Disclosure: VPSchart may earn a commission from partner links on this page. The operating-system classification uses the official sources listed below.
Windows VPS Hosting: Native Windows or Linux?
Choose a native Windows VPS only when the application really needs Windows Server, the classic .NET Framework, or another Windows-only dependency. Vultr, Kamatera, and Contabo document native Windows options. Hostinger and DigitalOcean do not, so their links on this page are Linux alternatives rather than Windows recommendations.
Source audit: VPSchart checked the official provider and Microsoft documentation linked below on October 21, 2026. We removed the previous ratings, fixed prices, and hands-on testing claim because no dated benchmark record supported them. Provider availability and license charges can change at checkout.
The Shortlist by Operating System
| Provider | Windows status | License treatment | Use this route when | Official evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vultr | Native Windows | Vultr public Windows images carry an additional hourly license charge on top of the instance plan. | You need a provider-supplied Windows Server image and want to compare instance sizes before checkout. | Vultr Windows documentation |
| Kamatera | Native Windows | Kamatera lists Windows Server licensing per server and adds selected software licensing to the infrastructure bill. | You want a configurable cloud server and will verify the selected Windows license in the final configuration. | Kamatera licensing documentation |
| Contabo | Native Windows | Contabo documents Windows Server as a paid add-on with a Contabo-provided license for VPS and VDS products. | You need a preinstalled Windows Server image and will check the add-on cost for the exact VPS size. | Contabo image documentation |
| Hostinger | Linux only | No Windows Server license is offered because Hostinger VPS templates are Linux-based. | Your application works on Linux, or an Ubuntu desktop over RDP is enough. Do not use it for a Windows-only dependency. | Hostinger capability documentation |
| DigitalOcean | Linux only | DigitalOcean provides no Windows image for Droplets and does not support Windows custom images. | Your application can run on a Linux Droplet. Do not buy a Droplet expecting to install Windows Server. | DigitalOcean Windows documentation |
Start With the Application, Not the Provider
Windows is not automatically required because a project mentions Microsoft technology. Microsoft describes .NET Framework as Windows-only, while modern .NET is a separate cross-platform product. Microsoft also supports the SQL Server database engine on selected Linux distributions, although the Linux edition does not include every Windows feature. The useful question is therefore which runtime and features the application actually uses.
Native Windows VPS Options
These three providers publish native Windows Server availability. VPSchart has not ranked their performance because this update contains no comparable benchmark run. The commercial buttons lead to the existing provider routes so you can inspect the current configuration and full checkout price.
Partner links: VPSchart may earn a commission if you purchase after following one of these links. Compare the full instance and license total before paying.
Vultr
Official public Windows images are available. The Windows license creates an additional hourly charge, so compare the total rather than the base compute line.
Check Vultr plans →Kamatera
Windows Server licensing is available per server. Select the operating system and verify the software charge shown with the configured resources.
Check Kamatera plans →Contabo
Windows Server is documented as a paid add-on on VPS families. Check the supported image and license amount for the chosen server size.
Check Contabo plans →Linux Alternatives, Not Windows VPS Offers
Hostinger and DigitalOcean remain relevant only when the workload can move to Linux. Keeping that distinction visible prevents a Windows buyer from reaching checkout for a product that does not provide the required operating system.
Hostinger
Hostinger says Windows VPS is unavailable. Consider it only for Linux-compatible software or an Ubuntu desktop accessed through RDP.
Check Hostinger Linux VPS →DigitalOcean
DigitalOcean says Windows cannot be used on a Droplet. Consider it only after confirming that the application and every required feature run on Linux.
Check DigitalOcean Linux plans →What the Checkout Must Confirm
- Image: The exact Windows Server edition and version required by the application is selectable.
- License total: The complete price includes the Windows charge for the chosen CPU and instance size.
- Application support: The software vendor supports that Windows version, architecture, database edition, and deployment model.
- Remote access: The administration path and any additional Remote Desktop licensing fit the number and type of users.
- Recovery: Backups, snapshots, restore testing, and data export are planned before the server carries production data.
- Security: Remote administration is restricted rather than exposing a default service to every internet address.
Primary Sources and Method
This page classifies the five existing provider routes by current operating-system availability and license treatment. It does not convert vendor documentation into a performance score. The following official pages were checked on October 21, 2026:
- Vultr: Windows on a compute instance and additional license billing
- Kamatera: Windows Server and other software licensing
- Contabo: supported Windows images and license add-on
- Hostinger: Windows hosting availability and Linux-only VPS templates
- DigitalOcean: Windows availability on Droplets
- Microsoft: .NET Framework is Windows-only
- Microsoft: SQL Server support and feature differences on Linux
Frequently Asked Questions
Which providers on this page offer native Windows Server images?
Vultr, Kamatera, and Contabo document Windows Server availability. Hostinger offers Linux-based VPS templates only, and DigitalOcean says Windows cannot be used on a Droplet.
Is a Windows Server license included in the VPS price?
Do not assume it is included. Vultr bills its Windows license in addition to the instance plan, Kamatera adds selected software licensing to the bill, and Contabo documents Windows Server as a paid add-on. Check the complete order summary for the chosen server size.
Can I buy Hostinger or DigitalOcean for a Windows workload?
Not if the workload requires a native Windows Server image. Hostinger and DigitalOcean can still be considered for a Linux-compatible application, but they should not be purchased with the expectation that Windows Server is available.
Do ASP.NET and SQL Server always require Windows?
No. The classic .NET Framework is Windows-only, but modern .NET is cross-platform. Microsoft also supports the SQL Server database engine on selected Linux distributions, although some features differ from Windows. Verify the exact application and feature requirements before choosing the operating system.
What should I verify before ordering a Windows VPS?
Confirm the Windows Server image and version, the separate license charge, the required CPU and memory, regional availability, backup options, and how remote administration is secured. Keep the final order summary because provider terms and charges can change.