I primarily use it for my day-to-day business tasks.
Programma / Project Manager at a transportation company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Easy to set up, scalable, and secure
Pros and Cons
- "The solution has a sufficient amount of stability and performance that meets my needs."
- "The cost to use the solution is quite high."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
As an end-user, the experience of the solution is that it's very reliable. It just works. As long as it doesn't affect my daily operation and we can work safely and securely with each other, that's all I care about.
The solution has a sufficient amount of stability and performance that meets my needs.
I can work securely and all the files are easily accessible.
The initial setup is very simple and straightforward.
The scalability potential is quite good.
What needs improvement?
The cost to use the solution is quite high.
Our main problem is the Citrix environment we're still in. However, we're migrating from that to the Windows 10 environment, so Citrix will be out within two or three years. Therefore, performance is not really an issue - on the operating system at least.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for more than three years at this point, It's been a while now.
Buyer's Guide
Windows Server
May 2025

Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2025.
856,873 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable and the performance is good. I've found it to be reliable. It doesn't give me trouble. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution can scale if you need it to.
We have about 70,000 users on this product currently.
How are customer service and support?
I don't have any experience with technical support. I cannot speak to how helpful or responsive they are.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did not previously use a different solution. It's always been Windows, although we may at some point have also used Unbuntu Linux.
How was the initial setup?
The initial implementation is easy. It's not overly complex or difficult. It's just pushed with the build we have and that way it doesn't affect the end-user. It's just ready to go. We find that the installation is simple and efficient.
While we have a technical team of about 5,000 or 6,000 users, I'm not sure how many were involved in the initial deployment.
What about the implementation team?
The initial setup was handled internally. They did it themselves. There's sufficient knowledge of the Windows Server products to do it in-house. We have a rather large IT department. It's over 5,000 people.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is quite high on Microsoft products. It would be ideal if they were made to be more affordable.
With the magnitude of our organization, every three years, a proper review of the contracts would be handled.
Although it's my understanding that we have some special deal with Microsoft, I cannot speak to the exact cost or the licensing agreement that was reached.
What other advice do I have?
We are customers and end-users of the product.
In general, if you're asking me if I'm happy with Windows Server, yes, I am.
On a scale from one to ten, I would rate it at an eight. I'm satisfied with its overall capabilities.
I would recommend the solution to other users and organizations.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

VP Global Information Technology at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
Easy to set up with good performance and helpful technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The stability and performance are great."
- "We've had a few minor compatibility issues."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for hosting applications. We have six applications, which are VMs.
What is most valuable?
The stability and performance are great.
The initial setup is pretty straightforward.
The solution can scale.
Technical support is great.
What needs improvement?
We've had a few minor compatibility issues.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Windows Server for 20 to 25 years at this point. It's likely been over two decades. We've used it for quite a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is extremely stable and the performance has been great. The product doesn't crash or freeze. We don't experience bugs or glitches. It's a reliable system.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is good. We moved from the 2012 version to the 2019 version and found that the scalability has improved.
We have about 10,000 users on the solution currently.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support has been fine. We are satisfied with the level of support we get.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used the 2012 version and have since moved to the 2019 version of Windows Server.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was very straightforward for us. We didn't run into any issues and didn't find any complexities or difficulties. We upgraded from the 2012 to the 2019 version and that took us about one day. It was pretty fast.
We have a team of about 15 technicians that can handle deployment and maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
We did not use a consultant or integrator when we did the implementation. We handled it ourselves, in-house. We were quite capable of handling the process internally.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay a yearly licensing fee.
What other advice do I have?
We are using the 2019 version of the solution, which is the latest.
I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten.
I would recommend the solution to other organizations and companies.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Windows Server
May 2025

Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2025.
856,873 professionals have used our research since 2012.
SAP Architecture Manager at a consultancy with 11-50 employees
Problem-free, extremely stable, and scales well
Pros and Cons
- "The product can scale very well."
- "If it had more integration capabilities, that would be ideal."
What is our primary use case?
The solution is used both as a security measure and basically for all operating systems which are mostly for the ERP systems. They need to be installed in a Windows Server so that it has a link to the domain. It makes it a secure network.
What is most valuable?
