting, and improving network infrastructure.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for Microsoft Virtual Server receive mixed reactions. Many find technical support effective, often rating it between seven to nine out of ten. Some express frustration with response times and difficulty reaching support, leading to diminished satisfaction. Fast and efficient service is noted by some, while others rely on in-house expertise or tutorials. The cost of advanced support is a concern for some users, impacting their perception of value.

Deployment

Setup experiences for Microsoft Virtual Server vary. Many users found it easy and quick, particularly with cloud deployments and automation tools. They suggest that those with Microsoft server experience can manage it efficiently. However, others encountered complexity, needing support or guidance, especially for on-premise installations. Timeframes for deployment range from minutes to months, influenced by factors like network design and compatibility issues. Staffing needs depend on deployment complexity and maintenance requirements.

Scalability

Microsoft Virtual Server is widely regarded as scalable, adaptable for various organization sizes from small enterprises to large corporations. User numbers range significantly, with some organizations boasting hundreds to thousands of users. Ratings on scalability vary between seven and ten, underscoring its effectiveness across diverse industries. Feedback indicates it effectively supports growth and adapts to client needs, though some areas could still see enhancements in scalability functions.

Stability

Users frequently emphasize the stability of Microsoft Virtual Server, with ratings commonly between seven and ten. While many highlight reliable performance, some occasionally need a restart during updates. Several point out that it is robust and adaptable, yet suggest improvements with frequent updates. The tool's high rating is credited to natural adaptability and strong infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations for diverse workloads while maintaining stability.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Microsoft Virtual Server Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

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Learn more about Microsoft Virtual Server

Microsoft Virtual Server was previously known as Virtual Server, MS Virtual Server.

Microsoft Virtual Server customers

Paylocity, ASELSAN, Sochi Organizing Committee, Supervisor of Elections, Orange County, Florida, Netgem, Nav Canada, The British & Irish Lions

Related questions

  • 11
When evaluating Application Virtualization, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
  • 12
What advantages do you see with Citrix XenApp or Desktop Solutions?
  • 8
Any documentation about Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
  • 47
VMware Horizon View vs Citrix XenApp: which is the better product and why?
  • 53
What trends and challenges do you predict about Virtualization software for 2022?
  • 6
Do you have any PDF documentation for the Citrix Virtual Desktop solution?
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Why is Application Virtualization important for companies?

Product Categories

Product Categories
Application Virtualization

Popular Comparisons

Popular Comparisons
Numecent Cloudpager vs Microsoft Virtual Server Logo
Numecent Cloudpager vs Microsoft Virtual Server
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Microsoft Virtual Server Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Software Consultant at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees4.5I use Microsoft Virtual Server on Azure as an end-user for basic server tasks. It's stable, scalable, and cost-effective, though identifying VM owners is tough. Snapshots are helpful, and overall, the service has been satisfactory.
Senior Engineer Identity and Access at a government with 201-500 employees4.0I use Microsoft Virtual Server primarily for authentication and user management. Its performance, pricing, and PowerShell commands are valuable. However, the user interface needs improvement, and better integration and drag-and-drop features would enhance report formation and monitoring.
Department Manager, Certification Project Management at Institute for Information Industry4.0I've used Microsoft Virtual Server for around ten years and find it stable, cost-effective, and easy to manage, though some technical support can be costly. Overall, it's served our on-premises needs well alongside Microsoft Azure and Outlook.
Azure cloud support engineer at Tek Experts4.5I find Microsoft Virtual Server convenient for deploying various Windows versions quickly without needing physical hardware. It offers useful features like detachable storage and network security, but I wish it had better compatibility with macOS in the Azure Marketplace.
Student at Queens University Belfast3.5I found Microsoft Virtual Server convenient and compatible with Mac for using Windows tools, despite occasional lag issues. It's easier to use than other virtualization options but could improve in performance. Overall, it's a good alternative for virtualization needs.
IT Director at Library of Congress4.0I use Microsoft Virtual Server for application virtualization across multiple locations because it is easy to deploy and manage, improving our operational cost and efficiency. However, it needs better customization. We switched from physical servers for these benefits.
Co-Founder at Mandelbulb Technologies4.0In my company, we use Microsoft Virtual Server alongside Visual Studio Code for decision-making regarding PaaS or virtual machine deployment. While cost was a concern, Microsoft Fabric addresses this, potentially replacing Virtual Server with a unified service.
CEO at WilCom Systems Ltd3.5We find Microsoft Virtual Server valuable for its ease of use and performance, particularly with familiarity in Microsoft products. Its pay-as-you-go model offers immediate ROI. However, improving currency localization for pricing would be beneficial. We evaluated other cloud and on-premise options.