The best Windows hosting providers offer reliable solutions powered by the Windows operating system (OS). The top recommended Windows hosting provider is ScalaHosting. It offers secure and scalable Windows VPS plans with SSD storage, automated backups, and 24/7 expert support.
Windows hosting is a type of web hosting that utilizes servers running Windows Server. Windows Server is an OS created by Microsoft. Windows hosting suits projects that utilize Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET or MS SQL. It also suits businesses that are already familiar with Microsoft environments.
The cost of Windows hosting ranges from $5 to $30 per month. The steep price is due to Microsoft’s licensing fee and the expensive server hardware required. However, cheap Windows hosting plans under $15 per month are available. Free Windows hosting is not available.
There are 4 options for Windows hosting: Windows shared hosting, Windows VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting, Windows cloud hosting, and Windows dedicated hosting. Use a host tracker to identify when your site exceeds its resource limits and needs to upgrade to a more powerful Windows hosting plan. Small to medium applications should choose VPS Windows hosting because of its generous resource allocations. Rapidly scaling websites should choose cloud Windows hosting.
There are 3 main OS versions used by Windows hosting: Windows Server Essentials, Windows Server Standard and Windows Server Datacenter. It’s possible to use your own existing Windows license for Windows hosting but consumer-grade Windows 10 or 11 is not viable.
IIS and Kestrel are 2 web servers commonly used with Windows hosting. Plesk is the most commonly used control panel. The ASP.NET hosting bundle is compatible with Windows VPS and cloud hosting, but not on Windows shared hosting. The alternative to Windows hosting is Linux hosting, which runs on the free and open-source Linux OS.
Top Windows Server Hosting
- ScalaHosting – Best for budget Windows VPS
- UltaHost – Best for Windows hosting with NVMe
- Liquid Web – Best for Windows cloud hosting
- Accuweb Hosting – Best for Windows shared hosting
- Hostwinds – Best for unmanaged Windows VPS
- TMDHosting – Best for managed Windows hosting
- What Is Windows Hosting?
- What Is The Cost Of Windows Hosting?
- Can Cheap Windows Hosting Be Viable?
- What Are The Options For Windows Hosting?
- Should I Use VPS Or Cloud Windows Hosting?
- What Windows OS Is Used For Windows Hosting?
- What Web Server Can I Use For Windows Hosting?
- Which Control Panel Is Most Commonly Used In Windows Hosting?
- Can I Use The ASP.NET Hosting Bundle On Windows Hosting?
- What Is The Difference Between Windows Hosting And Linux Hosting?
- Which Is The Best Windows Hosting Provider?
1. ScalaHosting
- Solid uptime and reliable performance
- User-friendly control panel with enhanced features
- Advanced security measures, including free SSL certificates
- Multiple data center locations for better global reach
- Free website migration assistance
- Limited range of hosting plans compared to other providers
- Customer support response times may vary
- Windows hosting options are limited compared to Linux hosting
ScalaHosting offers robust Windows hosting solutions that cater to various website needs. With a strong emphasis on security, scalability, and affordability, ScalaHosting stands out.
Their Windows hosting plans include features such as SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificates, and automated backups. ScalaHosting also provides a user-friendly control panel and a knowledgeable support team available round the clock to assist you with any queries or concerns.
It’s worth noting that ScalaHosting only offers Windows as an OS for their VPS plans. You’ll find this common across many web hosting providers today, with Windows becoming of decreased interest for shared hosting providers. Read our ScalaHosting review to learn more.
2. UltaHost
- Utilizes NVMe SSD and DDR5 RAM for top-tier performance
- Supports multiple Windows Server editions for flexibility
- Full RDP access for complete control over server tasks
- Unmetered bandwidth ensures traffic scalability
- Advanced security features, including free DDoS protection and SSL certificates
- 20+ data centers worldwide for low latency
- Free domain only available with annual plans
- Limited IPv4 addresses
UltaHost offers Windows VPS hosting designed for businesses and developers who need a high-performing, reliable, and scalable hosting environment. Their managed plans utilize NVMe SSD storage, DDR5 RAM, and Intel Xeon processors to ensure faster speeds and enhanced stability for even the most demanding applications.
The platform supports multiple Windows Server editions and includes full RDP access. Managed services include free SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and automated updates.