The Windows Server is mostly to host our SAP application. It's just that basic operating system. We are using the backend as a database, a Microsoft SQL Server is there also in front of them.
Over the ten years we have used the servers, we've never had a problem. They are robust and reliable.
The solution is quite stable.
The product can scale very well.
What needs improvement?
We could always use more security on the product.
If it had more integration capabilities, that would be ideal.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using the solution for about ten years now. It's been a decade or so. We've had it for a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is reliable and the performance is great. We literally never have any issues. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution scales quite well. If we need to expand it, it has the capacity to do so.
Windows Server acts basically as the SAP application that is being hosted on this server. We have not given access to our internal employees. Basically, we give access of SAP to several of our clients and there are more than 200 people using SAP and the backend Windows Server.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is from the provider. So they are the ones who contact the Microsoft support team if there is an issue with the server.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also use Windows 10.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is handled by our service providers. I do not handle the implementation process myself. Everything comes pre-installed and ready to go.
Maintenance is being done by the hosting service provider. We don't maintain the operating system; they do it from their end.
What about the implementation team?
The installation is done by the hosting service providers. They provide us the servers in which they pre-install Windows Server 2019. That comes as part of the servers which we take from the internet solution providers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We don't pay for the license. That is as part of a contract in which we pay a monthly charge for having the servers in the hosted environment.
What other advice do I have?
We have several servers. The oldest are the 2012 versions. The newest servers we have are from 2019.
I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten. I cannot say enough that, over the decade of use, we have had zero issues. It's been great.
I'd definitely recommend the product to other users and companies.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Founder at a non-profit with 1-10 employees
Integrates well with application, stable, and PowerShell only installation beneficial
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is this solution integrates very well with all Microsoft and all other mainstream software solutions and the design is very good. Windows has an option now allowing you to just install the Windows Core with the PowerShell without any graphical services running."
- "I used to like the graphical interface and graphical philosophy in previous versions of Windows Server. I am not able to be as fast and efficient as I used to be using a graphical interface. However, Windows has moved to the PowerShell, it is powerful, but is still limited compared to what we do can do in Linux. Linux was built at the beginning of the command line interfaces which is why they have a very powerful command line."
What is our primary use case?
We are using this solution as a server operating system.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is this solution integrates very well with all Microsoft and all other mainstream software solutions and the design is very good. Windows has an option now allowing you to just install the Windows Core with the PowerShell without any graphical services running.
What needs improvement?
I used to like the graphical interface and graphical philosophy in previous versions of Windows Server. I am not able to be as fast and efficient as I used to be using a graphical interface. However, Windows has moved to the PowerShell, it is powerful, but is still limited compared to what we do can do in Linux. Linux was built at the beginning of the command line interfaces which is why they have a very powerful command line.
When you work on the command line you can make scripts and then use them every time you want to complete a task. You can capitalize on past experiences by using a script to simplify them, such as when you need to install something or do configurations. Making those tasks faster and simplified. You end up saving a lot of time by using the command line which is best for administrators and the graphical interface is best for the end-user.
You can not do most of the automation on Windows that you can on Linux, it is not the same thing. Windows is improving but it is not at the same level as Linux.
When using a graphical interface it tends to have more bugs, vulnerabilities and weakens the server. Normally we install Linux on big servers that do not have any graphical interfaces inside. The fewer services you run the better it with be for security. We prefer most of the time installing Windows without the graphical interface.
Overall Windows for us is more difficult and less efficient than Linux.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server for approximately 25 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. However, when you start putting in some extra layers, such as data intelligence inside, then problems tend to start happening.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have been using Microsoft Windows Server solutions for a long time. We started with Windows NT then switched to Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, and all the way up to this current version. Additionally, we work with Linux and Windows 10.
How was the initial setup?
It is easy to do some types of deployments with Windows dedicated networks.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We have evaluated Linux and other Windows systems.
What other advice do I have?
I recently started using my Windows 10 with the Linux Subsystem for Windows, to install and administer all my Linux servers worldwide. I can run a DBM on the Linux Subsystem for Windows, Ubuntu, or Kali Linux, and can access my servers worldwide. Having Linux Subsystem running inside Windows 10, I have been enjoying using the operating system much more.
