Windows Server Reviews

Name: Windows Server
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.1 (183 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

183 reviews
94% willing to recommend

1,357 followers

What is Windows Server?

Windows Server is primarily used by organizations for hosting applications, deploying virtual machines, managing user accounts, and supporting enterprise infrastructures. It also assists in virtualization, remote access, web servers, and integrating with cloud environments.

Get the Windows Server Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Windows Server, Ubuntu Linux, Oracle Linux and more!

Windows Server is the #4 ranked solution in top Operating Systems for Business. PeerSpot users give Windows Server an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 183 most recent Windows Server reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.2. (Among the lowest in the category). 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 54% 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 816,660 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Dan Campeanu

Security Engineer at ProVision

Windows Server was crucial for our business as it offered scalability, allowing us to seamlessly upgrade servers as our company expanded rapidly. It served as the backbone for all our tools and applications, providing a unified platform for our operations. Windows Server's security features have significantly improved our IT security posture. While occasional vulnerabilities arose, Microsoft promptly addressed them, providing clear instructions on mitigation. Consequently, we have had no security incidents in over 20 years, thanks to proactive measures and effective security management. Managing Windows Server in a multi-server environment used to be relatively easy, but in recent years, it has become increasingly challenging due to the removal of useful tools and Microsoft's focus on cloud services. Integrating Windows Server with Azure was initially challenging due to limited documentation and some synchronization issues, but it became smoother over time with the help of user experiences and shared knowledge. Integration with AWS for specific tasks was less problematic. I would recommend Windows Server to others. Overall, I would rate it as a nine out of ten.

Read full review

Virimai Mare

L3 Engineer at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Limited

My main advice is to understand the business first. Then, see if the solution will work on that platform. Also, check which applications it supports. If they're using data and Microsoft, in some cases, we use applications verified by Microsoft. You can be sure they're compatible with Windows and find support from both ends. So, understand the business in terms of its goals, turnaround time, risk factors, and skill requirements. Consider if they have enough skilled people to support it, both for daily use and when issues arise. You need to know these things before making a decision. Not every time is Microsoft the right choice. Some systems or platforms they want to run may not be supported by Microsoft. So, it's crucial to understand the business requirements first; then you know which platform or solution works best for you. Overall, I would rate the solution a seven out of ten.

Read full review

Deepak Nagar

Manager, Strategic Alliances at Softcell Technologies Limited

Users can increase the hardware or virtual environment and memory, and it is scalable enough to meet the company's requirements. Everybody in the organization uses the product. The HR department uses the solution for storage purposes and the website hosting from where the internal applications are made available for use within the company. The developers in our company also developed certain applications that can be hosted on Windows Server. In general, the solution has around 500 users in my company. My company can increase the number of users of the product in the future, especially if we achieve the capability that can allow us to scale up.

Read full review

Windows Server mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Windows Server in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category stands at 9.4%, down from 9.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 24, 2024

Valuable Features

Windows Server offers valuable features such as Active Directory, Hyper-V, storage solutions, security enhancements, and seamless integration with Microsoft applications. Its user-friendly interface, scalability, and stable performance make it reliable for various applications. Organizations appreciate its ease of use, especially with PowerShell and Azure integration. It supports virtualization, robust security, and diverse deployment options. Users find it flexible and efficient, highlighting its administrative simplicity and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

"Windows Server is fulfilling our daily work-life purposes."
"We use it to connect to client systems and are happy with the performance and its features."
"The product's initial setup phase is pretty straightforward and simple without any challenges."

Room for Improvement

Windows Server requires improvement in several areas including performance, ease of integration with other systems, stability, and licensing costs. Its user interface could be more intuitive, and the platform needs enhanced security features. Frequent updates disrupt productivity, and technical support can be lacking. Additionally, Windows Server is challenging during setup and lacks features present in other systems, particularly in virtualization and containerization. Microsoft needs to address these issues for better usability and cost-effectiveness.

"Sometimes the performance goes down, which might be due to the stability zone or network issues."
"Sometimes the performance goes down, which might be due to the stability zone or network issues. It can also depend on our network."
"If Windows could make the OS part lighter, especially starting and restarting the Windows Server, which needs to be quick, then it would be great since this is an area where the tool lacks a bit."

