Ubuntu Linux vs Windows Server comparison

Canonical and Microsoft are both solutions in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category. Canonical is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.9, while Microsoft is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.3. Canonical holds a 9.4% mindshare in OSB, compared to Microsoft’s 9.3% mindshare. Additionally, 95% of Canonical users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 94% of Microsoft users who would recommend it.

Ubuntu Linux

Read 150 Ubuntu Linux reviews

12,654 Views
12,274 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Windows Server

Read 195 Windows Server reviews

10,306 Views
10,306 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Ubuntu Linux

Windows Server

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jan 25, 2026

Ubuntu Linux and Windows Server are major players in the enterprise server operating system market. Based on the comparison, Ubuntu Linux may hold an advantage due to its cost-effective open-source model, although Windows Server's robust features make it a strong contender for enterprise environments.

Features: Ubuntu Linux is noted for its security, faster boot times, and open-source nature, which allows for extensive customization and substantial community support. These traits contribute to its server stability and reduced total cost of ownership. Windows Server is favored for its comprehensive feature set, ease of management, and integration capabilities, highlighted by Active Directory, Hyper-V, and ease of integration into enterprise environments.

Room for Improvement: Ubuntu Linux could benefit from enhanced system management tools, better enterprise integration, improved stability, and beginner usability. Windows Server users suggest improvements in security and integration, a more refined dashboard, and reduction in licensing complexity and costs.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Ubuntu Linux provides flexible deployment options across various environments, buttressed by strong community support rather than formal technical support. Windows Server enjoys straightforward deployment in hybrid models but faces criticism over complex licensing. Despite this, its customer service is well received, though there are calls for better documentation and simplified licensing.

Pricing and ROI: Ubuntu Linux provides open-source advantages leading to significant cost savings and a high return on investment due to its free availability and absence of licensing fees. Enterprises benefit from its low-cost deployment and elevated stability, although some opt for paid support. Windows Server is associated with considerable licensing expenses described as expensive and complex. While it offers enterprise-grade capabilities, these costs can hinder adoption by smaller organizations.

To learn more, read our detailed Ubuntu Linux vs. Windows Server Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Ubuntu Linux vs. Windows Server

December 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

ROI

Sentiment score

6.9

Ubuntu Linux offers cost savings and high ROI by eliminating paid licenses, extending equipment life, and enhancing performance.

Sentiment score

5.5

Windows Server boosts efficiency and resource management, with users reporting significant cost reductions and improved virtualization and Azure services.

No quotes available

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

Windows Server offers excellent value for money, particularly when compared to alternatives.

Dan Campeanu

Security Engineer at ProVision

The tool supports many applications.

Neill-Walker

Agile Consultant at MSOLdigi

You get a standard platform that is very secure and stable.

Gustavo Schleider

Manager, Information & Cloud Systems at a consultancy with 1,001-5,000 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Windows Server report

Customer Service

Sentiment score

6.5

Users primarily rely on community forums for Ubuntu support, appreciating the proactive and comprehensive help for troubleshooting issues.

Sentiment score

6.2

Customer service is generally effective, but technical support quality varies, and experiences with Microsoft are mixed.

They responded well, understood that the issue was not on my end, and provided a patch within two days.

David Stevenson

Manging Director at Winworth UK

The community around Ubuntu Linux is beneficial, providing answers to questions and assisting with issues.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

Ubuntu Linux has a comprehensive knowledge base for self-help.

Prashanth D

Techincal Support Engineer at Ibits Tech Solutions

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

If you go through a partner who sells or supports Windows, the support could be around seven out of ten, because Windows relies on these partners for assistance.

WilyonTjahyadi

Head of Major Account Sales Operation 1 at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees

Microsoft's technical support for Windows Server has been lacking, with rare responses even with premium support.

Dan Campeanu

Security Engineer at ProVision

They resolved our problems within the defined SLA.

NirajSingh

Relationship Manager at Cognizant

For more quotes and insights, download the Windows Server report

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score

7.2

Ubuntu Linux effectively scales across environments, praised for reliability and adaptability with tools like containers and Kubernetes.

Sentiment score

7.6

Windows Server is flexible and scalable, efficiently adapting to varying organizational sizes despite some management complexity.

