Linux vs Windows VPS: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a Linux VPS if you mainly run websites, WordPress, PHP, Python or Node.js applications and are comfortable with SSH. Choose a Windows VPS if you need to run Windows software such as Busy, Tally, ERP or billing applications, ASP.NET and MS SQL, or want your team to work on a remote desktop (RDP). The software you need to run decides the operating system, not the other way round. At Hosting Safari, both Linux and Windows VPS plans start at ₹749 a month for 4 GB RAM, 2 vCores and 30 GB SSD/NVMe storage, so price alone should not drive the choice.
This guide explains how the two compare on software, management, users, security and cost, and gives you a simple way to decide for your business.
What is the difference between a Linux VPS and a Windows VPS?
Both are virtual private servers: a share of a physical server with its own dedicated RAM, CPU cores and storage, and its own operating system. The difference is the operating system you get on top.
- Linux VPS: runs a Linux distribution. You manage it with root access over SSH, or through a web control panel if one is installed. It is the natural home for websites, databases such as MySQL, and most open-source web software.
- Windows VPS: runs Windows Server. You log in with Remote Desktop (RDP) and get administrator rights, so it feels like a Windows computer in the cloud. It runs desktop business software and Microsoft technologies such as ASP.NET and MS SQL.
Linux vs Windows VPS: quick comparison
| Factor | Linux VPS | Windows VPS |
|---|---|---|
| How you connect | SSH (command line) with root access, or a web control panel | Remote Desktop (RDP) with administrator rights |
| Best for | Websites, WordPress, PHP, Python, Node.js, MySQL, mail and web apps | Busy, Tally, ERP and billing software, ASP.NET, MS SQL, remote desktop for staff |
| Accounting software (Busy, Tally) | Not supported | Supported |
| Multiple users working on the server | Usually through applications and websites, not desktops | Remote desktop logins; more than two simultaneous users need Microsoft RDS licences |
| Skills needed | Comfort with the Linux command line, or a control panel | Familiar Windows interface |
| Resource use | Lighter; more of the RAM is left for your applications | Windows itself uses more RAM and disk |
| Starting price at Hosting Safari | ₹749/month (Linux VPS) | ₹749/month (Windows VPS) |
When a Linux VPS is the right choice
Linux is the standard platform for the web. Most hosting control panels, WordPress, popular PHP frameworks and open-source tools are built and tested on Linux first. A Linux VPS makes sense when:
- You host one or many websites, such as a company site, WordPress blogs or an online store
- Your developers build in PHP, Python, Node.js or similar and use MySQL or other open-source databases
- You have outgrown shared hosting and need dedicated RAM, CPU and your own server settings
- You want to get the most out of every GB of RAM, because Linux has a lighter footprint
Hosting Safari's Linux VPS plans allow unlimited domains, unlimited databases and subdomains, and a private name server, so one server can carry many sites as long as its resources keep up with the traffic. If you are still deciding whether you need a VPS at all, read VPS vs shared hosting.
When a Windows VPS is the right choice
For many Indian businesses, the deciding factor is accounting and business software. Busy, Tally and most Indian billing, inventory and ERP applications are Windows programs. They cannot be installed on a Linux server. A Windows VPS makes sense when:
- You want to run accounting, billing, ERP or inventory software in the cloud and let staff use it from the office, home or other branches
- Your applications or websites are built on ASP.NET or use MS SQL Server
- You want a private remote desktop server so your team works on the same Windows applications and files without a server in your office
- Your IT person or team is more comfortable with a Windows interface than with the command line
Keep user licensing in mind. Windows Server allows two administrative remote desktop sessions by default. If more people need to log in at the same time, Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) licences are required. Plan for this before you move your team.
What about SAP Business One?
SAP Business One comes in two versions. The MS SQL version runs on Windows Server, while the SAP HANA version runs on Linux. Your SAP partner will tell you which version you use, and that decides the server. Our guide on the best server for SAP Business One in India covers sizing, branch access and backups in more detail.
Cost: is Windows VPS more expensive than Linux?
With many providers, Windows costs more because of Microsoft licensing. At Hosting Safari, Linux and Windows VPS plans are listed at the same monthly prices, so you can choose on fit rather than price. Current NON-HA plans include:
| RAM | vCores | SSD/NVMe storage | Bandwidth | Price/month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 GB | 2 | 30 GB | 1 TB | ₹749 |
| 8 GB | 4 | 100 GB | 1 TB | ₹999 |
| 12 GB | 4 | 100 GB | 1 TB | ₹1,299 |
| 12 GB | 6 | 100 GB | 1 TB | ₹1,599 |
| 16 GB | 6 | 200 GB | 1 TB | ₹1,899 |
| 24 GB | 6 | 150 GB | 1 TB | ₹3,099 |
| 32 GB | 8 | 200 GB | 1 TB | ₹4,599 |
NON-HA plans run in a Tier III data centre and do not include backup snapshots. High Availability plans start at ₹2,999 a month for 10 GB RAM and 2 vCores, run in a Tier IV data centre and include 15 days of snapshot backups. You can add RAM, vCPU and storage later as add-ons (on NON-HA plans: ₹150 per GB of RAM, ₹150 per vCPU and ₹5 per GB of storage each month).
Two real cost differences remain. First, Windows itself uses more RAM, so a Windows server running the same workload may need a slightly bigger plan. Second, extra remote desktop users on Windows need RDS licences. Ask our team about both when you get a quote.
Security and maintenance
Neither operating system is secure on its own; a well-maintained server is. Whichever you choose:
- Keep it updated. Apply operating system and application updates regularly.
- Lock down remote access. Use strong passwords, change default ports where sensible, and allow SSH or RDP only from the IP addresses that need it.
- Use a firewall. Open only the ports your applications actually use.
- Back up off the server. Choose a plan with snapshots or add a separate backup, and test a restore.
- Watch logins. Repeated failed logins on RDP or SSH are a warning sign.
If you do not want to handle these tasks yourself, see our guide to managed vs unmanaged VPS.
Want accounting in the cloud without managing a server?
If your only reason for a Windows VPS is to run accounting software for a few users, a managed per-user plan can be simpler. Our Busy on Cloud and Tally on Cloud plans start at ₹290 a month for one user, and we set up the server, users and backups for you. A Windows VPS is the better fit when you also run other Windows applications or want full administrator control.
How to decide in three questions
- What software must run on the server? Windows-only programs mean Windows. Websites and open-source apps point to Linux.
- Who will use it, and how? Staff working on a desktop means Windows with RDP. Visitors using a website or web app works well on Linux.
- Who will manage it? Pick the system your team or your provider can maintain confidently.
Many businesses use both: a Linux VPS for the website and a Windows VPS or cloud plan for accounting and internal software.
Get the right VPS for your business
Tell us which software you run, how many users need access and where they work, and we will suggest the right Linux or Windows VPS. Call or WhatsApp +91 9999374000 or email info@hostingsafari.com. Our office in Rohini, Delhi is open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM.