Windows Server Reviews

Name: Windows Server
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.1 (195 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

195 reviews
94% willing to recommend

What is Windows Server?

Windows Server offers enterprise-grade solutions with Active Directory, Hyper-V, and Azure integration. Known for its user-friendliness and stability, it is ideal for hosting applications and managing domains, promising scalability and seamless network management across environments.

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Windows Server is the #5 ranked solution in top Operating Systems for Business. PeerSpot users give Windows Server an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Windows Server is most commonly compared to Ubuntu Linux: Windows Server vs Ubuntu Linux. Windows Server is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 48% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 12% of all views.

Helped 875,455 peers since 2012

Featured Windows Server reviews

Gustavo Schleider

Manager, Information & Cloud Systems at a consultancy with 1,001-5,000 employees

It's difficult to see improvements when using it daily. They improved compatibility with other platforms, such as Linux. One improvement I was thinking about some years ago was the ability to manage an on-premises server from Azure. Now, they have created Azure Arc, and we are using it as a very good way of managing on-premises servers. What can be improved is on the Azure side. With Active Directory on the server side and Entra ID on the Azure side in our hybrid environment, we find issues with data syncing to Entra ID. In Entra ID, Microsoft omitted some parameters. In Active Directory, you can put an expiring date to an account, but you cannot do that in Entra ID. We have other means of doing that, but it's common to have consultants working for six months, requiring account expiration or renewal processes. The Entra ID Connect syncing tool could be improved. Though they moved the service to Azure and use an agent instead of having a dedicated server, it remains cumbersome to set up due to the differences between Entra ID and Active Directory.

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Jai Prakash Sharma

Vice President, Technology Operations at InfoEdge India Ltd

Maintenance of Windows Server varies by organization, but for us, it's not very difficult as we have in-house resources managing these tasks. However, it can become a bit tricky when we want to see a collated view of our security posture. Regarding AI integrations with Windows Server, Copilot adoption is progressing, though I have only experienced it on endpoints and not on the server side. We operate significant workloads on AI, but we consume those primarily on Linux rather than Windows Server. I don't have much experience regarding integration capabilities in Windows Server for AI workloads, so I may not be the right person to provide insights on that. Overall, I am quite happy with my experience using Windows Server. I don't have many constraints or concerns, so I would rate it eight out of ten.

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AndreyKolmakov

Sys admin at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees

The Active Directory integration helps my organization manage permissions and maintain security policies effectively. The security groups are perfect for what I need. I can give groups of users access to specific subfolders easily through the AD security group instead of adding users individually. You simply add them to a security group and the rest of it follows. This is a good mechanism. It definitely saves my team a lot of time. It's hard to say exactly how much time it saves, but imagine you need to add five new users to a share. Instead of going in, logging in, and finding the user, I just add the members to the group. Click okay, apply, and they have access to the network shares. I don't even need to access the server directly, which is a nice part of it.

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Operating Systems (OS) for Business Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Windows Server	10.0%
Rocky Linux	13.6%
Ubuntu Linux	10.8%
Other	65.6%

Type	Title	Date
Category	Operating Systems (OS) for Business	Nov 25, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Nov 25, 2025	Download
Comparison	Windows Server vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)	Nov 25, 2025	Download
Comparison	Windows Server vs Ubuntu Linux	Nov 25, 2025	Download
Comparison	Windows Server vs Rocky Linux	Nov 25, 2025	Download

Suggested products

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Ubuntu Linux	4.3	10.8%	95%	150 interviews Add to research
Rocky Linux	4.3	13.6%	100%	18 interviews Add to research

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 2, 2025

Valuable Features

Valuable features of Windows Server include Work Folder Synchronization for data access, Storage Tiering for faster data retrieval, integration with Azure, Hyper-V for resource management, updated PowerShell, Active Directory for policy management, user-friendly interface, security improvements, compatibility with Microsoft applications, scalability, and robust performance. Users find it easy to use, stable, and capable of supporting multiple applications while offering flexibility and intuitive administration.