In a server environment, it can seamlessly adapt to increased customer demand.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

Any Linux is scalable in terms of capacity, and on a day-to-day basis, we use scalability options with the help of Kubernetes clusters.

reviewer2728158

Associate Cloud Operations Engineer at a tech vendor with 1,001-5,000 employees

So far, I do not have any issues related to security in Ubuntu Linux.

Salim Ahmed

System Administrator at mmcytech

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I've worked in companies with 20,000 to 100,000 users, and it scales beautifully without issues.

Gustavo Schleider

Manager, Information & Cloud Systems at a consultancy with 1,001-5,000 employees

The solution is used extensively in our organization, and we have plans to increase the usage.

SHUBHAM BHINGARDE

Project Engineer at CDAC

We use it everywhere, and it serves approximately two thousand users in our company as a backend service.

Khalid Mgahed

System Engineer at Alnajat charity

For more quotes and insights, download the Windows Server report

Stability Issues

Sentiment score

7.8

Ubuntu Linux is praised for its high stability and reliability, especially LTS versions, in development and server management.

Sentiment score

7.5

Windows Server is highly stable and reliable, with improvements since 2012, often rated 8-10 out of 10 by users.

The system has been completely stable, which makes it deserve a perfect score.

PrashantSharma

BA at a computer software company with 11-50 employees

Ubuntu Linux is extremely stable and maintains uptime effectively.

David Stevenson

Manging Director at Winworth UK

Ubuntu Linux is generally stable, though there can be occasional issues with new hardware integration.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

We have experienced no blue screens or crashes and often achieved an uptime of 2,000 to 3,000 days without any issues whatsoever.

Dan Campeanu

Security Engineer at ProVision

Stability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

GurpreetSingh4

Manager at Accenture company

I rate the stability a 9 out of 10.

Kepa-Ayerbe

Connectivity Platform Cyber Security Specialist at BASF Business Services GmbH

For more quotes and insights, download the Windows Server report

Room For Improvement

Ubuntu Linux requires enhanced software compatibility, user interface, documentation, hardware integration, marketing, and improved update and firewall systems.

Windows Server users seek improved security, better integration, usability, optimization, pricing, automation, documentation, patching, and technical support.

There is a push towards integrating AI into software for various purposes like video and sound processing.

David Stevenson

Manging Director at Winworth UK

Stability issues occur when integrating new components due to physical or technical challenges.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

Unlike CentOS, Ubuntu Linux lacks an easily accessible inbuilt repository where dependencies or packages are easily found.

Prashanth D

Techincal Support Engineer at Ibits Tech Solutions

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

From a security perspective, sometimes, malware attacks and hackers take advantage of the tool's vulnerabilities.

Deepak Nagar

Manager, Strategic Alliances at Softcell Technologies Limited

Deploying antivirus and firewall software on the server is advisable, but having an external firewall adds an extra layer of security.

Abey Varghese

Project and Service Delivery Manager Cloud at MANAPPURAM COMPTECH AND CONSULTANTS LIMITED

Windows Server needs to improve its speed and stability.

Daniel Hermink

Oracle business analyst at Sensience

For more quotes and insights, download the Windows Server report

Setup Cost

Ubuntu Linux is favored by enterprises for its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and optional support services, enhancing affordability.

Enterprise buyers struggle with Windows Server licensing due to its complexity, varied pricing, and high costs compared to Linux.

For an enterprise-wide scalable operating system with professional services, you can select Ubuntu Linux at a reasonable price.

Kadir Kokcu

Owner at a computer software company with 1-10 employees

The setup cost is free.

Kevin Haury

Head of mission at CapHornier

Ubuntu Linux is open-source, leading to cost savings through its free availability.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

It is quite expensive.

WilyonTjahyadi

Head of Major Account Sales Operation 1 at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees

Previously, a Windows Server with two processors cost around two 154 euros annually, but now it is estimated to be around 3,000 to 4,000 euros for the same configuration.

Dan Campeanu

Security Engineer at ProVision

On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the most expensive, I rate it ten out of ten.

Harry Murdani

Manager, IT Security at Averis Sdn Bhd

For more quotes and insights, download the Windows Server report

Valuable Features

Ubuntu Linux impresses with security, speed, and flexibility, offering stability, customization, and robust package management for diverse applications.

