Linux vs. Windows Hosting

Category: Hosting Basics · Updated 2026-10-30

Linux hosting runs on a free, open-source operating system and supports the vast majority of websites, including WordPress and most PHP applications, usually at a lower price. Windows hosting runs on Windows Server and is needed mainly for applications built on the classic .NET Framework or tied to Microsoft SQL Server. For most new websites, Linux hosting is the simpler and cheaper default.

Side-by-side comparison

Topic	Linux hosting	Windows hosting
Operating system cost	Free, open source	Licensed, adds to plan price
Web server	Apache, Nginx or LiteSpeed	IIS
Database	MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL	Microsoft SQL Server, or MySQL
Main languages	PHP, Python, Node.js, Ruby	ASP.NET, classic ASP, .NET Framework
Control panel	cPanel, Plesk, custom panels	Plesk
Config file for rules	.htaccess	web.config
Typical monthly price	Lower	Higher

When to choose Linux hosting

Running WordPress, PrestaShop, WooCommerce, Joomla or Drupal.
Building a custom site in PHP, Python, Node.js or Ruby with no Windows dependency.
Wanting the lowest cost for a given amount of resources.
Preferring the large base of Linux hosting tutorials and community support.

When to choose Windows hosting

Your application is built on the classic .NET Framework rather than cross-platform .NET / ASP.NET Core.
Your database layer depends specifically on Microsoft SQL Server features or stored procedures.
A software vendor's installation requirements explicitly list Windows Server or IIS.
You maintain legacy Windows-only components such as classic ASP pages or certain COM objects.

What does not actually depend on the operating system

Website speed, uptime and security depend far more on the hosting plan's resources, caching and the provider's network than on Linux vs. Windows by itself. Domain names, DNS records and SSL certificates work identically on either platform. Modern cross-platform ASP.NET Core applications can also run on Linux, so "it uses ASP.NET" is not automatically a reason to pick Windows hosting; check whether it is Core or the older Framework before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, Linux hosting or Windows hosting?

Neither is universally better. Linux hosting suits the large majority of websites and costs less, while Windows hosting is the right choice specifically when an application depends on the classic .NET Framework or Microsoft SQL Server.

Is Windows hosting needed to run a .NET application?

Not always. Applications built on modern, cross-platform ASP.NET Core can run on Linux hosting, while applications built on the older .NET Framework generally require Windows hosting.

Does WordPress run better on Linux or Windows hosting?

WordPress runs on both, but it is developed and tested primarily on Linux with Apache or Nginx, PHP and MySQL, so Linux hosting typically offers better compatibility, more tutorials and lower cost for WordPress sites.

Is Linux hosting cheaper than Windows hosting?

Usually yes. Linux and its common companion software are free and open source, while Windows Server and Microsoft SQL Server require paid licenses that raise the price of Windows hosting plans.

Can I move a website from Windows hosting to Linux hosting?

It depends on the application. Static files, PHP sites and databases like MySQL typically migrate with little trouble, but code written specifically for IIS, classic ASP or SQL Server-only features would need to be rewritten or kept on Windows.

Does the choice of Linux or Windows hosting affect SEO?

No. Search engines do not rank sites based on the server's operating system. SEO depends on content, speed, mobile usability and backlinks, all of which can be achieved on either platform.