"The best features of Windows Server include the interface; the interface is so easy and friendly."
"Hyper-V has affected our resource utilization and hardware costs, and we use it extensively."
"The Active Directory integration helps my organization manage permissions and maintain security policies effectively."

Room for Improvement

Windows Server requires enhancements in security, usability, and integration. Users report the need for better performance, simplified administration, and improved licensing terms. Additionally, there are calls for more reliable updates, advanced management console features, and enhanced virtualization support. Users find the interface cumbersome and desire more straightforward technical support. The platform's stability and compatibility with various operating systems, especially in mixed environments, are areas needing significant improvement. Pricing adjustments are frequently recommended.

"The user interface of Windows Server needs improvement, especially when working with users, user accounts, and groups."
"I think the pricing is expensive because if you know how to administer or manage Linux, a file server is cheaper to use."
"I cannot tell if the security enhancements such as Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection have contributed to protecting sensitive data."

ROI

Users noted increased efficiency and reduced downtime with Windows Server, contributing to a positive return on investment. Improved stability and cost savings through virtualization and cloud services were frequently mentioned. Several users appreciated the platform's value, ease of support, and ability to handle applications smoothly. While some did not calculate precise ROI figures, many experienced financial benefits, estimating resource savings of 10 to 70%. Despite the expense, Windows Server was deemed cost-effective and valuable.

Pricing

Enterprise users find Windows Server licensing complex and generally expensive, especially for larger deployments. Standard licensing might be affordable, but Data Center and advanced features increase costs significantly. Discounts or preferred rates are available through corporate or educational agreements, but the overall pricing still leans higher compared to Linux alternatives. Licensing options include perpetual and annual subscriptions; cloud deployments add further complexity and potential savings or expenses. Understanding requirements and options is crucial to manage costs effectively.

"For the on-prem version, you need to go for a perpetual license. If I am planning to run ten operating systems, I will buy a pack of ten licenses, which will be cost-effective for me."
"The product was quite expensive."
"It is an expensive solution."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations use Windows Server primarily for virtualizing servers, deploying virtual machines on Hyper-V, and running business applications like ERP, SQL Server, and Citrix desktops. It hosts applications, manages user accounts via Active Directory, and provides remote access. Many rely on it for file sharing, DNS services, email hosting, and database management. It is also preferred for integrating with Microsoft products and maintaining the IT infrastructure.

Service and Support

Microsoft's customer service and support for Windows Server are generally positive, with many stating they are knowledgeable and responsive. However, some mention delays in response times or needing additional expertise. Users sometimes rely on online forums or partner assistance. Regional variations exist, with some locations receiving better support than others. Premium support is beneficial but rare responsiveness can be an issue. Ratings vary from average to high, depending on individual experiences and specific requirements.

Deployment

Windows Server's initial setup is frequently described as straightforward and uncomplicated. Many users report quick installation times, often completing the process within 10 to 30 minutes. Some mention that a single person can handle the deployment due to its simplicity. While deploying more complex configurations, like implementing large infrastructures or specific service options, can extend the setup time, the process remains efficient and user-friendly for most environments.

Scalability

Windows Server is recognized for its scalability by various organizations, handling thousands of users without significant issues. It allows for easy expansion by adding resources or servers. Some users rate its scalability highly, noting that it supports organizational growth efficiently. While many find it flexible for companies of different sizes, others mention it could improve in cloud settings or when faced with complex configurations.