Windows Server excels in scalability, security, and integration, offering features like Active Directory and seamless Microsoft tool compatibility.

Ubuntu Linux's open-source nature supports community contributions, bolstering its development and support ecosystem.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

Ubuntu Linux supports remote troubleshooting via SSH, allowing connection from anywhere, which is beneficial for troubleshooting server issues.

Prashanth D

Techincal Support Engineer at Ibits Tech Solutions

In terms of security, I am satisfied with Ubuntu Linux and I can rely on its security features more than I can with Windows.

Azaz Qurershi

Solution Architect at TB

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

The most valuable features of the solution stem from the fact that every Microsoft product is scalable, flexible, secure, and available on a certain budget.

Deepak Nagar

Manager, Strategic Alliances at Softcell Technologies Limited

The IP directory is the most valuable feature.

Kepa-Ayerbe

Connectivity Platform Cyber Security Specialist at BASF Business Services GmbH

I can manage the firewalls on the server easily, open or close ports to manage security traffic, and use encryption on the hard disk to keep data secure.

Mustafa Farhat

Systems technician. IT Office at LNU

For more quotes and insights, download the Windows Server report

Categories and Ranking

Ubuntu Linux

Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business

3rd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.3

Number of Reviews

150

Ranking in other categories

OpenStack (1st)

Windows Server

Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business

5th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

195

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Ubuntu Linux is 9.4%, down from 15.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Windows Server is 9.3%, up from 8.9% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Operating Systems (OS) for Business Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Ubuntu Linux	9.4%
Windows Server	9.3%
Other	81.3%

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

Featured Reviews

Salim Ahmed

System Administrator at mmcytech

Has supported secure application hosting and reliable server management

I find the GUI to be good in Ubuntu Linux, and I appreciate the open SSH. The fact that it is free since it is open and open-source is why I appreciate it and feel it is secured. We have multiple different kinds of support related to Ubuntu Linux, including official support and other options. I am currently using laptops, desktops, and servers, and Ubuntu Linux supports all these devices. If I need it for Raspberry Pi or something similar, I can download another Linux distribution. Ubuntu Linux is scalable, especially for servers. We prefer using Ubuntu Linux Servers rather than Windows. The biggest advantage of Ubuntu Linux for me is that it is open-source, secured, and scalable.

Read full review

Gustavo Schleider

Manager, Information & Cloud Systems at a consultancy with 1,001-5,000 employees

Long-standing experience improves reliability and security, making it a trusted platform

It's difficult to see improvements when using it daily. They improved compatibility with other platforms, such as Linux. One improvement I was thinking about some years ago was the ability to manage an on-premises server from Azure. Now, they have created Azure Arc, and we are using it as a very good way of managing on-premises servers. What can be improved is on the Azure side. With Active Directory on the server side and Entra ID on the Azure side in our hybrid environment, we find issues with data syncing to Entra ID. In Entra ID, Microsoft omitted some parameters. In Active Directory, you can put an expiring date to an account, but you cannot do that in Entra ID. We have other means of doing that, but it's common to have consultants working for six months, requiring account expiration or renewal processes. The Entra ID Connect syncing tool could be improved. Though they moved the service to Azure and use an agent instead of having a dedicated server, it remains cumbersome to set up due to the differences between Entra ID and Active Directory.

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Comms Service Provider

11%

University

10%

Computer Software Company

10%

Educational Organization

Comms Service Provider

11%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

University

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	84
Midsize Enterprise	21
Large Enterprise	53

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	78
Midsize Enterprise	41
Large Enterprise	88

Questions from the Community

Which would you choose - Ubuntu Linux or Oracle Linux?

Ubunto Linux is a complete Linux operating system that is freely available with both community and professional support. This solution is suitable for both desktop and server use. It has a very app...

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What do you like most about Ubuntu Linux?

It has a good support system for loading databases.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Ubuntu Linux?

My experience with the pricing for Ubuntu Linux is that I always use the free version, so I never paid for any installations or support.

See all answers

What do you like most about Windows Server?

The tool supports many applications.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Windows Server?

The user interface of Windows Server needs improvement, especially when working with users, user accounts, and groups. There are multiple ways to accomplish tasks that do not align completely, so t...