I cannot install a virtual machine inside the Subsystems which I do very easily on any Linux distribution. Additionally, after installing a virtual machine on Linux, the virtual machine will be more powerful than the Linux Subsystem for Windows. If Microsoft was able to achieve the same level of a virtual machine, then it will be very good for us to start doing many more operations inside of Windows.
I rate Windows Server a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
SA at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees
Enables you to use as a NFS file sharing space and has GUI
Pros and Cons
- "From the very beginning, I have been using a Windows-based OS so for me, it's very easy because it's GUI compared to command line or something Linux-based."
- "The only thing that could be improved is the price."
- "The license is a one-time purchase. The cost could be less expensive. We have education pricing, so it's okay now because we pay less than other agencies."
What is our primary use case?
Currently, we are trying to use the solution as the host for a specific system. Another use case is as NFS files sharing space.
The solution is deployed on-premise.
What is most valuable?
From the very beginning, I have been using a Windows-based OS so for me, it's very easy because it's GUI compared to command line or something Linux-based. I prefer GUI, so Windows is very good for me.
What needs improvement?
The only thing that could be improved is the price.
I just installed the evaluation because I got the license product key, so I need to activate it. But to my surprise, I cannot activate the evaluation version so I need to recreate the VMs using the ISO that Microsoft gives to me.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for around two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We haven't had any issues with stability. We have about eight people using the solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I haven't had any issues with the scalability because I'm using virtualization.
How are customer service and support?
When I wanted to activate the Windows Server using the product key that I have just purchased, I used Microsoft support in Malaysia. They wanted me to forward the problem to the Microsoft support machine. It's very fast and they will respond even at night.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I haven't used any other solutions because my IT career began with using Windows.
How was the initial setup?
The solution was easy to install. It didn't take longer than 10 minutes. We have two engineers for maintenance.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The license is a one-time purchase. The cost could be less expensive. We have education pricing, so it's okay now because we pay less than other agencies.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution 9 out of 10. I recommend this solution.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Sr. Network Administrator at ACMC
Good integration and easy to use
Pros and Cons
- "One of the most valuable features of Windows Server is that it is easy to use. Also, with Windows, everything is integrated."
- "Windows Server could be improved with cheaper licensing costs."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case of Windows Server is running our business applications, such as ERP.
This solution is deployed on-premises.
What is most valuable?
One of the most valuable features of Windows Server is that it is easy to use. Also, with Windows, everything is integrated.
What needs improvement?
Windows Server could be improved with cheaper licensing costs.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Windows Server for more than 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows Server is stable, and we have had no problems.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of this solution seems good.
We have more than 150 people in our organization using this solution. We don't currently have plans to increase our usage.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before implementing Windows Server, we used Oracle Linux. We switched to Windows Server because, when we upgraded, the integration was good with the FieldServer.
How was the initial setup?
For installation, 2016 took even less time than 2012. '16 takes maybe fifteen to twenty minutes, maximum. I can handle the installation myself.
For deployment and maintenance, we have a team of one or two people.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented this solution through an in-house team.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
To use Windows Server, we pay for licensing yearly. The licensing cost should be cheaper—it is expensive and should not cost that much.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Windows Server a ten out of ten. I would recommend Windows Server to others, but it depends on their requirements. We can meet our requirements with Windows because we have a Microsoft ERP. It has good performance with the Windows Server, which is why we use this solution.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Lead DevOps Engineer at Etisalat
Satisfied with performance and stability
Pros and Cons
- "A valuable feature of Windows Server has been the performance. We have done all the redundancy and fault tolerance things to protect our servers and, so far, so good."
- "As for additional features, we are very interested in the new feature released by Windows: Azure Virtual Desktop. We are currently exploring it so that instead of people depending on their own desktop, we could work on Azure Virtual Desktop. Integration with Azure Virtual Desktop would be cool."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case of Windows Server is application support. We have applications such as SAP-based or web-based solutions that we use through Citrix-based solutions. We deploy it on Azure.
What is most valuable?
A valuable feature of Windows Server has been the performance. We have done all the redundancy and fault tolerance things to protect our servers and, so far, so good.
What needs improvement?
As for additional features, we are very interested in the new feature released by Windows: Azure Virtual Desktop. We are currently exploring it so that instead of people depending on their own desktop, we could work on Azure Virtual Desktop. Integration with Azure Virtual Desktop would be cool.