UltaHost’s global network of data centers ensures low latency and dependable performance, regardless of where your audience is located. Unmetered bandwidth and scalable resources enable users to handle high traffic and growing business needs seamlessly. Read our UltaHost review for more details.
3. Liquid Web
- Comprehensive support for Microsoft technologies
- Highly-skilled 24/7/365 customer support team
- State-of-the-art data centers and redundant power systems
- Broad range of developer-friendly tools and features
- Easily upgrade your resources as your website grows
- Pricier than some competitors
- Slightly more challenging for beginners
One of the critical advantages of Liquid Web is its unwavering commitment to performance and reliability. With state-of-the-art data centers, redundant power systems, and a highly skilled technical team, Liquid Web will ensure a smooth and uninterrupted Windows hosting experience.
They offer comprehensive support for Microsoft technologies, including the latest versions of Windows Server, ASP.NET, and MS SQL databases. Whether running a Windows-based website, .NET application, or e-commerce store, Liquid Web provides the tools and resources to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
With performance-driven infrastructure, exceptional customer support, and top-notch security, you can confidently host your Windows-based websites or applications with them.
4. AccuWeb Hosting
- Comprehensive support for server management
- Familiar Windows operating system environment
- High-performance infrastructure with fast response times
- Scalability and resource customization options
- Robust security measures and regular backups
- Pricier than some competitors
- Control panel interface could be more intuitive
Accuweb Hosting is a feature-rich web host that offers excellent uptime and has a particular strength in its Windows server offerings. Its VPS plans are Windows-based and come fully managed for your convenience.
These Windows VPS plans combine the benefits of a Windows operating system with the scalability and virtualization capabilities of a VPS. With this service, you have access to a dedicated virtual machine running on powerful hardware infrastructure.
One of the key advantages of the fully managed Windows VPS is its use of the latest versions of Windows Server. This ensures a familiar and user-friendly environment for users who rely on Windows-based applications and software.
In terms of performance, Accuweb Hosting’s fully managed Windows VPS utilizes cutting-edge hardware and advanced virtualization technologies. This ensures fast response times, low latency, and reliable uptime for websites, applications, and databases hosted on their servers. Read our AccuWeb Hosting review to learn more.
5. Hostwinds
- Comprehensive support for server management
- Familiar Windows operating system environment
- Excellent performance and reliability with powerful hardware
- Flexible scalability options to accommodate growing needs
- Robust security measures and proactive monitoring
- Control panel interface may have a learning curve
- Pricier than some competitors
Hostwinds offers a variety of hosting solutions, including its fully managed Windows VPS. These plans offer a powerful and hassle-free hosting experience tailored to their specific needs.
One of the standout features of Hostwinds’ fully managed Windows VPS is the comprehensive managed support it provides. The company’s expert team takes care of all the technical aspects of server management, including hardware maintenance, network infrastructure, and software updates.
The Windows VPS from Hostwinds also comes with the latest Windows operating system, providing customers with a familiar and user-friendly environment. This is great news for any individuals and businesses that rely on Windows-based applications and software.
Plus – Security is a top priority. Users gain from robust security measures to protect customer data and ensure the integrity of the hosting environment. This includes firewalls, DDoS protection, regular backups, and proactive monitoring to mitigate potential threats and ensure the safety of the VPS. See our Hostwinds review to find out more.
6. TMDHosting
- Support for the latest Microsoft tech including Windows Server 2022 and ASP.NET
- Support for Microsoft WebDeploy
- Managed Windows hosting plans and automatic security updates
- Global data center presence
- Free SSL certificates
- Windows VPS hosting is pricier than many competitors
TMDHosting is a web host from Orlando, Florida that offers managed Windows hosting in the forms of Windows shared and Windows VPS hosting. They provide fast server speeds and managed services tailored towards website owners who require a convenient and reliable Microsoft-based environment. Their plans are designed to support the latest Windows Server 2022 and ASP.NET versions, ensuring that users benefit from the most current Microsoft innovations. They also include the Plesk control panel.
Other key strengths of TMDHosting’s Windows hosting include comprehensive support for Microsoft WebDeploy to streamline the deployment of web applications. Their plans also come with free SSL, a free domain, generous SSD allocations and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Plans are secured by Microsoft Defender™.
