We are using this solution as a server operating system.
Founder at a non-profit with 1-10 employees
Integrates well with application, stable, and PowerShell only installation beneficial
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is this solution integrates very well with all Microsoft and all other mainstream software solutions and the design is very good. Windows has an option now allowing you to just install the Windows Core with the PowerShell without any graphical services running."
- "I used to like the graphical interface and graphical philosophy in previous versions of Windows Server. I am not able to be as fast and efficient as I used to be using a graphical interface. However, Windows has moved to the PowerShell, it is powerful, but is still limited compared to what we do can do in Linux. Linux was built at the beginning of the command line interfaces which is why they have a very powerful command line."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is this solution integrates very well with all Microsoft and all other mainstream software solutions and the design is very good. Windows has an option now allowing you to just install the Windows Core with the PowerShell without any graphical services running.
What needs improvement?
I used to like the graphical interface and graphical philosophy in previous versions of Windows Server. I am not able to be as fast and efficient as I used to be using a graphical interface. However, Windows has moved to the PowerShell, it is powerful, but is still limited compared to what we do can do in Linux. Linux was built at the beginning of the command line interfaces which is why they have a very powerful command line.
When you work on the command line you can make scripts and then use them every time you want to complete a task. You can capitalize on past experiences by using a script to simplify them, such as when you need to install something or do configurations. Making those tasks faster and simplified. You end up saving a lot of time by using the command line which is best for administrators and the graphical interface is best for the end-user.
You can not do most of the automation on Windows that you can on Linux, it is not the same thing. Windows is improving but it is not at the same level as Linux.
When using a graphical interface it tends to have more bugs, vulnerabilities and weakens the server. Normally we install Linux on big servers that do not have any graphical interfaces inside. The fewer services you run the better it with be for security. We prefer most of the time installing Windows without the graphical interface.
Overall Windows for us is more difficult and less efficient than Linux.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server for approximately 25 years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. However, when you start putting in some extra layers, such as data intelligence inside, then problems tend to start happening.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have been using Microsoft Windows Server solutions for a long time. We started with Windows NT then switched to Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, and all the way up to this current version. Additionally, we work with Linux and Windows 10.
How was the initial setup?
It is easy to do some types of deployments with Windows dedicated networks.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We have evaluated Linux and other Windows systems.
What other advice do I have?
I recently started using my Windows 10 with the Linux Subsystem for Windows, to install and administer all my Linux servers worldwide. I can run a DBM on the Linux Subsystem for Windows, Ubuntu, or Kali Linux, and can access my servers worldwide. Having Linux Subsystem running inside Windows 10, I have been enjoying using the operating system much more.
I cannot install a virtual machine inside the Subsystems which I do very easily on any Linux distribution. Additionally, after installing a virtual machine on Linux, the virtual machine will be more powerful than the Linux Subsystem for Windows. If Microsoft was able to achieve the same level of a virtual machine, then it will be very good for us to start doing many more operations inside of Windows.
I rate Windows Server a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner

Responsable TUIC at MISSION LAIQUE FRANCAISE
Easy to configure and offers good pricing to educational institutions, but needs to be more stable
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very easy to configure."
- "The solution is not easy to use."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for the domain controller.
How has it helped my organization?
The product has helped our company as it offers us a domain controller and the use of the domain service.
What is most valuable?
The solution is very easy to configure.
The solution has a lot of features.
The pricing is good. They offer special pricing to educational institutions that is less than what a typical organization might pay.
What needs improvement?
The solution is not easy to use.
The solution could be more stable. It's an aspect they could improve on in future versions.
The solution could be more scalable and flexible.
The solution needs to offer better documentation and more training to its users. This would help customers better understand how to use the product effectively.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution since 2015. It's been just over five years now. It's been a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution does not offer very good stability. It's something they need to improve upon.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is moderately flexible. I'd rate it at a 3 out of five. It could be better.
We have 100 users on the solution currently. We do have plans to increase the number of users to 200 in the future.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support could be a bit better. they do have a lot of features and sometimes we need assistance with everything.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have some experience with Linux, however, I find it a bit more difficult to implement.
How was the initial setup?
The solution is not too difficult or complex to set up. It's easier to implement than other servers. For example, Linux is much more difficult.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing, for us, is reasonable. We are an educational institution and therefore we get special rates. Therefore, our pricing isn't too bad. However, an enterprise version of the solution is quite expensive.
What other advice do I have?
We are just a customer and an end-user of the solution. We don't have a business relationship with Microsoft.
We are currently using the 2016 version and have plans to upgrade to the 2019 version.
