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Windows Server is Microsoft’s operating system designed for servers. A significant part of corporate user management (Active Directory) is built on it; many accounting, invoicing and enterprise management programs run on it; and it is the natural home for .NET-based web applications and MSSQL databases. Whether a software vendor lists Windows Server amongst its system requirements, or your team wishes to work on an always-available server using the familiar Windows interface, sooner or later you’ll come across it.
In this guide, we summarise what Windows Server is and how it differs from Windows for desktop computers, what businesses use it for, which version and edition are worth choosing in 2026, how licensing works, when Linux is a better alternative, and how you can get hold of it: with your own server or a rented Windows VPS.
What is Windows Server?
Windows Server is built on the same Windows kernel as Windows 10 and 11, but it is designed for a different purpose: not for an individual’s day-to-day work, but for the continuous delivery of services to a large number of users. Its user interface is familiar (Start menu, File Explorer, control panel), so anyone who uses Windows on a desktop computer will find it easy to navigate.
How is it different from Windows on a desktop?
| Criteria | Windows 10/11 | Windows Server |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | A user’s work | Providing services to a large number of users |
| Roles | None | Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, file and print servers, IIS web server, Hyper-V, Remote Desktop Services |
| Remote desktop | A session | Two simultaneous administrator sessions, multiple users with licences |
| Hardware | For desktop computers | Multiple processor cores, plenty of memory, and server hardware support |
| Updates | New features every six months | Long, predictable support cycle; features are version-specific |
| Licence | Per machine | Based on processor cores, plus client licences |
Windows Server can be installed in two ways: in Desktop Experience mode with a full graphical interface, or in Server Core mode without a graphical interface, managed via the command line and remote tools. Server Core uses fewer resources, requires fewer updates and has a smaller attack surface, but for beginners and for most business applications, Desktop Experience is the more convenient option.
What do companies use it for?
- Active Directory: centralised management of corporate users, computers and permissions, with single sign-on.
- File server: shared folders with permission management and version control.
- Business software: accounting, payroll, stock management and ERP systems, which staff access via remote desktop.
- Web applications: ASP.NET and .NET applications running on the IIS web server.
- Database: Microsoft SQL Server.
- Remote working: with Remote Desktop Services (RDS), multiple users can work on a central server.
Versions: which one should you choose in 2026?
Microsoft releases server versions with five years of mainstream support and a further five years of extended support. During the extended support period, only security patches are released; after that, the system receives no further updates and must not be used on machines connected to the internet.
| Version | End of general support | End of extended support |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Server 2025 | November 2029 | November 2034 |
| Windows Server 2022 | October 2026 (expired) | October 2031 |
| Windows Server 2019 | January 2024 (expired) | January 2029 |
| Windows Server 2016 | January 2022 (expired) | January 2027 |
Windows Server 2025 is a good choice for a new server if the software you intend to run supports it: this version will receive updates for the longest period of time. Notable new features include faster NVMe storage management, SMB over QUIC file sharing (encrypted access to shared folders without a VPN) in all editions, a renewal of Active Directory and stricter default security settings.
Windows Server 2022 will receive security updates until 2031, making it a good choice if an application’s manufacturer has only released support for this version. The 2019 and 2016 versions are only worth using for older programs; the 2016 version will reach end-of-support in January 2027, so you should not build a new system on it.
Plans: Standard, Datacentre, Essentials
- Standard: this is what most companies need. It covers all roles and entitles you to run two virtual machines on a physical server.
- Data centre: an unlimited number of virtual machines on the same hardware, plus specialised features (such as software-defined networking and storage). This is worthwhile if you’re running a large number of Windows virtual machines on a single physical server.
- Essentials: a version designed for small businesses, limited to a maximum of 25 users and 50 devices, which is only available in OEM form, bundled with server hardware.
With a rented Windows VPS, you don’t need to worry about licensing: the provider supplies the server with the appropriate licence.
Licensing in a nutshell
When purchasing Windows Server for your own server, there are two things you need to licence:
- The server is licensed on a per-processor-core basis. Every physical core must be licensed, with a minimum of 8 cores per processor and 16 cores per server, even if the machine has fewer.
- Access is granted via client access licences (CALs). Every user or device that utilises the server’s services (for example, by logging into the domain or accessing file sharing) requires a CAL. A separate RDS client licence is also required for Remote Desktop Services (RDS).
With a rented server (VPS), the situation is simpler. The Windows Server licence is provided by the service provider as part of the monthly fee, via the provider’s licence program. The licence is also included in aWh’s Windows VPS plans, so you don’t need to purchase a separate Windows Server licence. However, if more than two users are working simultaneously via remote desktop, RDS licences are required; we can help with this. Licensing for other software installed on the server (such as SQL Server Standard Edition or an office suite) is handled separately in accordance with the manufacturer’s terms and conditions.
Free trial: Microsoft offers a 180-day trial version (Evaluation), which is suitable for testing but not for live use.
Windows Server or Linux?
The decision is almost always determined by the software.
You need Windows Server if:
- Your software only runs on Windows (as is the case with many Hungarian accounting and business management programs),
- Are you running an ASP.NET Framework-based web application or SQL Server that was developed for a Windows environment,
- Do you use Active Directory, or do you need to integrate it into the Microsoft ecosystem,
- Your team would work on the server via a graphical interface or remote desktop.
