5 Best Windows Hosting Providers in 2024 (Cheap, Shared, VPS, Cloud, Dedicated)

The top Windows hosting providers are leading companies that specialize in providing hosting solutions tailored specifically to utilize Microsoft technologies. These providers stand out for offering dependable, secure, and scalable hosting environments that seamlessly integrate with ASP.NET and Microsoft SQL Server.

In this guide, we’ll highlight our top 5 picks and discuss important factors such as speed, features, customer service, and value for money. Our article covers various topics, including the advantages of Windows hosting compared to Linux hosting, and the importance of understanding your requirements to find the perfect Windows hosting solution.

Our top choice for the best Windows hosting provider is QUAPE, based on what they can offer – but let’s dive into the details!

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.

The cost of Windows hosting ranges from $5 to $30 per month. This gives you access to shared, VPS (Virtual Private Server), and cloud Windows hosting plans. Shared Windows hosting is the most affordable, whereas VPS Windows hosting falls in the middle of the price range. Cloud Windows 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.

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.

There are four options for 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are 4 differences between Windows hosting and Linux hosting:

The best Windows hosting provider delivers excellent compatibility with Windows-based applications, robust performance, and competitive pricing.