> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Best OS for a VPS: Linux or Windows Server? > Best OS for a VPS: choose Linux (Ubuntu 24.04, Debian 13 or AlmaLinux) for websites, Docker and most game servers; choose Windows Server for Windows-only software. For most VPS uses, choose Linux: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS if you are new, Debian 13 for a lean, stable system, or AlmaLinux / Rocky Linux 9 or 10 if you want Red Hat compatibility. Linux runs websites, Docker, databases and most game servers with less memory. Choose Windows Server 2022 or 2025 only when your software needs Windows, for example .NET Framework apps, MS SQL tools or Windows-only game servers. | | Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky) | Windows Server 2022 / 2025 | | - | - | - | | You manage it with | SSH (command line) | Remote Desktop (graphical) | | Minimum RAM (vendor) | 1 GB (Ubuntu 24.04 cloud image) | 2 GB for Desktop Experience (2022 and 2025), 4 GB recommended for 2025 | | Minimum disk (vendor) | 4 GB (Ubuntu 24.04 cloud image) | 32 GB | | Licence | Free and open source | Commercial licence from Microsoft | | Best for | Websites, Docker, databases, VPNs, bots, most game servers | Windows-only apps, .NET Framework, IIS, Windows game servers | | Guides in this section | Most of them | The Windows Server groups | ## Before you start * You choose the OS when you [set up your VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-set-up-your-new-vps.md) and can change it later by [reinstalling](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-rebuild-and-reinstall-your-vps.md). A reinstall erases the disk, so pick carefully if you already have data. * Check the system requirements of the software you want to run. They usually decide the OS for you. ## When should I choose Linux? Choose Linux if any of these apply: * You want to host websites (nginx, Apache, PHP, WordPress, Node.js, Python). * You want to run Docker containers, self-hosted apps or a control panel such as HestiaCP. * You run a game server that has a Linux build (Minecraft, Rust, Valheim, CS2 and many others). * You want the most performance from a small plan. Linux servers have no graphical desktop by default, so more RAM is left for your apps. Which Linux? See [which Linux distribution is best for a server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/which-linux-distribution-is-best-for-a-server.md). In short: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS for beginners and the widest tutorial coverage, Debian 13 for a minimal stable base, AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux for software certified on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. ## When should I choose Windows Server? Choose Windows Server if: * Your software only runs on Windows (many .NET Framework apps, some trading platforms, Windows-only game servers). * You need IIS, Microsoft SQL Server tools or Active Directory. * You want a graphical desktop and don't want to use a command line. Pick **Windows Server 2022** or **2025**. Microsoft's support dates: | Version | Mainstream support ends | Extended support ends | | - | - | - | | Windows Server 2025 | November 2029 | November 2034 | | Windows Server 2022 | October 2026 (ended) | October 2031 | | Windows Server 2019 | January 2024 (ended) | January 2029 | During extended support Microsoft still ships security updates. Use 2019 only if your software doesn't support a newer version. > [!NOTE] > > Windows Server is licensed per Microsoft's terms. If you need extra licences, for example Remote Desktop Services client access licences for more than administrative use, check Microsoft's licensing requirements before you plan around them. ## Which OS for common projects? | Project | Recommended OS | Why | | - | - | - | | WordPress or PHP website | Ubuntu 24.04 or Debian 13 | Most guides and packages target them. See [install a LEMP stack](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-a-lemp-stack.md). | | Docker and self-hosted apps | Ubuntu 24.04 or Debian 13 | Both are supported by Docker's official packages. See [install Docker](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-docker.md). | | Discord bot (Node.js or Python) | Ubuntu 24.04 | Simple to install runtimes and keep the bot running. See [host a Discord bot](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-host-a-discord-bot-on-a-vps.md). | | Game server with a Linux build | Ubuntu or Debian | Game server tools document these first. See [LinuxGSM](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-host-game-servers-with-linuxgsm.md). | | Game server that only runs on Windows | Windows Server 2022 or 2025 | No Linux build available. See [game server on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-run-a-game-server-on-windows-server.md). | | Software certified for Red Hat Enterprise Linux | AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux 9 / 10 | Binary-compatible with RHEL. | | ASP.NET (.NET Framework) site on IIS | Windows Server 2022 or 2025 | .NET Framework