TMDHosting operates a network of 6 data centers across all major continents to keep website loading speeds fast regardless of your audience’s geographical location. Read our detailed review for our thoughts about TMDHosting.
What Is Windows Hosting?
Windows hosting is a web hosting service that runs the Windows operating system (OS). It’s ideal for sites using Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET or MSSQL. Key features include support for .NET frameworks, Visual Basic, and MS Access databases.
Windows hosting is very well-suited for those familiar with Microsoft’s ecosystem and already using products such as Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, or the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. The interface is more intuitive for users that prefer graphical tools over command-line interfaces. Whilst the Windows OS is not as widely used as Linux OS, many of the best web hosting providers offer Windows hosting as an option.
What Is The Cost Of Windows Hosting?
The cost of Windows hosting ranges from $5 to $30 per month. This gives you access to Windows shared, VPS (Virtual Private Server), and cloud hosting plans. Windows shared hosting is the most affordable, whereas Windows VPS hosting falls in the middle of the price range. Windows cloud hosting is the most expensive choice.
Why is Windows hosting more expensive?
Windows hosting is more expensive than Linux hosting for two reasons. Firstly, the Windows operating system requires a paid license, unlike Linux. This licensing fee contributes directly to the higher costs of Windows hosting as hosting providers need to cover these expenses. Secondly, the Windows OS demands more from server hardware in terms of resources like processing power and memory. This means hosting providers must invest in more robust and therefore more expensive hardware.
Can Cheap Windows Hosting Be Viable?
Yes, cheap Windows hosting can be viable. Cheap Windows hosting costs only $15 or lower per month. This price gives users access to a variety of Microsoft licenses and support for Microsoft SQL Server or MSSQL for databases. Other features of viable cheap Windows hosting include compatibility with the latest ASP.NET for web development and fast SSD (Solid-State Drive) storage. These features ensure that even budget-friendly Windows hosting meets the basic needs of users reliant on Microsoft technologies. Check our cheap Windows hosting shortlist for top recommendations.
Are there free Windows hosting services available?
No, there are no free Windows hosting services available. The costs associated with Windows operating system licenses and the higher server requirements make it unsustainable for providers to offer free Windows hosting services. Users need to opt for paid hosting plans to access Windows hosting capabilities.
What Are The Options For Windows Hosting?
There are 4 options for Windows hosting:
- Windows Shared Hosting Windows Shared hosting involves multiple websites being hosted on a single server. This means resources like bandwidth and storage are shared. It’s the most cost-effective option and is recommended for small-scale applications like personal blogs or small business websites that use Windows-specific tools such as ASP.NET.
- Windows VPS (Virtual Private Server) Hosting Windows VPS hosting offers a middle ground between shared and dedicated hosting. Each website is hosted within a virtual partition on a server. This grants users a higher degree of isolation with the advantage of individual resource allocation. It’s suitable for medium-sized businesses that require a Windows environment for technologies like .NET or Windows-based databases.
- Windows Cloud Hosting Windows Cloud hosting involves using multiple connected servers that comprise a cloud. It allows businesses to instantly increase or decrease resources based on their website’s current demands. This is ideal for Windows-based apps with variable traffic.
- Windows Dedicated Hosting Windows Dedicated hosting provides a server solely dedicated to a single client. It offers maximum control, security, and performance and is the most expensive option. This is best suited for highly demanding Windows applications, like large-scale ERP systems or complex databases that require the robustness of a dedicated Windows environment.
When Do I Upgrade From Windows Shared Hosting?
Upgrade from Windows shared hosting when your site outgrows its shared server resources and is showing signs of slowdowns or downtime. Monitor performance lapses using a host tracker such as UptimeRobot, Pingdom, GTmetrix, or Bitcatcha Host Tracker. These tools track and record server response time and uptime performance. Analysing this historical performance data helps you decide whether your Windows shared hosting still meets your needs, or if an upgrade to Windows VPS, Windows cloud or Windows dedicated hosting is required.
Should I Use VPS Or Cloud Windows Hosting?
You should use VPS Windows hosting instead of cloud Windows hosting for small to medium-sized web applications with moderate traffic. A VPS Windows plan is also ideal for websites that need more resources and control than shared hosting but not the full capacity of dedicated hosting. Check our best Windows VPS shortlist for our brand recommendations.