I would recommend the solution to other users and organizations.
I'd rate the solution at a seven out of ten. It's an okay product, however, there are many areas that could be improved.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Windows Server
March 2025

Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
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Software Engineer at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Easy to use, simple to set up, and scales well
Pros and Cons
- "The scalability it offers is great."
- "Sometimes we face some overload on the server."
What is our primary use case?
We have the product that my team works on and we need to, for example, deploy the solution on running servers. That way, the client can access it and the QAs in our team could test it.
Also, we have some database servers other than the Windows Server. We use it for servers - indicators for better pages for better performance. We create the databases actually.
What is most valuable?
The remote session is really helpful due to the fact that we are using Windows on our machines. You can access the remote session easily on that server. There's also the database management tool that we use to run queries and show a relational database check. If there is some problem with the data we can see it.
It's good for performance testing on the actual app.
The scalability it offers is great. We can upgrade for the internal services. If we want to increase storage, or our clients do, the solution can accommodate that.
Overall it's really easy to use. It's like using Windows, yet with many other features.
The initial setup is very easy.
What needs improvement?
Sometimes we face some overload on servers. You need to request one of the IT to assist as there is no way that you can do a remote session on it. They need to intervene directly on the server. It has to be done manually. We also can't intervene ourselves as there is no way to log in remotely to the servers. That's why IT needs to get involved. It's a pain point for us as all you can really do is wait.
In a future release, it would be helpful if there were more tools to help us do some performance testing. The last time we needed to look for tools online and choose some third-party tools to analyze how the application is performing. If they could instead provide us with pre-installed tools, that would be better. There are some but they don't really give you the information that we are looking for.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using the solution for the last 12 months. We use it pretty much daily.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good. It's extremely reliable. We are using it in both the development phase and in production whenever we have a release for a client. It doesn't crash or freeze. There are no bugs or glitches.
It also provides multiple metrics that help us supervise the overall performance of the server based on data collected over the lifetime.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
For my own team, from our own premise, there are more than a hundred users at any given time on the solution. Sometimes there could be multiple deployments on one server.
We do have plans to increase usage. It comes with a variety of good features and it's quite useful to us.
How are customer service and technical support?
I haven't personally worked with technical support in any capacity. However, I have colleagues that have opened tickets and they don't have any complaints. They are helpful and reliable when dealing with our team.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward. There are some requests from the clients to use HTTPS and therefore we needed to test some certificates. The documentation thing for Amazon or Microsoft is really detailed at the center. It's easy to find the details you need.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We do have a license from Microsoft.
I can't speak to how the subscription works however it's my understanding that it's paid yearly due to the fact that it's a large-scale scheme.
What other advice do I have?
We are just a customer and an end-user.
We have servers deployed within the company's headquarters right here in Tunis which we use for internal purposes. For other clients, it's deployed in other data centers, and they have access to them from our company.
I'd recommend this solution to other companies and users. There are some clients that require this particular server and there are some older solutions that require deployment on a Windows Server. That said, we've moved to .net code to support both Microsoft and Linux.
I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Project Engineer at CDAC
Has an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI), but its deployment is a bit difficult
Pros and Cons
- "Since Windows Server has a graphical user interface (GUI), it is easy to use and implement the services that we are using."
- "Compared to Linux, the solution is a bit difficult to deploy."
What is our primary use case?
We use Windows Server for Active Directory (AD). We use the solution to manage user data and access through Active Directory. We use Windows Server to host and configure the mail servers.
What is most valuable?
Since Windows Server has a graphical user interface (GUI), it is easy to use and implement the services that we are using.
What needs improvement?
Compared to Linux, the solution is a bit difficult to deploy. The solution should have a faster deployment.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server for more than five to six years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution has good stability.
I rate the solution an eight out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Around 50 employees are using the solution in our organization. The solution is used extensively in our organization, and we have plans to increase the usage.
How was the initial setup?
The solution’s initial setup is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
The solution's installation process is a bit lengthy and hectic. It took more time than the Linux operating system used to take. Our in-house team follows the documentation part, and we do the deployment ourselves from scratch.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We use only the license versions of Windows Server.
What other advice do I have?
We currently have our own data center where we host the services. Since we are a government-based R&D organization, we do not trust any cloud platform services like Azure, Google, and AWS.
We had to configure all the services and features that were available. We had to look for additional plugins that we could create and integrate for the security of our organization. I would recommend Windows Server for an organization dependent on the GUI part. Otherwise, I recommend using Linux servers.
The hardware requirement for Windows Server is very large compared to Linux. For that, we need to use or deploy the maximum hardware that is necessary.
