Most PHP-based software—including WordPress, its plugins, mailers like Mautic, and most apps available in Softaculous—is originally designed and best optimized for Linux servers rather than Windows Server, including Windows Server 2025. While running these apps on Windows is technically possible, it typically involves additional configuration, potential performance trade-offs, and compatibility issues, especially for larger and more complex deployments.
WordPress and Plugins on Windows Server
WordPress can run on Windows Server using IIS and the proper PHP and MySQL setup, but it is not as streamlined or high-performing as on Linux. Most managed WordPress hosting and plugin developers expect Linux, due to its natural fit for PHP and MySQL, robust stability, and superior compatibility with common extensions and features.
- Windows requires extra configuration for PHP and MySQL.
- Some plugins or advanced features may encounter compatibility issues or perform poorly.
- Linux offers easier installation and wider community support for troubleshooting.
Mautic and Bulk Mailers
Mautic supports running on Windows servers using IIS, but users frequently report slower performance, trickier installation, and bugs, especially for large-scale use or bulk operations. The community consensus favors Linux with Apache or Nginx for superior reliability and speed when running these mailers.
- Windows hosting may struggle with batch imports and background job handling.
- Linux environments are recommended for mission-critical, high-volume email campaigns.
Softaculous Apps on Windows
Softaculous can be installed on Windows Server only via Hosting Controller, with some limitations. While hundreds of apps are available, many are best supported on Linux—some may fail or require workarounds on Windows, and the range of compatible control panels is narrower compared to Linux hosting.
- Many popular apps work, but less natural fit for PHP-based CMS and mailers.
- Must check each app’s requirements for Windows compatibility.
Key Differences: Linux vs. Windows Server
So..
Most open-source web apps and mailers—including WordPress, its plugins, and Mautic—work best on Linux servers, with easier setup, better performance, and broader support for troubleshooting and optimization. Running them on Windows Server 2025 is possible but may require substantial extra effort and may not offer the same reliability or scalability. If the environment will be primarily PHP/MySQL/CMS/mailers, Linux is strongly recommended. For .NET-centric or Windows-proprietary applications, Windows Server is the better choice.
Windows Server remains popular because it offers features, integration, and enterprise support that are hard to match in certain business and corporate environments, especially those built around Microsoft technologies or with centralized IT management needs. While many web and modern frontend apps (like Vite, HTML, Node.js) run reliably on Windows Server, organizations use Windows for its strengths in other crucial workflows.
Reasons to Use Windows Server
- Active Directory and Group Policy
Windows Server provides native Active Directory, Group Policy, and enterprise resource management. This is essential for companies managing hundreds or thousands of users and devices, enabling centralized authentication, permissions, and security policies. - Native Integration with Microsoft Enterprise Software
Services like Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server, and other .NET applications work seamlessly only with Windows Server. This end-to-end compatibility is a major benefit for enterprises entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem. - User-Friendly GUI and Administration Tools
Windows Server offers a powerful GUI for system administration, along with tools like PowerShell and Windows Admin Center, making management accessible to IT staff who may not be Linux experts. - Professional Support and Regular Updates
Direct support from Microsoft, regular security patches, and dedicated guides are vital for businesses that need guaranteed reliability and compliance.
Comparison Table: Windows Server vs. Linux
When Windows Server Is the Right Choice
- Businesses needing centralized management and security for large networks.
- Organizations running critical Microsoft software (.NET, Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server).
- Enterprises with IT staff familiar with Windows, needing quick onboarding or support.
- Workflows requiring GUI-based server administration over command-line (CLI) management.
For pure web application stacks and open-source software, Linux is generally preferred. However, for integrated enterprise environments, Windows Server delivers solutions and support no alternatives can easily replicate.Windows Server is commonly used in enterprise environments because it excels at centralized management, seamless integration with other Microsoft products (Active Directory, Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server), and offers a user-friendly GUI for IT administrators. While web frameworks and apps like Vite or standard HTML work well on Windows, most organizations choose Windows Server for features and compatibility that are critical for their business workflows.
Why Businesses Choose Windows Server
- Active Directory, Group Policies, and centralized authentication for managing large user bases in organizations.
- Professional support and regular updates from Microsoft, which are key for compliance and risk management.
- Required for native deployment and optimal performance of Microsoft enterprise apps (.NET workloads, Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server).
- Familiar graphical interface and admin tools that lower the learning curve for staff vs. Linux command-line environments.
When Windows Server Makes Sense
For pure web servers and open source apps, Linux is typically preferred, but Windows remains dominant where Microsoft-native features and enterprise management tools are required.
Globally, Linux overwhelmingly dominates the server market, especially for web-facing and cloud workloads, while Windows Server holds a much smaller but still significant share, primarily in enterprise environments focused on Microsoft technologies.
Key Server Market Share Statistics (2025)
- Linux powers about 78.3% of all web-facing servers as of 2025.
- Windows runs about 20–22% of public-facing servers, with the rest consumed by niche systems and legacy platforms.
- Cloud infrastructure: Roughly 87.1% of private clouds and over 90% of public cloud VMs use Linux.
- Enterprise and internal business networks: Windows Server may have a higher footprint in corporate intranets, directory services, and proprietary app deployments, but is still less common than Linux for pure infrastructure and hosting.
Comparison Table
Trends and Commentary
- Linux’s dominance is driven by its free/open-source nature, customizability, stability, and prevalence in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Windows Server is mainly chosen where Active Directory, Exchange, .NET, and similar enterprise tools are required.
- Even Microsoft’s Azure cloud has a majority of Linux-based VMs today.
In short, Linux is the majority OS for global server infrastructure, while Windows is a smaller—but still vital—player in enterprise and proprietary application scenarios.
Globally, Linux overwhelmingly dominates the server market, especially for web-facing and cloud workloads, while Windows Server holds a much smaller but still significant share, primarily in enterprise environments focused on Microsoft technologies.
Key Server Market Share Statistics (2025)
- Linux powers about 78.3% of all web-facing servers as of 2025.
- Windows runs about 20–22% of public-facing servers, with the rest consumed by niche systems and legacy platforms.
- Cloud infrastructure: Roughly 87.1% of private clouds and over 90% of public cloud VMs use Linux.
- Enterprise and internal business networks: Windows Server may have a higher footprint in corporate intranets, directory services, and proprietary app deployments, but is still less common than Linux for pure infrastructure and hosting.
Comparison Table
Trends and Commentary
- Linux’s dominance is driven by its free/open-source nature, customizability, stability, and prevalence in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Windows Server is mainly chosen where Active Directory, Exchange, .NET, and similar enterprise tools are required.
- Even Microsoft’s Azure cloud has a majority of Linux-based VMs today.
In short, Linux is the majority OS for global server infrastructure, while Windows is a smaller—but still vital—player in enterprise and proprietary application scenarios.