Linux Hosting vs Windows Hosting (Key Differences, Performance, Cost, Switching OS)

Choosing between Linux Hosting and Windows hosting is a critical decision when setting up any website. This is because an Operating System (OS) forms the foundation of your site. It determines the technologies it is compatible with and impacts website performance, security, and cost.

This article explains Linux hosting and Windows hosting and the 6 key differences between them. We then discuss whether you should choose Linux vs Windows for your website and provide some suitable web host recommendations. We end by explaining if it’s possible to switch between operating systems later down the line.

What Is Linux Web Hosting?

Linux web hosting is a type of web hosting that utilizes servers running Linux. Linux is an open-source Unix-like operating system that was created in 1991. Linux was initially meant as a portable multi-tasking, multi-user platform. Today, Linux is available on more hardware platforms than any other OS. It has a powerful command-line interface, robust networking capabilities, and a large active community which contributes to its continuous development and support. The modularity of Linux allows users to customize the OS by choosing from different distributions and components.

Linux is one of the most popular OS choices for web hosting servers because of its stability and flexibility. Popular mainstream Linux distributions include Debian (and its derivatives, such as Ubuntu) and CentOS.

What Is Windows Web Hosting?

Windows web hosting is a type of hosting that utilizes servers running Windows Server. Windows Server is an OS created by Microsoft in 1993. It is the server counterpart to the desktop version of Microsoft Windows. Microsoft Windows performs most of the same tasks as Linux-based servers although performance profiles may vary. Windows Server faces some criticism from detractors but notably powers Microsoft’s Azure Cloud.

Windows hosting supports the most common web server applications, including Apache, Nginx, Lighttpd, and Microsoft IIS. It also integrates with Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET, Microsoft Access, and MSSQL. Common Windows operating systems used for servers include Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2012. The most current version of Windows Server is Windows Server 2022. It’s capable of supporting hardware configurations of up to 64-core processors and 48TB of memory.

6 Key Differences Between Linux And Windows Hosting

There are 6 core differences between Linux and Windows hosting: performance, cost, reliability, usability, and security.

1. Which Offers Better Performance: Linux or Windows Hosting?

Linux Hosting offers better performance in general. Although hardware plays an important part, Linux Servers tend to notably outperform Windows for 2 reasons.

The first reason is that the base installation of Linux is usually extremely streamlined and allows users to implement features selectively. The result is often a lightweight but effective server deployment. Windows Servers come “all in” and this results in unused components that waste valuable system resources.

The second reason is that the Linux file system is much more organized. This attribute allows more agile read-write operations. Comparatively, Windows allocates data more randomly which results in slower retrieval times.

2. Which Offers More Flexibility: Linux Hosting Or Windows Hosting?

Linux hosting is more flexible than Windows Hosting. This means users of Linux hosting enjoy more choice when it comes to configuring server hardware and software components.

The reason that Linux offers more flexibility than Windows is due to its open-source nature. The Linux OS has a modular nature which means users are able to add or remove any OS components. The Linux open-source framework also allows developers to easily create or customize applications at lower (or no) cost compared to Windows systems. Additionally, Linux typically runs smoothly even on older hardware. This is in contrast to newer Windows Server versions that require increasingly advanced hardware to support the OS.

However, note that Linux hosting is generally unable to support Windows-based technologies. For example, developers wanting to run an ASP-based website need to use Windows hosting because ASP scripts simply do not work on Linux.

3. Which Is Cheaper: Linux Hosting Or Windows Hosting?

Linux hosting is cheaper than Windows hosting because the Linux OS is free and open-source. Web hosts offering Linux hosting therefore don’t need to purchase a Linux license. This cost saving is passed along to the customer when they purchase their Linux hosting plan.

The cost of Windows hosting is significantly higher because Windows operating systems are commercial products developed by Microsoft. Microsoft relies on server licensing for its OS, and users must pay large amounts in a complex licensing structure. This results in a higher total cost of web hosting that factors in the Windows license. The resource-hungry nature of Windows also means that web hosts must deploy robust hardware to handle even the OS and this further increases baseline costs.

Linux hosting pricing is therefore significantly lower. For example, TMDHosting’s Linux Shared Hosting starts at $24.99/mo and their Windows Shared Hosting plans start at $89.99/mo.

