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Rocky Linux vs Windows Server comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Rocky Linux
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
5th
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.8
Number of Reviews
5
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Windows Server
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
4th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
188
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Rocky Linux is 15.5%, up from 9.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Windows Server is 9.1%, up from 8.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Dominique Locksley - PeerSpot reviewer
Very simple to work with, easy to learn, and has a competitive pricing
The UX design, the user front end, and the user GUI are very well done on the GNOME and KDE platform side. It's very simple to work with, easy to learn, and know where things are. I have worked with a lot of different solutions like Debian, Ubuntu, Red Hat, and CentOS. Rocky Linux is very easy, and if you switch from one to the other, you can easily detect your tools in the front end. Since it is very similar to the file system breakdown of downloads and documents, it's very easy to show users where things will be.
VIJAY RAGAVAN - PeerSpot reviewer
Facilitate fast deployment and seamless network management in global enterprise environments
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.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The most valuable feature of the solution is its stability."
"It helps us keep our workstations in sync and ensures consistent settings across most of our machines."
"It's very simple to work with, easy to learn, and know where things are."
"The custom install scripts streamline the setup process, making it straightforward."
"I haven't needed to use customer service or support, which speaks volumes about their product's reliability and ease of use."
"I'm using all the features within it and find them all quite helpful."
"We chose Windows Server because it is easy to use, and easy to maintain."
"The stability and performance are great."
"I like that it's simple and the users are happy."
"This solution is very user friendly, easy to use for any system administrator, simple to deploy applications, has a wide range of applications available, great UI, and takes less technical skills to operate than some other competitors."
"It is easy to use, and its performance is good."
"If everything is configured correctly this solution provides high performance. Building a Failover Cluster is comparatively much easier in Windows Server than any of the Linux-based solutions."
"I find Windows Server valuable for its flexibility and user-friendly interface."
 

Cons

"I have certain problems with the tool's DNS part, making it an area where improvements are required."
"In terms of improvement, Rocky Linux needs to clarify its identity and target audience."
"Improved integration with Windows, particularly Active Directory, would be beneficial for the product. Currently, this aspect requires additional effort."
"The solution's audio integration for virtual machines could be improved."
"One of the potential issues is that if you don't pay for support, you may need to manage certain aspects on your own and rely on the community for assistance."
"The product's user interface upgrades and firewall services need improvement."
"I'd like to be able to separate the services offered."
"Sometimes the PowerShell has an overly complicated syntax."
"The solution could improve by being more secure."
"The solution is old so it is not user friendly. I assume that he newer versions would be better than our current one."
"There should be the ability to add other databases to be installed and configured instead of going to other virtual machines. They should be better integrated so they are all in one place."
"The solution could improve by being more user-friendly."
"The security could be improved."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The product is expensive. I rate the pricing a three."
"Compared to the market prices of other tools, the solution has a very competitive pricing."
"The cost is relatively high."
"Windows Server is highly priced."
"We have purchased Windows Server’s yearly license."
"There is a license required and it is on an annual basis."
"There is a license needed for this solution."
"The price of the solution could improve."
"There is a licensing fee."
"Licensing fees are paid on a yearly basis."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
University
12%
Educational Organization
10%
Comms Service Provider
10%
Computer Software Company
13%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
9%
University
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Rocky Linux?
It's very simple to work with, easy to learn, and know where things are.
What needs improvement with Rocky Linux?
Improved integration with Windows, particularly Active Directory, would be beneficial for the product. Currently, this aspect requires additional effort.
What is your primary use case for Rocky Linux?
I use the solution in my company to do some automation stuff to run Ansible, and it has an administration server to provide all the Linux control like a client node can be connected to that master ...
What needs improvement with Windows Server?
I think there is room for improvement in the stability of older versions. Additionally, Windows Server could be more power-efficient, especially for individuals doing labs or studies on personal co...
What is your primary use case for Windows Server?
Windows Server ( /products/windows-server-reviews ) is the operating system we run on our servers. We use it in the IT department, primarily as the OS for our servers.
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Information Not Available
Rakuten, Rackspace, Tyco
Find out what your peers are saying about Rocky Linux vs. Windows Server and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
849,686 professionals have used our research since 2012.