Windows or Linux server: which should you rent?

Choose Windows when

You need Windows-only software such as MetaTrader, Tally or Adobe tools, or you want a familiar desktop. Windows servers are reached with Remote Desktop and include the Windows Server licence in the price.

Choose Linux when

You run websites, databases, scripts or command-line tools. Linux has no licence fee, so the same hardware costs less, and it uses fewer resources at idle.

Cost

The difference is the licence. On our plans, Windows adds a per-vCPU licence to the monthly price, so a Windows server costs noticeably more than a Linux server with the same specifications.

Switching later

You can reinstall with a different operating system from the client area. A reinstall wipes the disk, so back up your data first.

Our suggestion

If your software runs on Linux, start there. If it only runs on Windows, choose Windows and pick the smallest size that runs it comfortably.