Windows Server offers enterprise-grade solutions with Active Directory, Hyper-V, and Azure integration. Known for its user-friendliness and stability, it is ideal for hosting applications and managing domains, promising scalability and seamless network management across environments.

| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Windows Server | 9.8% |
| Rocky Linux | 13.0% |
| Ubuntu Linux | 10.1% |
| Other | 67.1% |
| Type | Title | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Operating Systems (OS) for Business | Dec 29, 2025 | Download |
| Product | Reviews, tips, and advice from real users | Dec 29, 2025 | Download |
| Comparison | Windows Server vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) | Dec 29, 2025 | Download |
| Comparison | Windows Server vs Rocky Linux | Dec 29, 2025 | Download |
| Comparison | Windows Server vs Ubuntu Linux | Dec 29, 2025 | Download |
| Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Linux | 4.3 | 10.1% | 95% | 151 interviewsAdd to research |
| Rocky Linux | 4.3 | 13.0% | 100% | 18 interviewsAdd to research |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 65 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 35 |
| Large Enterprise | 77 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 451 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 231 |
| Large Enterprise | 624 |
Windows Server is integral for businesses needing reliable infrastructure for server virtualization and enterprise application deployment. It excels in integrating with Microsoft applications, providing robust support for database hosting, Active Directory management, and remote access. Users benefit from its comprehensive features supporting intense workloads, virtual setups, and efficient domain management. However, it could improve its port security, vulnerability monitoring, and interface intuitiveness. Pricing models also require adjustments to be competitive, and better integration with Linux would enhance system compatibility. Regular updates can impact stability, and the command-line interface could be more efficient compared to Linux.
What are Windows Server's key features?Windows Server is implemented across industries for virtual server hosting, enterprise application deployment, and managing complex IT infrastructures. Organizations use it for database hosting, Active Directory management, and leveraging Microsoft's ecosystem, supporting backend operations and enhancing communication security.
Rakuten, Rackspace, Tyco
| Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Manager, Information & Cloud Systems at a consultancy with 1,001-5,000 employees | 4.5 | I manage Windows Server, valuing its reliability and security improvements over the years. It's compatible with various software and platforms, though Azure Entra ID integration needs work. Despite this, the stability and return on investment are excellent. |
| Vice President, Technology Operations at InfoEdge India Ltd | 4.0 | I primarily use Windows Server for Microsoft workloads, including Dynamics and SQL Server. Its valuable features include Active Directory and security services, though it needs better protection against advanced threats. The ROI is strong, saving time and resources, supported by Azure. |
| Sys admin at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees | 4.5 | I use Windows Server primarily for file sharing with effective security permissions via NTFS and AD integration. While I haven't explored containers, Kubernetes, or failover clustering yet, Hyper-V's resource efficiency makes it appealing after moving away from VMware. |
| Team Manager at Waters Corporation | 4.5 | In my organization, based in India, we use Windows Server for our company and customers, valuing its easy network management. While ROI is positive, diagnostic improvements are needed for network issues. We trust Windows Server without considering alternatives, using Microsoft Azure. |
| Managing Director at Kvikna - where software is born | 4.0 | I've used Windows Server extensively with Hyper-V for over a decade; it meets our needs well, though the user interface could be improved. While generally satisfied, it's becoming outdated, and I'm exploring other storage solutions. |
| System Engineer at Alnajat charity | 4.0 | I use Windows Server as the primary operating system in our IT department, finding it suitable for our server needs. It's secure with regular updates, but older versions could improve stability and power efficiency for personal use. |
| Systems technician. IT Office at LNU | 5.0 | I run our IT infrastructure on Windows Server, enjoying its user-friendly features, strong security, and excellent support. Despite being slightly expensive, it integrates well with Microsoft 365 and Azure. I also use Red Hat Linux alongside it. |
| Senior Consutant at HCLSoftware | 4.5 | I use Windows Server within a Microsoft platform setup, including Active Directory and Azure. I find it highly effective and reliable, especially due to its ease of use and valuable enhancements in versions 2009 and 2002. |