A virtual server allows you to independently configure the software and server environment to meet the needs of the project. That is why, when renting a VPS, it is important to choose the right operating system, which will determine the compatibility of programs, ease of administration, and stability of server operation.
Most often, users choose between operating systems from the Windows and Linux families. In this article, we will examine the features of both platforms, their advantages, disadvantages, and popular distributions for VPS servers.
Also read: Is it worth using a control panel on VPS?
Does the choice of operating system affect the appearance of the website? No. For visitors to the resource, it does not matter which OS is installed on the VPS server — this information is only important for administration and software operation.
At the same time, the operating system directly affects other parameters of server operation, including:
- cost of use;
- requirements for server resources;
- performance and stability of operation;
- level of security;
- complexity of administration;
- compatibility with programs, programming languages, and server services.
Let's take a closer look at these features.
Windows Server — a convenient solution for Microsoft infrastructure
Windows Server is often chosen for its user-friendly interface and simpler administration compared to Linux systems. The operating system regularly receives updates and support from Microsoft, and many tasks can be performed through a graphical interface without constant work with the console.
In some cases, using Windows Server is practically the only option — for example, if the project uses ASP.NET, Microsoft SQL Server, or other software specifically designed for the Microsoft ecosystem.
The main advantages of Windows Server are:
- a more user-friendly interface for users without deep knowledge of Linux;
- support for Microsoft technologies and specific corporate software;
- regular updates and official support;
- convenient remote access to the server.
At the same time, the system has certain features:
- the Windows Server license increases the cost of server rental;
- the OS requires more resources compared to most Linux distributions;
- more free server tools and control panels are available for Linux servers;
- Windows Server is less commonly used for traditional web hosting and typical Linux web projects.
Most often, Windows Server is used for corporate services, remote desktops, accounting systems, CRM, and software that requires Microsoft infrastructure.
Popular versions of Windows Server
Microsoft has been releasing server operating systems Windows Server since 2003. During this time, several generations of the OS have appeared, differing in supported technologies, security levels, virtualization capabilities, and administration tools.
Today, Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022 are most commonly used on servers. Older versions, including Windows Server 2008 and 2012, may still be found in some infrastructures, but their support is already limited or has ended.
Windows Server 2016
This version marked an important stage in the development of Windows Server and brought support for containerization, integration with Linux environments, and enhanced capabilities for cloud infrastructure. The system interface is largely similar to Windows 10, and the OS was actively used for corporate servers and virtualization.
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 builds on the capabilities of the previous version and receives improvements in security, hybrid cloud infrastructure, and working with containers. The system also supports Storage Migration Service — a tool for migrating servers and data between different versions of Windows Server.
Windows Server 2022
Windows Server 2022 is primarily focused on security and modern server infrastructure. Key features include support for TLS 1.3, a secured-core server, improved HTTPS traffic, and updated attack protection mechanisms.
Windows Server 2025
Windows Server 2025 is the latest current version of the server OS from Microsoft. It continues the development of cloud technologies, automation, containerization, and cybersecurity tools. The system has improved integration with Azure, updated administration tools, and performance optimization for modern server loads.
The choice of a specific version of Windows Server depends on the requirements of the software, compatibility of the infrastructure, and needs of the project. For new servers, it is usually recommended to use current versions with active support and modern security mechanisms.
Linux — the most popular OS for web servers and VPS
Linux is a family of open-source operating systems that is widely used for servers, hosting, and cloud infrastructure. It is Linux that is most often installed on VPS servers for running websites, web applications, databases, and server services.
One of the features of Linux is the large number of distributions and flexibility of configuration. The system allows you to adapt the server environment to specific tasks and use a wide range of free software.
The main advantages of Linux are:
- high performance and low resource requirements for the server;
- free use of most distributions and server software;
- stable operation and good optimization for web servers;
- high level of security and fewer threats compared to Windows systems;
- compatibility with popular CMS, web servers, and server technologies;
- support for various control panels and administration tools.
At the same time, Linux has its own features:
- full administration often requires knowledge of the command line and Linux systems;
- some software created for Windows infrastructure is not supported or requires additional configuration.
Thanks to a combination of performance, stability, and flexibility, Linux remains the primary operating system for most web projects and server infrastructure.
Popular Linux distributions for VPS
Linux has a large number of distributions that differ in administration approach, stability, package set, and application area. Some systems are better suited for web hosting and high-stability servers, while others are for corporate infrastructure, testing, or deep manual configuration.
Below we will look at the most popular Linux distributions currently used for VDS and server infrastructure.
Debian — one of the oldest and most stable Linux distributions, used for servers, hosting, and corporate infrastructure. Many other popular systems, including Ubuntu, are built on its basis.
The distribution is known for its stable operation, a large number of packages in repositories, and an active community. Debian is often used for web servers, databases, containerization, and server services where reliability and predictability of operation are important.
Ubuntu Server — one of the most popular server distributions of Linux, built on Debian. The system is considered more user-friendly for beginners and has a wealth of documentation and ready-made solutions.
Ubuntu is actively used for VPS, cloud infrastructure, Docker containers, web projects, and development servers. For servers, LTS versions with long-term support are most often used.
Gentoo — a distribution for experienced users and system administrators. Its main feature is flexible manual configuration and compilation of programs directly for a specific system.
Gentoo allows for maximum optimization of the server environment but requires deep technical knowledge and significantly more time for administration compared to other distributions.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux — a corporate Linux distribution with commercial support. It is used by large companies, data centers, and corporate infrastructures where stability, software certification, and official technical support are important.
RHEL is primarily focused on business environments, cloud platforms, and corporate servers.
Fedora — a modern Linux distribution supported by the community with the participation of Red Hat. New technologies often first appear in Fedora, which are later integrated into Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Fedora features up-to-date packages, rapid development, and good support for modern software. It is often used for testing, development, and working with new server technologies.
AlmaLinux — one of the most popular modern server distributions, created as a replacement for CentOS after the change in support policy for that project. The system is compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and is focused on stable operation of server infrastructure.
AlmaLinux is actively used for VPS, web servers, hosting, and corporate services due to its stability, free use, and long-term support.
Rocky Linux — another modern distribution that became an alternative to CentOS. The project was created by one of the founders of the original CentOS and is also aimed at full compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Rocky Linux quickly gained popularity in the server environment and is now often used for hosting, corporate servers, and cloud infrastructure.
Which operating system to choose for a VPS server
Windows and Linux have different approaches to working with server infrastructure, so the choice of operating system primarily depends on the tasks of the project and the software that is planned to be used.
Windows Server is usually chosen for corporate services, remote desktops, accounting systems, and programs related to the Microsoft ecosystem. The system is easier to master for many users but requires more server resources and additional licensing costs.
Linux distributions are most often used for websites, web applications, development servers, and hosting infrastructure. Such systems are characterized by high performance, stability, and lower resource requirements, but administration often requires technical knowledge and experience working with the Linux environment.
Before purchasing a VDS, it is important to consider the compatibility of the operating system with the required programs, the level of server load, and your own administration experience. The correctly chosen OS will help ensure stable server operation and comfortable management of the infrastructure.