4. Which Offers More Reliability: Linux Hosting Or Windows Hosting?

Linux Hosting is more reliable than Windows Hosting. Most of the Linux stability advantage comes from its design emphasis on process handling, modularity, and availability.

Linux Servers are therefore more stable and seldom suffer performance outages due to OS failure, in comparison to Windows Servers that are prone to crashes and other issues. While Microsoft has made improvements to Windows Server stability, it is still a point of weakness caused by the design of the OS.

5. Which Offers Better Usability: Linux Hosting Or Windows Hosting?

Windows Hosting offers better usability than Linux hosting. Windows Servers come with highly advanced user interfaces that simplify and speed up task management. The Windows interface is also very similar to the consumer desktop environment, allowing a less steep learning curve.

Linux Hosting has a stripped-down and lightweight nature in comparison. This offers performance advantages but it hinders usability. Using the Linux server version requires knowledge of Linux commands for most tasks.

6. Which Offers More Security: Linux Hosting Or Windows Hosting? 

Linux hosting is more secure than Windows hosting. Linux comes with a strong security advantage for many reasons. Its open-source nature and vibrant developer community allow for quick vulnerability patching.

Windows is also a victim of its success. The similar architecture of consumer and server Windows makes a large target to attract security threats. Thanks to the wide, combined use of Windows variants, many viruses and malware are built to attack this platform. Microsoft also didn’t initially focus too much on user account access which resulted in unsegmented access for most security threats to the system. Unsegmented access refers to a lack of proper restrictions and this allows threats to spread easily. Newer versions of Windows address this loophole but it hasn’t been overly successful.

Should I Choose Linux Hosting or Windows Hosting?

You should choose Linux hosting in most cases thanks to the strong advantages it offers and its superior compatibility with most popular CMSs (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla), languages, and databases. Linux is also the most commonly available OS today which means you have access to a broader range of choices when selecting your web hosting service provider.

You should choose Windows Hosting in two scenarios. The first is if your site requires Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET or MS SQL or needs integration with Microsoft products. The second is if your team is familiar with Microsoft environments, since this simplifies managing a Windows server.

If you want to run on Windows hosting, the most likely option is to use a VPS (Virtual Private Server) type hosting and install your copy of Windows Server OS. Just ensure your budget is able to accommodate the higher licensing cost of Windows hosting.

Which Web Hosts Offer Linux Hosting?

Hostinger and TMDHosting are web hosts that offer Linux hosting. Hostinger offers a custom control panel and low affordable pricing. TMDHosting offers Linux hosting using cPanel and CloudLinux servers. See our best Linux hosting roundup for the full list.

Which Web Hosts Offer Windows Hosting?

TMDHosting and ScalaHosting are two web hosts that offer Windows hosting. TMDHosting offers both shared Windows Hosting and VPS Windows hosting with Plesk. ScalaHosting offers Windows as an OS for their VPS plans only. See our best Windows hosting roundup for the full list.

Is Linux Hosting or Windows Hosting Better for Developers?

Linux hosting is better for developers unless they require specific compatibility with Microsoft-based technologies. The choice between Linux vs Windows ultimately depends on the exact technologies and applications the developer needs to work with. Linux hosting suits developers working with open-source technologies (PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby) and popular CMSs. Windows hosting is best specifically for developers using Microsoft technologies (ASP.NET and C#) or requiring integration with Microsoft products (SQL Server, SharePoint, or Microsoft Access).

Can I Switch From Linux Hosting to Windows Hosting, and Vice Versa?

Yes, you can switch from Linux hosting to Windows hosting and vice versa. How easy the switching process is depends on two things: the type of web hosting you’re currently using, and whether your current web host offers compatibility for both Linux and Windows hosting.

Most new website owners start with a type of hosting called Shared Hosting, which is straightforward and cost-effective but offers no control over the OS. To change the OS for Shared Hosting, you must sign up for a new plan and migrate your website. Switching OS is easier on more advanced hosting types like VPS, Dedicated Hosting or Cloud Hosting. These types of hosting allow OS changes but you need to manage the switch of OS yourself unless you have paid extra for managed hosting support.

If your current web host does not offer compatibility for both Linux and Windows hosting, it’s necessary to switch web hosts when you switch OS. Select a new web host that supports the operating system you wish to change to and migrate your website.