Stability

Windows Server is consistently seen as stable and reliable. Many have not encountered issues, and its reputation has improved over time. Stability scores often range from eight to ten. Updates are sometimes problematic, and older versions were less reliable. Regular maintenance helps maintain stability, while certain setups or updates could introduce occasional challenges. High uptime and minimal crashes are frequently reported, showing marked improvement from past versions, particularly since 2012.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Windows Server Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	65
Midsize Enterprise	35
Large Enterprise	77

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews
Company Size	Count
Small Business	449
Midsize Enterprise	237
Large Enterprise	638

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Comms Service Provider

10%

University

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Government

Educational Organization

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Media Company

Construction Company

Performing Arts

Hospitality Company

Outsourcing Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Non Profit

Transportation Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Legal Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Compare Windows Server with alternative products

Learn more about Windows Server

Windows Server is integral for businesses needing reliable infrastructure for server virtualization and enterprise application deployment. It excels in integrating with Microsoft applications, providing robust support for database hosting, Active Directory management, and remote access. Users benefit from its comprehensive features supporting intense workloads, virtual setups, and efficient domain management. However, it could improve its port security, vulnerability monitoring, and interface intuitiveness. Pricing models also require adjustments to be competitive, and better integration with Linux would enhance system compatibility. Regular updates can impact stability, and the command-line interface could be more efficient compared to Linux.

What are Windows Server's key features?

Active Directory: Facilitates user and resource management.
Hyper-V: Enables server virtualization for enhanced efficiency.
Azure Integration: Connects with cloud services for scalability.
Work Folder Synchronization: Supports seamless data access across devices.
Security: Offers robust measures for protecting enterprise data.

What benefits should users look for?

Ease of Use: Intuitive design simplifies administration.
Stability: Reliable performance across demanding environments.
Integration: Seamlessly connects with Microsoft services.
Scalability: Grows alongside business needs.

Windows Server is implemented across industries for virtual server hosting, enterprise application deployment, and managing complex IT infrastructures. Organizations use it for database hosting, Active Directory management, and leveraging Microsoft's ecosystem, supporting backend operations and enhancing communication security.

Windows Server customers

Rakuten, Rackspace, Tyco

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Windows Server Reviews Summary
Author info	Rating	Review Summary
Manager, Information & Cloud Systems at a consultancy with 1,001-5,000 employees	4.5	I manage Windows Server, valuing its reliability and security improvements over the years. It's compatible with various software and platforms, though Azure Entra ID integration needs work. Despite this, the stability and return on investment are excellent.
Vice President, Technology Operations at InfoEdge India Ltd	4.0	I primarily use Windows Server for Microsoft workloads, including Dynamics and SQL Server. Its valuable features include Active Directory and security services, though it needs better protection against advanced threats. The ROI is strong, saving time and resources, supported by Azure.
Sys admin at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees	4.5	I use Windows Server primarily for file sharing with effective security permissions via NTFS and AD integration. While I haven't explored containers, Kubernetes, or failover clustering yet, Hyper-V's resource efficiency makes it appealing after moving away from VMware.
Team Manager at Waters Corporation	4.5	In my organization, based in India, we use Windows Server for our company and customers, valuing its easy network management. While ROI is positive, diagnostic improvements are needed for network issues. We trust Windows Server without considering alternatives, using Microsoft Azure.
Relationship Manager at Cognizant	4.5	We use Windows Server primarily for connecting client software and managing SQL databases. It effectively supports our daily tasks with its user-friendly interface and cost-saving benefits, though performance occasionally dips due to stability or network issues.
Manager, IT Security at Averis Sdn Bhd	3.5	I primarily use Windows Server as an Infra Server and Active Directory domain controller. While all features are vital for managing my data center, the high cost and declining support expertise are concerning, with no observed cost-saving benefits.
Managing Director at Kvikna - where software is born	4.0	I've used Windows Server extensively with Hyper-V for over a decade; it meets our needs well, though the user interface could be improved. While generally satisfied, it's becoming outdated, and I'm exploring other storage solutions.
System Engineer at Alnajat charity	4.0	I use Windows Server as the primary operating system in our IT department, finding it suitable for our server needs. It's secure with regular updates, but older versions could improve stability and power efficiency for personal use.