What is Windows Server Hosting?
Windows Server hosting uses Microsoft's Windows Server operating system to host websites and applications. Unlike Linux hosting - which runs open-source software - Windows hosting requires a paid Microsoft licence, which makes it more expensive. However, for applications built on Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET, MSSQL, and C# - Windows Server is the required environment. Webomatic primarily uses Linux hosting for client websites but advises on Windows hosting when the specific project demands it.
What Technologies Require Windows Server Hosting?
Windows Server is specifically needed when your website or application is built on Microsoft's technology stack. This includes ASP.NET, ASP Classic, C#, VB.NET, and Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL). These technologies do not run on Linux. If your business has an existing desktop software built in .NET that needs a web interface, or uses Microsoft Access databases online, Windows hosting is likely required. Webomatic helps clients identify the right server environment based on their technology stack.
- ASP.NET and C# web applications require IIS (Internet Information Services) on a Windows Server.
- MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server) is a Windows-exclusive database - it cannot run on Linux hosting.
- ASP Classic pages (.asp extension) will only run on Windows hosting with IIS configured properly.
- Microsoft SharePoint and Exchange Server are enterprise products that require Windows Server environment.
- PHP and MySQL websites can technically run on Windows but perform far better on Linux hosting.
How is Windows Server Different from Linux Server for Hosting?
The most significant differences are cost, control panel, and compatible technologies. Windows hosting costs more due to Microsoft licensing fees. Linux hosting uses cPanel while Windows hosting typically uses Plesk. Linux is case-sensitive for file names (index.php is different from Index.php) while Windows is not. Linux tends to be faster and more stable for standard web hosting workloads. For PHP websites, Linux is almost always the better choice - and Webomatic builds all PHP-based client sites on Linux.
- Windows hosting costs 20 to 40% more than equivalent Linux hosting due to Microsoft licensing fees.
- Plesk is the most common control panel for Windows hosting - similar to cPanel but for Windows environments.
- Linux file names are case-sensitive - a very common source of errors when migrating from Windows to Linux.
- Windows Server requires more frequent reboots during updates compared to Linux servers.
- Both Linux and Windows hosting can run PHP - but Linux consistently delivers better PHP performance.
When Should a Business in India Choose Windows Server Hosting?
Most businesses in India - especially small and medium enterprises - do not need Windows hosting. It is primarily relevant for companies that have invested in Microsoft's development ecosystem - ASP.NET applications, MSSQL databases, or SharePoint portals. If you are building a new website from scratch using PHP or WordPress, always choose Linux. Webomatic evaluates every client's technical requirements and recommends the correct server environment so you do not pay unnecessarily for Windows licensing.
- Choose Windows hosting only if your application is specifically built on ASP.NET, C#, or MSSQL.
- For WordPress, PHP, or any standard website - Linux hosting is always cheaper and better performing.
- If you are migrating an old ASP or .NET website, check if it can be rewritten in PHP before moving hosting.
- Government and enterprise projects in India sometimes mandate Windows Server for compliance reasons.
- Webomatic helps clients make an informed hosting decision - avoiding unnecessary Windows hosting expenses.
Choosing between Linux and Windows server hosting is a technical decision with real business implications - primarily cost and compatibility. For most Indian businesses, Linux is the right choice. But when your technology stack demands Windows, Webomatic helps you navigate that option too. We have been providing hosting advisory and management services to businesses across Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and India since 2008. Contact us at webomatic.in for the right hosting guidance.