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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
August 2025
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Microsoft Virtual Server mindshare

As of August 2025, the mindshare of Microsoft Virtual Server in the Application Virtualization category stands at 2.0%, 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 Server2.0%
Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)27.3%
Microsoft App-V22.7%
Other48.0%
Application Virtualization

PeerResearch reports based on Microsoft Virtual Server reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryApplication VirtualizationAug 27, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersAug 27, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Virtual Server vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)Aug 27, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Virtual Server vs Microsoft App-VAug 27, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Virtual Server vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)Aug 27, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Numecent Cloudpager4.515.2%100%1 interviewAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Microsoft Virtual Server offers valuable features including ease of resource allocation, excellent stability, user-friendly setup, and robust monitoring capabilities. It enhances security, supports seamless network integration, and is highly scalable. Users appreciate its ability to copy, move, and manage virtual servers easily, ensuring optimized cost and performance. It provides compatibility with various operating systems, facilitates efficient server management, and enhances cybersecurity with features such as network security groups.
  • "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."
  • "The tool is productive and performs well. The server speed is also fast."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft Virtual Server requires enhancements in areas like stability, support speed, and integration. Pricing needs reconsideration, and the interface and dashboard should be more user-friendly. Microsoft Virtual Server's compatibility with certain operating systems is problematic. Improvements in automation, network performance, security, and customization are necessary. Licensing costs and backup features should be optimized. Additionally, Microsoft Virtual Server must reduce update frequency and enhance compatibility with macOS while providing better onboarding and reporting features.
  • "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."
  • "We've faced challenges with migrating virtual machines from one host to another. Also, managing Microsoft updates has been a struggle. We have to update the host node every month when new updates are released, and our virtual machines go down every time there's an update. This causes downtime repeatedly and irritates our clients. It should also be lightweight."

ROI

Microsoft Virtual Server offers a rapid return on investment due to its pay-as-you-go model, eliminating the need for upfront capital expenses. Users report around 15% savings in time and cost reductions. The return ranges between 20% to 30% and is appreciated for its reliability and accessibility.

Pricing

Microsoft Virtual Server's pricing is perceived as high by many enterprise users, with some acquiring perpetual licenses and others opting for monthly or yearly plans. Licensing fees can be significant, although there are reports of cost efficiency with Microsoft's subscription option. Users note that despite the expensive nature, comprehensive solutions like Microsoft Fabric potentially provide value by consolidating various services. Pricing strategies vary significantly based on user requirements and deployment scales.
  • "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

Companies primarily use Microsoft Virtual Server to virtualize environments, reducing reliance on physical servers by leveraging Hyper-V technology. It enables centralization of Active Directory, application management, and virtual desktop creation for remote work. Microsoft Virtual Server supports testing, application deployment, and managing virtual machines for ERP systems. Organizations use it to streamline cloud operations, reduce hardware costs, and enhance disaster recovery. It also facilitates user management, system backups, and secure remote access.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for Microsoft Virtual Server receive mixed feedback. Some users praise the efficiency and speed of service, while others express dissatisfaction due to slow response times and difficulty in reaching support. Technical assistance is globally available, yet many have avoided needing it thanks to smooth operation. Some rate the support highly when the product team is involved, but costs for advanced aid can be a concern.

Deployment

The initial setup of Microsoft Virtual Server varies in complexity. Some find it straightforward, while others encounter challenges requiring support. Deployment time ranges from minutes to several hours and depends on the environment and resources, such as a cloud-based or on-premises setup. Staff requirements for setup and maintenance differ, with some teams needing multiple people. Familiarity with Microsoft servers, network considerations, and security measures are crucial for a successful setup process.

Scalability

Microsoft Virtual Server is recognized for its scalability, supporting various user sizes, from small enterprises to large organizations. While many rate its scalability highly, some suggest improvement. User numbers range widely, with some reporting thousands of users. Technical staff is often required for maintenance. Many reviewers believe the platform fitting for multiple sectors, with reports of no significant limitations in scaling, despite a small number indicating more constraints.

Stability

Microsoft Virtual Server is consistently stable, with users frequently offering ratings between seven and ten for stability. Numerous administrators appreciate its reliability and accessible features, though occasional system restarts during updates are noted. Most users have not encountered critical issues, finding it robust and reliable. Several individuals mention its adaptability to evolving requirements and varying workload needs, enhancing its stability perception.
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

  • 9
When evaluating Application Virtualization, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
  • 10
What advantages do you see with Citrix XenApp or Desktop Solutions?
  • 5
Any documentation about Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
  • 37
VMware Horizon View vs Citrix XenApp: which is the better product and why?
  • 47
What trends and challenges do you predict about Virtualization software for 2022?
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Why is Application Virtualization important for companies?

Product Categories

Product Categories
Application Virtualization

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Microsoft Virtual Server Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
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.
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.
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.
Sr. Technical Support Engineer at Netcon Technologies India Private Limited3.5I find Microsoft Virtual Server's security, integration, and interface valuable, though improvements are needed in features like recording manager, failover, pricing, and scalability. These areas have shortcomings that require development to enhance the overall experience.