Linux hosting and Windows hosting describe the operating system of the server your site runs on. Which one is right for you depends not on your own computer’s operating system but on the programming language and database your site uses.
In short: almost all sites built with WordPress, PHP and MySQL run on Linux hosting; projects built with ASP.NET, .NET and MSSQL run on Windows hosting.
What is Linux hosting?
Linux hosting is hosting on a server running the Linux operating system, and it powers most websites on the internet. It uses LiteSpeed or Apache as the web server, PHP as the programming language and MySQL or MariaDB as the database.
You manage your site, email and databases from a control panel such as cPanel or DirectAdmin. Linux hosting is the natural home for PHP software such as WordPress, WooCommerce, OpenCart, PrestaShop and Laravel.
What is Windows hosting?
Windows hosting runs on Windows Server. The web server is Microsoft IIS, and applications built with ASP.NET, .NET and Classic ASP run here. The database is Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL), and MySQL can run in the same plan if you need it.
It is usually managed with the Plesk panel. Developers can publish projects straight from Visual Studio with Web Deploy and connect to MSSQL remotely with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Linux vs Windows hosting compared
| Linux hosting | Windows hosting | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Linux (e.g. CloudLinux) | Windows Server |
| Web server | LiteSpeed or Apache | IIS 10 |
| Languages | PHP (WordPress, Laravel and more) | ASP.NET, .NET, Classic ASP; PHP also works |
| Database | MySQL / MariaDB | MSSQL and MySQL |
| Control panel | cPanel or DirectAdmin | Plesk |
| Config file | .htaccess | web.config |
| File names | Case-sensitive | Case-insensitive |
| Best for | WordPress, online stores and PHP sites | Business software using ASP.NET and MSSQL |
| Starting price | 0.99 $/mo | 0.99 $/mo |
Prices are for Plus Datacenter plans on annual billing. For current plans see our cPanel hosting, DirectAdmin hosting and Windows hosting pages.
Which one should I choose?
Choose Linux hosting if:
- your site runs on WordPress, Joomla or other PHP software,
- you use a ready-made store platform such as WooCommerce, OpenCart or PrestaShop,
- your database is MySQL or MariaDB.
Choose Windows hosting if:
- your site is built with ASP.NET, .NET or Classic ASP,
- your application uses an MSSQL database,
- you publish the project from Visual Studio,
- you need web.config, IIS modules or another Windows-specific component.
If you are not sure, ask your developer two questions: “Which language is the site written in?” and “Which database does it use?” Those two answers decide most of it. You can also write to us and we will look at your project.
Common misconceptions
- “My computer runs Windows, so I need Windows hosting.” Not true. You upload files to either kind of hosting from a Windows computer through FTP or the panel, and your visitors see the site the same way whatever system they use.
- “Windows hosting is always more expensive.” Because of licence costs it often is. At Plus Datacenter, Windows hosting plans cost the same as our cPanel plans.
- “PHP does not run on Windows hosting.” It does. But most WordPress plugins are built with Linux servers and .htaccess in mind, so PHP projects run more smoothly on Linux.
- “With Windows hosting I can log in to the server with Remote Desktop.” Hosting is a shared service and does not include Remote Desktop (RDP). If you need RDP, you need a Windows VPS.
Moving from Linux to Windows (or the other way)
A PHP site can move to Windows hosting, but its .htaccess rules have to be converted to web.config. Linux treats “Image.jpg” and “image.jpg” as different files, so sites moved from Windows to Linux can end up with broken links.
An application using ASP.NET Framework and MSSQL will not run on shared Linux hosting. .NET (Core) applications can run on Linux, but that needs a VPS with root access. Whichever way you move, we migrate your site to your new plan for free.
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Linux or Windows hosting?
Both are fast when used with the right software. Speed depends mostly on the storage (NVMe), the resources you get and the application itself. PHP sites usually run more efficiently on Linux hosting with the LiteSpeed web server.
Can I run WordPress on Windows hosting?
It works, but we do not recommend it. WordPress and most of its plugins are built for Linux servers; choose Linux hosting for fewer compatibility problems.
Can I use MySQL on Windows hosting?
Yes. Our Windows hosting plans let you use MSSQL and MySQL together.
Can I connect to my MSSQL database remotely?
Yes. You can connect remotely with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and manage your tables with the tools you already know.
Does Windows hosting include Remote Desktop (RDP)?
No. Hosting is a shared service, so RDP access is not provided. If you need to connect to a server with Remote Desktop, choose a VPS with Windows installed.
Can I switch my plan from Linux to Windows later?
Yes. Just write to our support team and we will move your site and database to the new plan for free.
Windows hosting from 0.99 $/mo on annual billing
Plesk, IIS 10, ASP.NET, .NET and MSSQL on every plan. cPanel Linux plans cost the same.