Linux is the better choice if:
- Do you run a website or application based on PHP, Python, Node.js or Ruby (such as WordPress, Laravel, Django and similar platforms),
- Whether you use a MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL database,
- Do you work with Docker containers,
- Cost is an important consideration: there are no licence fees, and the same task can be carried out using fewer resources.
Modern .NET (formerly .NET Core) and SQL Server both run on Linux, so Windows is no longer a prerequisite for all Microsoft technologies. If your software runs on Linux, a KVM VPS offers more resources at a better price.
How can you get Windows Server?
Dedicated server
You buy server hardware, purchase a Windows Server licence and CALs, and run the machine in your office or in a data centre. The advantage is complete control; the disadvantages are the high initial investment, the need to replace and repair hardware, the need for an uninterruptible power supply, cooling, backups and managing the internet connection. It is rarely worthwhile for smaller companies.
Rented Windows VPS
Windows Server runs on a virtual machine in a data centre; the licence is included in the monthly fee, whilst the provider manages the hardware, network and backups. It’s up and running in a matter of minutes; you pay monthly, and if you outgrow it, you can switch to a larger plan. For most small and medium-sized businesses, this is the more practical option. We’ve set out in detail what to look out for when making your choice in our guide to renting a Windows VPS.
On aWh’s Windows VPS plans, you can choose between Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025. The plans are available with 4–8 vCPUs, 8–24 GB of RAM, NVMe SSD storage, 1–3 Gbps connectivity and unlimited traffic, daily backups, DDoS protection and 99.9% uptime, from €22.85 per month (excluding VAT).
How much resources do you need?
Microsoft’s minimum requirements for the graphical interface are 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, but this is only enough to boot the operating system. For a usable server:
- 4–8 GB of RAM for one or two business applications and a few remote desktop users,
- 12–24 GB for SQL Server, for multiple users or multiple concurrent applications,
- At least 60–80 GB of storage, as Windows and the monthly updates alone can take up 30–40 GB,
- Preferably an NVMe SSD, as installing updates and performing database operations involve many small disk operations.
Operations: what you need to bear in mind
- Updates: Microsoft releases security patches on the second Tuesday of every month. Set up automatic installation for a maintenance time that suits you, or install them manually on a regular basis.
- Remote Desktop security: an open RDP port on the internet is the most common target for attacks. Restrict access in the Windows firewall to your own IP addresses, or place it behind a VPN; use a strong password and account lockout rules. We have a separate article on RDP (Remote Desktop) connections.
- Virus protection: the built-in Microsoft Defender is sufficient in most cases; a separate antivirus program is only needed for specific requirements. Do not disable it.
- Backups: as well as relying on the provider’s backups, you should also create your own backups of important data (using Windows Server Backup or SQL Server’s own backup features) and store them in a separate location.
- Management: as well as the graphical interface, PowerShell and the Windows Admin Centre – which can be accessed via a web browser – are also useful, particularly when managing multiple servers.
Summary
Windows Server is the right choice if your software requires a Windows environment, or if you’re running a system built on the Microsoft ecosystem (Active Directory, .NET, SQL Server). For a new server, choose Windows Server 2025, and upgrade from the 2016 version before 2027. For smaller businesses, a rented Windows VPS is the simplest option: the licence is included in the fee, and you don’t have to worry about the hardware or the network.
Check out the Windows VPS plans
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Windows Server on a desktop computer?
Technically speaking, yes, provided the hardware meets the requirements; however, desktop computer components are not designed for continuous, round-the-clock operation, and the drivers are not always supported on server operating systems. For production use, we recommend server hardware or a rented server.
Can you use Windows Server for free?
This is only the 180-day trial version, for testing purposes. A licence is required for live use; for rented Windows VPS, this is included in the monthly fee.
Do I need a CAL licence if I rent a Windows VPS?
Not for basic use or for two simultaneous administrator remote desktop sessions. If several users are to work on a remote desktop at the same time, Remote Desktop Services licences are required.
How much memory does Windows Server require?
Officially, the minimum is 2 GB for a graphical interface; in practice, at least 8 GB is recommended for a business server, and 12–24 GB for one running SQL Server with multiple users.
What is the difference between Server Core and Desktop Experience?
The Desktop Experience is installed with a full graphical user interface, whilst Server Core is installed without a graphical user interface and can be managed via the command line and remote tools. Server Core requires fewer resources and updates, but for most business applications and novice administrators, the graphical version is more practical.
How can I manage my Windows server remotely?
Via Remote Desktop Connection (RDP): on Windows using the built-in Remote Desktop Connection program, and on macOS, iOS and Android using the Microsoft Windows App. For command-line management, PowerShell remote sessions can be used, whilst the Windows Admin Centre can also be accessed via a web browser.
Do you need a separate antivirus program for Windows Server?
Generally speaking, no: the built-in Microsoft Defender is updated regularly and provides good basic protection. More important than this are regular updates, restricting RDP access and using a strong password.
What is the difference between a Windows VPS and a dedicated server?
A Windows VPS is a separate partition of a physical server with guaranteed resources, whilst a dedicated server is an entire physical machine. For most business applications, a VPS is sufficient and more cost-effective; you’ll need a dedicated server if you require more resources than even the largest VPS plan can provide.