ROI

Evaluating ROI from Windows Server is challenging due to intangible benefits like improved efficiency and reduced downtime. Users express positive experiences with smooth system performance and reliable support, enhancing business competitiveness. The cost-effectiveness is apparent despite price increases, with stability offering significant returns. Users value its simplicity, compatibility with various applications, and easy-to-find support. Although exact figures are difficult to ascertain, entities recognize Windows Server's contribution to streamlining operations and providing value compared to alternatives.

Pricing

Windows Server pricing is perceived as high by many enterprise users, often complicated by a complex licensing model. Costs vary based on licensing types, with both annual and perpetual options available. While some find Windows Server cost-effective compared to alternatives, others consider it expensive, particularly compared to open-source solutions like Linux. Educational and corporate agreements may offer favorable pricing, reducing costs under certain conditions. Overall, users express a desire for reduced prices and simplified licensing structures.

"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 primarily use Windows Server for server virtualization with Hyper-V, application hosting, and managing Active Directory. They employ it for deploying virtual machines, running business applications like SAP and SQL Server, and supporting services such as DNS and email. Companies rely on it for domain management, remote desktop access, and data storage. Additionally, it facilitates network management, user authentication, and integration with Microsoft tools like SharePoint and Exchange.

Service and Support

Microsoft's customer service is generally rated as very good, with technical support being described as good to high. Some users report quick and responsive assistance, while others find it slow and lacking in knowledge. Many find self-service options and online communities helpful, using support as a last resort. Regional differences exist, with some areas providing better service than others. Support often improves with premium packages, although some find even premium options lacking responsiveness.

Deployment

Users find Windows Server's initial setup straightforward and easy. The process often involves minimal complexity, taking between 10 minutes to several hours depending on the environment and specific configurations required. Companies typically require only a small team for deployment, sometimes just a single person. Virtual deployments are particularly quick and do not necessitate many resources. For more complex installations, such as those involving multiple configurations, additional time and technical expertise may be needed.

Scalability

Windows Server exhibits high scalability, with organizations smoothly expanding usage as needed. Companies with user bases from several hundred to thousands report the platform's effectiveness in scaling up. Adding resources like servers, RAM, and CPU enhances performance, although some highlight challenges in large-scale deployments. Diverse users leverage its capabilities, including medium-sized enterprises and larger entities, demonstrating its flexibility to accommodate various size requirements with minimal issues. Scalability receives favorable marks, though minor improvements could be beneficial.

Stability

Users find Windows Server to be stable, with many noting improvements since 2012. Ransomware resilience, lack of crashes, and reliable updates are appreciated. Some mention prior issues, but recent versions have reduced these. While stable, occasional concerns about compatibility with updates and performance under heavy load exist. Cybersecurity remains a focal point. Ratings often place stability between eight to ten out of ten, reflecting general satisfaction with robustness.

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

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Government

10%

Educational Organization

10%

Financial Services Firm

University

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Insurance Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Non Profit

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Legal Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Transportation Company

Outsourcing Company

Performing Arts

Pharma/Biotech Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Consumer Goods Company

Compare Windows Server with alternative products

Learn more about Windows Server

As a key component in enterprise environments, Windows Server supports backend applications and operating systems. It's valued for its robust virtualization capabilities through Hyper-V, enabling organizations to efficiently manage resources and reduce costs. Active Directory facilitates management of user accounts and security policies. Additionally, it excels in hosting SQL databases, file-sharing, and executing communication tasks. The system's integration with Microsoft services enhances its adaptability in cloud deployments and network management. Performance and security features contribute to a reliable platform for managing diverse business operations.

What are the key features of Windows Server?

Active Directory: Simplifies user and resource management with centralized domain control.
Hyper-V: Offers efficient virtualization for deploying and managing virtual machines.
GUI: Enhances ease of use for hosting applications and managing directories.
PowerShell: Provides automation capabilities for streamlined administration.
Work Folder Synchronization: Ensures file availability across devices for flexibility.

What benefits should organizations consider?

Integration: Seamless compatibility with Microsoft products boosts productivity.
Scalability: Supports growing business demands with flexible resource management.
Security Features: Enhances data protection and compliance ease.
Cost Efficiency: Lowers operational costs through optimized resource utilization.

Windows Server is widely adopted in industries requiring stable, secure infrastructure solutions. Enterprises leverage its capabilities for managing databases, hosting business applications, and optimizing virtualization strategies. In sectors like finance and healthcare, enhanced security features and integration with cloud environments prove essential for meeting regulatory requirements and supporting data-intensive processes.