and IIS are Windows-only. See [install IIS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-iis-on-windows-server.md). | | Private VPN | Ubuntu 24.04 or Debian 13 | Small footprint. See [WireGuard VPN server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-a-wireguard-vpn-server.md). | ## What changes day to day? | Task | Linux | Windows Server | | - | - | - | | Log in | [SSH](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-a-linux-server-with-ssh.md) | [Remote Desktop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md) | | Install software | `apt install` or `dnf install` | Installer files or [winget](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-software-with-winget-on-windows-server.md) | | Updates | [apt / dnf](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-update-linux-packages.md), automatic security updates | [Windows Update](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-windows-updates-on-windows-server.md), restarts usually needed | | Firewall | [UFW](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-a-firewall-with-ufw.md) or [firewalld](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-a-firewall-with-firewalld.md) | [Windows Defender Firewall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-open-a-port-in-windows-firewall.md) | | Logs | [journalctl](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-read-logs-with-journalctl.md) | [Event Viewer](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-event-viewer-to-find-errors.md) | | Security checklist | [Linux checklist](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/linux-server-security-checklist.md) | [Windows checklist](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/windows-server-security-checklist.md) | ## Which Linux versions should I avoid? Avoid releases that no longer get security updates: Ubuntu 18.04 and 20.04 (standard support ended), Debian 10 and 11, CentOS 7 and CentOS Stream 8, and openSUSE Leap 15 (Leap 15.6 reached end of life on 30 April 2026). Start new servers on a supported release. ## Can I switch later? Yes, but switching OS means reinstalling. Back up your data first (see [how to back up a Linux server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-back-up-a-linux-server.md) or [how to back up a Windows server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-back-up-a-windows-server.md)), then [rebuild the VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-rebuild-and-reinstall-your-vps.md) with the new OS and restore your data. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Linux harder than Windows? It is different. You manage Linux by typing commands over SSH, which is quick once you know the basics. Our [essential Linux commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/essential-linux-commands-for-server-beginners.md) and [first 10 things](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-10-things-to-do-on-a-new-linux-vps.md) guides get you started. ### Can I get a desktop on a Linux VPS? Yes, you can install one and connect with Remote Desktop. See [install a desktop and xrdp on Linux](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-a-desktop-and-remote-desktop-on-linux.md). Most people don't need one. ### Which OS is best for a Minecraft server? Linux. Minecraft Java runs on Java, which works on both, but Linux leaves more memory for the game. See [run a Minecraft server on a VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-run-a-minecraft-server-on-a-vps.md). ### Does Windows Server need more resources? Yes. Microsoft's minimum for Windows Server with a desktop is 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of disk, while Ubuntu 24.04 cloud images need 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of disk. Your apps come on top. ## Related guides > [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md) > > Every guide in this section. > [card] [Best Linux distro for a server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/which-linux-distribution-is-best-for-a-server.md) > > Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux or Rocky. > [card] [First 10 things on a Linux VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-10-things-to-do-on-a-new-linux-vps.md) > > After you pick Linux. > [card] [First steps on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md) > > After you pick Windows. > [card] [Rebuild and reinstall your VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-rebuild-and-reinstall-your-vps.md) > > Change the OS. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against [Ubuntu Server system requirements](https://ubuntu.com/server/docs/reference/installation/system-requirements/), [Microsoft Learn: Windows Server hardware requirements](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/hardware-requirements) and the [Microsoft lifecycle pages](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-server-2025)** on 4 November 2026. Support dates are set by the vendors and can change. > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.