Windows Server Reviews

Name: Windows Server
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.1 (193 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

193 reviews
94% willing to recommend

1,042 followers

What is Windows Server?

Windows Server is primarily used by organizations for hosting applications, deploying virtual machines, managing user accounts, and supporting enterprise infrastructures. It also assists in virtualization, remote access, web servers, and integrating with cloud environments.

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Windows Server is the #4 ranked solution in top Operating Systems for Business. PeerSpot users give Windows Server an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Windows Server is most commonly compared to Ubuntu Linux: Windows Server vs Ubuntu Linux. Windows Server is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 53% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 13% of all views.

Helped 858,038 peers since 2012

Featured Windows Server reviews

Jai Prakash Sharma

Vice President, Technology Operations at InfoEdge India Ltd

Maintenance of Windows Server varies by organization, but for us, it's not very difficult as we have in-house resources managing these tasks. However, it can become a bit tricky when we want to see a collated view of our security posture. Regarding AI integrations with Windows Server, Copilot adoption is progressing, though I have only experienced it on endpoints and not on the server side. We operate significant workloads on AI, but we consume those primarily on Linux rather than Windows Server. I don't have much experience regarding integration capabilities in Windows Server for AI workloads, so I may not be the right person to provide insights on that. Overall, I am quite happy with my experience using Windows Server. I don't have many constraints or concerns, so I would rate it eight out of ten.

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VIJAY RAGAVAN

Team Manager at Waters Corporation

Network configuration and management in Windows Server is very easy, providing fast deployment, plug and play capability, and simplified partition creation. This ease is crucial for us as we operate in analytical sciences with multiple laboratories. Additionally, backup work is facilitated by our own backup deployment managers, enhancing our management capabilities.

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NirajSingh

Relationship Manager at Cognizant

We are using Windows Server to connect our client software. We use it to access client systems and work on SQL databases Rather than purchasing and setting up infrastructure, we are using Windows Server, which obviously saves some costs. Windows Server is fulfilling our daily work-life purposes.…

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Windows Server mindshare

As of June 2025, the mindshare of Windows Server in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category stands at 9.2%, up from 8.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

PeerResearch reports based on Windows Server reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Operating Systems (OS) for Business	Jun 20, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jun 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	Windows Server vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)	Jun 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	Windows Server vs Ubuntu Linux	Jun 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	Windows Server vs Oracle Linux	Jun 20, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Ubuntu Linux	4.3	12.9%	95%	148 interviews Add to research
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)	4.4	9.3%	97%	325 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Windows Server features include Work Folder Synchronization for BYOD policy, Storage Tiering, integration with Azure AD, Hyper-V for virtualization, and PowerShell for administration. Active Directory offers robust policy management and evolves consistently. Its user-friendly interface ensures simple deployment and maintenance. The platform excels in performance, scalability, compatibility, and stability, supporting diverse applications and providing excellent security features like Windows Defender. Users find it reliable, flexible, and easy to configure, enhancing IT environments effectively.

"The Active Directory integration helps my organization manage permissions and maintain security policies effectively."
"Overall, I am quite happy with my experience using Windows Server."
"Several years of improvements have been made to the software itself."

Room for Improvement

Windows Server users report the need for improved security, particularly in integration, along with better performance and simplified management interfaces. The updates should be made more efficient. The pricing model requires reconsideration. Enhanced compatibility with other platforms and simplified setup processes could benefit users. Stability and the administrative process, including Active Directory management and patch management, need refinement to match the capabilities of competitors like Linux. Users also request finer controls for handling server roles.

"I cannot tell if the security enhancements such as Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection have contributed to protecting sensitive data."
"Regarding drawbacks of Windows Server, the solution can definitely be improved, as it is quite vulnerable since Windows is widely adopted in the industry, making it an easier target."
"The Entra ID Connect syncing tool could be improved. Though they moved the service to Azure and use an agent instead of having a dedicated server, it remains cumbersome to set up due to the differences between Entra ID and Active Directory."

ROI

Calculating ROI with Windows Server is challenging. Users note improved efficiency and less downtime but find exact monetary benefits elusive. Overall, Windows Server provides value through stability, efficient resources, and reduced dependence on external support. It offers cost-effectiveness despite price increases, often leading to cost savings via virtualization and Microsoft Cloud. While not everyone observes immediate financial gains, many believe the platform justifies its cost due to seamless operations and reliable support.