Overall, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
VP Global Information Technology at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
Easy to set up with good performance and helpful technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The stability and performance are great."
- "We've had a few minor compatibility issues."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for hosting applications. We have six applications, which are VMs.
What is most valuable?
The stability and performance are great.
The initial setup is pretty straightforward.
The solution can scale.
Technical support is great.
What needs improvement?
We've had a few minor compatibility issues.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Windows Server for 20 to 25 years at this point. It's likely been over two decades. We've used it for quite a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is extremely stable and the performance has been great. The product doesn't crash or freeze. We don't experience bugs or glitches. It's a reliable system.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is good. We moved from the 2012 version to the 2019 version and found that the scalability has improved.
We have about 10,000 users on the solution currently.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support has been fine. We are satisfied with the level of support we get.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used the 2012 version and have since moved to the 2019 version of Windows Server.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was very straightforward for us. We didn't run into any issues and didn't find any complexities or difficulties. We upgraded from the 2012 to the 2019 version and that took us about one day. It was pretty fast.
We have a team of about 15 technicians that can handle deployment and maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
We did not use a consultant or integrator when we did the implementation. We handled it ourselves, in-house. We were quite capable of handling the process internally.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay a yearly licensing fee.
What other advice do I have?
We are using the 2019 version of the solution, which is the latest.
I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten.
I would recommend the solution to other organizations and companies.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Client Services Analyst at Kantar
Is simple to use
Pros and Cons
- "The simplicity of the solution is the most valuable aspect."
- "As I said, it was the the simplicity of the solution. It's easy to use or easy to identify what company's been what beneficial for the company, would be I guess it was easy to distinguish what we needed or what Perfect."
- "They could make it more company-specific to some of the tools that we use."
What is our primary use case?
It is used for day to day purposes.
What is most valuable?
The simplicity of the solution is the most valuable aspect.
What needs improvement?
They could make it more company-specific to some of the tools that we use.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have experience using Windows Server.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is very high.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Close to a thousand users are using the solution.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is an expensive solution.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Technical Manager at SAPEC
Generates a return on investment in terms of stability
Pros and Cons
- "The platform generates a return on investment in terms of stability."
- "The platform's user interface needs improvement."
What needs improvement?
The platform's user interface needs improvement. Additionally, its price could be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Windows Server for 15 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the product's stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have 15 Windows Server users in our organization.
How are customer service and support?
We receive the technical support services from a local vendor.
What was our ROI?
The platform generates a return on investment in terms of stability.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Windows Server is expensive. We purchase its yearly license.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Windows Server a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
SAP Architecture Manager at a consultancy with 11-50 employees
Problem-free, extremely stable, and scales well
Pros and Cons
- "The product can scale very well."
- "If it had more integration capabilities, that would be ideal."
What is our primary use case?
The solution is used both as a security measure and basically for all operating systems which are mostly for the ERP systems. They need to be installed in a Windows Server so that it has a link to the domain. It makes it a secure network.
What is most valuable?
The Windows Server is mostly to host our SAP application. It's just that basic operating system. We are using the backend as a database, a Microsoft SQL Server is there also in front of them.
Over the ten years we have used the servers, we've never had a problem. They are robust and reliable.
The solution is quite stable.
The product can scale very well.
What needs improvement?
We could always use more security on the product.
If it had more integration capabilities, that would be ideal.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using the solution for about ten years now. It's been a decade or so. We've had it for a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is reliable and the performance is great. We literally never have any issues. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution scales quite well. If we need to expand it, it has the capacity to do so.
Windows Server acts basically as the SAP application that is being hosted on this server. We have not given access to our internal employees. Basically, we give access of SAP to several of our clients and there are more than 200 people using SAP and the backend Windows Server.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is from the provider. So they are the ones who contact the Microsoft support team if there is an issue with the server.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also use Windows 10.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is handled by our service providers. I do not handle the implementation process myself. Everything comes pre-installed and ready to go.
Maintenance is being done by the hosting service provider. We don't maintain the operating system; they do it from their end.
What about the implementation team?
The installation is done by the hosting service providers. They provide us the servers in which they pre-install Windows Server 2019. That comes as part of the servers which we take from the internet solution providers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We don't pay for the license. That is as part of a contract in which we pay a monthly charge for having the servers in the hosted environment.
What other advice do I have?
We have several servers. The oldest are the 2012 versions. The newest servers we have are from 2019.
I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten. I cannot say enough that, over the decade of use, we have had zero issues. It's been great.
I'd definitely recommend the product to other users and companies.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

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