For how long have I used the solution?
We recently began using Windows Server.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This solution is stable and we're satisfied with the performance.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We enabled scalability, but haven't scaled it much. We have a limited set of users, so the scalability feature is not really in use.
There are many end users, but there are less than 10 people managing this solution. We don't currently have plans to increase our usage because we are happy with the current capacity. We may decide to increase our usage later, but it depends on the solution and new requirements.
How are customer service and support?
We have contacted Microsoft's technical support. We used to have weekly and monthly meetings with them, so we got up-to-date directly from Microsoft support, which were were happy with.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We didn't use a different solution previously. We went directly for Microsoft because the solution is only supported by Microsoft, so we've never tried any other operating system.
How was the initial setup?
The installation was easy. We didn't do it directly because we have an Infrastructure as Code setup, with Terraform, so we were able to do it very easily. As for the time frame, if you go for a manual process, it will take five or ten minutes, but using code, you can deploy the solutions in less than a minute. We managed it ourselves, without any support.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented this solution through an in-house team.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I'm not involved much in the payment part, but I believe that we pay a yearly subscription for licensing.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Windows Server an eight out of ten. I would recommend it to others who are considering implementation.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Software Consultant at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Simple to set up and use
Pros and Cons
- "The feature that I have found most valuable is the Active Directory. I have had good experience with Windows Server."
- "The Active Directory synchronization on Azure. This is something which was not easy to do. Using Azure Active Directory, I was trying to sync and this was not straightforward. This process could be more simplified."
What is our primary use case?
I just use Windows Server to install third party software, things like data integration tools and BI tools. One of the uses was to set up an on-prem Active Directory. So these kinds of things.
What is most valuable?
The feature that I have found most valuable is the Active Directory. I have had good experience with Windows Server. I haven't had any issues
What needs improvement?
In terms of what could be improved, I would say the Active Directory synchronization on Azure. This is something which was not easy to do. Using Azure Active Directory, I was trying to sync and this was not straightforward. This process could be more simplified.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server for the past eight, nine years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable product.
In terms of the maintenance it requires, maybe there are some regular updates. We do make some backups as well. But this is a lab environment, we don't have much sensitive information stored here.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Windows Server is easy to scale.
We have 15 people using it.
How are customer service and support?
I do have experience with Microsoft support in general, but not related to Windows Server.
In general, my experience with Microsoft support is good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
If we are talking about Windows like Windows 11 or Windows 10 versus Mac OS? For personal use, I believe Mac is overall simpler and has a better user experience. It is a little bit more robust. I just prefer the way the application installations are done and services are managed within the Mac OS.
But for work, I cannot compare Mac OS to a Windows Server. I can compare Mac OS to Windows 10 or Windows 11.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was a simple one. It took maybe an hour.
What about the implementation team?
I did it by myself and we had a bunch of engineers as well, who were working on it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is a fair price. For Microsoft overall, we have a subscription with Office. So there is also a bundle for Windows.
The price is good. It is cheaper than Mac OS. In this case, it's better in terms of price.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend Windows Server because it's just easier to use for some people than Red Hat. That's the main thing - it is easier to use and maintain versus other operating systems within the Linux space.
On a scale of one to ten, let's be generous and give Windows Server an eight.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

Buyer's Guide
Download our free Windows Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Updated: May 2025
Product Categories
Operating Systems (OS) for BusinessPopular Comparisons
Ubuntu Linux
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Oracle Linux
Rocky Linux
SUSE Linux Enterprise
CentOS
openSUSE Leap
Windows 10
Windows 11
Oracle Solaris
Google Chrome Enterprise
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Windows Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Quick Links
Learn More: Questions:
- Which is better, Windows Server or Windows 10?
- Which would you choose, Oracle Linux or Oracle Windows Server?
- What operating system will be a good alternative for SLES?
- Oracle Linux or RHEL; Which Would You Recommend?
- What change management solution do you recommend for users to adapt to Windows 10 updates?
- What operating system do you use in your business?
- When evaluating Enterprise Linux, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
- What is the best Windows MSI installer?
- Which operative system would be a good alternative for DevOps?
- What features do you look for in an operating system?