Pricing

Windows Server users experience complexity in licensing, with costs often described as expensive compared to alternatives like Linux. Licensing models, including core-based and perpetual, vary, making pricing challenging to navigate. Enterprises frequently face annual licensing fees, which can be bundled with other Microsoft products. While some find it moderately priced, others highlight high support and operational costs. Discounts are available for specific sectors or through enterprise agreements, but users often seek more affordability and simpler options.

"For the on-prem version, you need to go for a perpetual license. If I am planning to run ten operating systems, I will buy a pack of ten licenses, which will be cost-effective for me."
"The product was quite expensive."
"It is an expensive solution."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily utilize Windows Server for virtualization, hosting virtual machines on Hyper-V. It serves as a platform for running various applications such as Active Directory, DNS servers, SQL databases, and critical enterprise software like ERP and SharePoint. Many use it to support applications, facilitate group management and remote access, enable robust database services, and manage user authentication and file sharing. Companies also deploy it for cloud integration and security management.

Service and Support

Customers often find Microsoft's customer service efficient, with users appreciating the easy setup and accessibility. Technical support is mostly satisfactory, with some encountering slow response times. Many manage without contacting support due to the system's reliability, leveraging online resources and forums. While some praise quick resolution and responsiveness, others note it could improve, especially for complex issues. Satisfaction levels vary, highlighting the significance of having a contract for superior service.

Deployment

Most users found Windows Server's initial setup straightforward and uncomplicated. Installations typically took from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on complexity and user expertise. Users highlighted ease of use, with minimal technical support needed. Deployments often required one person, though larger infrastructures involved more staff. Training and familiarity with permissions were emphasized for optimizing the configuration process, especially with role and feature management. Virtual environments typically accelerated the installation process. Maintenance teams varied in size.

Scalability

Windows Server is viewed as highly scalable, with many praising its ability to expand horizontally and handle large user bases. Users can scale by increasing hardware resources like RAM or CPU, adding more servers, or leveraging virtualization. However, some note challenges, particularly with complex setups. Windows Server can handle varying numbers of users efficiently, facilitating both small and large organizations. Scalability ratings are generally high, reflecting its strong performance in diverse environments.

Stability

Users generally find Windows Server stable, with improvements noted since 2012. There are minimal bugs, crashes, or freezes, contributing to a reputation for reliability. While some mention room for improvement, many praise Windows Server's performance, citing better stability in newer versions like 2019 over older releases. Frequent updates are essential, yet they can occasionally introduce issues. Stability ratings frequently rank between eight and ten out of ten, highlighting widespread satisfaction among users.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Windows Server Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

13%

Government

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

University

Educational Organization

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Hospitality Company

Media Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Non Profit

Performing Arts

Insurance Company

Legal Firm

Outsourcing Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Pharma/Biotech Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Transportation Company

Consumer Goods Company

Compare Windows Server with alternative products

Learn more about Windows Server

As a key component in enterprise environments, Windows Server supports backend applications and operating systems. It's valued for its robust virtualization capabilities through Hyper-V, enabling organizations to efficiently manage resources and reduce costs. Active Directory facilitates management of user accounts and security policies. Additionally, it excels in hosting SQL databases, file-sharing, and executing communication tasks. The system's integration with Microsoft services enhances its adaptability in cloud deployments and network management. Performance and security features contribute to a reliable platform for managing diverse business operations.

What are the key features of Windows Server?

Active Directory: Simplifies user and resource management with centralized domain control.
Hyper-V: Offers efficient virtualization for deploying and managing virtual machines.
GUI: Enhances ease of use for hosting applications and managing directories.
PowerShell: Provides automation capabilities for streamlined administration.
Work Folder Synchronization: Ensures file availability across devices for flexibility.

What benefits should organizations consider?

Integration: Seamless compatibility with Microsoft products boosts productivity.
Scalability: Supports growing business demands with flexible resource management.
Security Features: Enhances data protection and compliance ease.
Cost Efficiency: Lowers operational costs through optimized resource utilization.

Windows Server is widely adopted in industries requiring stable, secure infrastructure solutions. Enterprises leverage its capabilities for managing databases, hosting business applications, and optimizing virtualization strategies. In sectors like finance and healthcare, enhanced security features and integration with cloud environments prove essential for meeting regulatory requirements and supporting data-intensive processes.