Cloud Windows hosting is suitable for web applications expected to grow and scale rapidly. Cloud hosting provides instant resource adjustments, which makes it a good fit for dynamic websites.
What Windows OS Is Used For Windows Hosting?
There are 3 Windows OS used for Windows hosting: Server Essentials, Server Standard and Server Datacenter.
Windows Server Essentials
Windows Server Essentials is tailored for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. It’s an ideal entry-level server that provides essential features like file and printer sharing, remote access, and security. Windows Server Essentials is user-friendly and does not require extensive IT knowledge. This makes it suitable for organizations with limited technical staff. We recommend it for small-scale Windows hosting needs.
Windows Server Standard
Windows Server Standard is designed for physical or minimally virtualized environments. It offers more advanced features than Essentials. This OS supports core-based licensing and provides capabilities like unlimited Windows Server containers and Hyper-V for virtualization. It’s fitting for businesses looking for Windows hosting with greater scalability and flexibility.
Windows Server Datacenter
Windows Server Datacenter is the most robust version designed for highly virtualized data centers and cloud environments. It includes all the features of the Standard edition but with unlimited virtualization rights. It also has additional features like Storage Spaces Direct and Shielded Virtual Machines. This version is optimal for large-scale Windows hosting requirements, particularly for large enterprises and organizations heavily involved in virtualization and cloud computing.
Can I use my own Windows licenses for Windows hosting?
Yes, you can use your own Windows licenses for Windows hosting. Providers that offer Windows VPS, cloud, and dedicated servers allow users to bring and load their own licensed Windows operating system. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses that already have existing Windows licenses and prefer to utilize them in their hosting environment.
Is Windows 10 or 11 viable for website hosting
No, Windows 10 or 11 is not viable for website hosting. These are consumer-grade operating systems designed for personal computers and not for hosting websites efficiently and securely. They can be used for hosting virtual machines (VMs) but aren’t optimized for the demands and security requirements of web hosting services.
What Web Server Can I Use For Windows Hosting?
You can use web servers like IIS (Internet Information Services) and Kestrel for Windows hosting. IIS is a web server from Microsoft favored for its modular architecture, strong security, and extensive management tools. It is used for hosting websites, applications, and services. It also integrates well with Windows server and other Microsoft products. Kestrel is a cross-platform web server for ASP.NET Core. It’s designed to be fast and lightweight with an optimized architecture for handling a large number of concurrent connections efficiently. Kestrel can also be used behind a proxy server like IIS or as an edge server directly facing the internet.
Which Control Panel Is Most Commonly Used In Windows Hosting?
The Plesk control panel is most commonly used in Windows hosting. Plesk is a comprehensive, user-friendly control panel that allows users to manage their hosting accounts, websites, email, and applications. It is known for its intuitive interface and robust set of tools for website management. This includes support for various website-builders, security features, and automation options.
Can I Use The ASP.NET Hosting Bundle On Windows Hosting?
Yes, you can use the ASP.NET hosting bundle on Windows hosting. You have the option to upload and extract the bundle onto Windows VPS or cloud servers. This allows you to utilize its full capabilities. Note that you cannot do this with Windows shared hosting since this setup only grants users limited access and control over the server environment. Check our best ASP.NET hosting shortlist for hosts that help you get the most out of ASP.NET.
What Is The Difference Between Windows Hosting And Linux Hosting?
There are 4 differences between Windows hosting and Linux hosting:
- OS (Operating System) Windows hosting uses Windows Server, which offers integration with Microsoft products and requires a commercial license. Linux hosting provides users with open-source operating systems like Ubuntu, Debian and AlmaLinux.
- Web Server Windows hosting primarily employs IIS (Internet Information Services) and Kestrel, which are optimized for Microsoft technologies. Linux hosting uses web servers such as Apache, Nginx, OpenLiteSpeed.
- Control Panel The most common control panel in Windows hosting is Plesk. It features a user-friendly interface and tools for Windows-specific hosting management. Linux hosting utilizes mostly cPanel, which also offers an intuitive interface but with extensive tools for Linux-based hosting environments.
- Cost Windows hosting incurs higher costs due to Windows Server licensing fees. Linux hosting is generally cheaper, as it benefits from the use of open-source software.
Read more about the differences between Windows hosting and Linux hosting here.