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What is your primary use case for Windows Server?

I integrated Windows Server in my infrastructure. We use Hyper-V technology extensively, as it is very important for us, and it functions quite well.

See all answers

Comparisons

Oracle Linux vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 14% of the time

Rocky Linux vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 13% of the time

SUSE Linux Enterprise vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 10% of the time

openSUSE Leap vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 9% of the time

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 7% of the time

More Ubuntu Linux Competitors

Windows 11 vs Windows Server

Compared 62% of the time

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) vs Windows Server

Compared 10% of the time

Windows 10 vs Windows Server

Compared 5% of the time

CentOS vs Windows Server

Compared 3% of the time

Oracle Linux vs Windows Server

Compared 3% of the time

More Windows Server Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Ubuntu Linux

January 2026

Download Ubuntu Linux product report

Buyer's Guide

Windows Server

January 2026

Download Windows Server product report

Also Known As

Ubuntu

No data available

Overview

Ubuntu Linux is an open-source platform known for its robust security, ease of use, and rapid performance. Its lightweight design and comprehensive support system make it ideal for diverse IT environments, providing seamless management and scalability options.

Ubuntu Linux stands out with its open-source nature that allows extensive customization and access to a broad range of free software. It is widely praised for its stability and a vast package repository offering regular updates, enhancing its usefulness across different sectors. The platform is equipped with a lightweight design and excellent community support, making it scalable and easy to manage. While it could improve in areas like Windows software compatibility and user interface refinement, its benefits in enterprise management and development projects are undeniable. Improved documentation, better hardware integration, and enhanced third-party application compatibility are additional focal points to consider.

What are the key features of Ubuntu Linux?

Robust Security: Offers strong security protocols to protect user data.
Rapid Performance: Delivers fast and efficient processing speeds.
Open-source Customization: Provides extensive customization options.
Vast Package Repository: Features frequent updates and diverse software choices.
Lightweight Design: Ensures optimal performance even on limited resources.
Community Support: Backed by excellent community resources for assistance.

What benefits should be considered from reviews?

Resource Efficiency: Efficient utilization of system resources for enhanced performance.
Development Flexibility: Supports a wide range of programming and development tasks.
Enterprise Compatibility: Suited for large-scale enterprise solutions and cloud computing.
Scalability: Capable of managing and scaling across different environments.
Troubleshooting Support: Comprehensive community support for troubleshooting issues.

Ubuntu Linux is prominently implemented in industries for tasks such as server management, application deployment, and software development. Its resource efficiency and open-source tool compatibility make it a favorite for programming, research, and cybersecurity. Companies frequently use it for web hosting, cloud services, and managing multi-user enterprise solutions.

Canonical

Windows Server offers enterprise-grade solutions with Active Directory, Hyper-V, and Azure integration. Known for its user-friendliness and stability, it is ideal for hosting applications and managing domains, promising scalability and seamless network management across environments.

Windows Server is integral for businesses needing reliable infrastructure for server virtualization and enterprise application deployment. It excels in integrating with Microsoft applications, providing robust support for database hosting, Active Directory management, and remote access. Users benefit from its comprehensive features supporting intense workloads, virtual setups, and efficient domain management. However, it could improve its port security, vulnerability monitoring, and interface intuitiveness. Pricing models also require adjustments to be competitive, and better integration with Linux would enhance system compatibility. Regular updates can impact stability, and the command-line interface could be more efficient compared to Linux.

What are Windows Server's key features?

Active Directory: Facilitates user and resource management.
Hyper-V: Enables server virtualization for enhanced efficiency.
Azure Integration: Connects with cloud services for scalability.
Work Folder Synchronization: Supports seamless data access across devices.
Security: Offers robust measures for protecting enterprise data.

What benefits should users look for?

Ease of Use: Intuitive design simplifies administration.
Stability: Reliable performance across demanding environments.
Integration: Seamlessly connects with Microsoft services.
Scalability: Grows alongside business needs.

Windows Server is implemented across industries for virtual server hosting, enterprise application deployment, and managing complex IT infrastructures. Organizations use it for database hosting, Active Directory management, and leveraging Microsoft's ecosystem, supporting backend operations and enhancing communication security.

Microsoft

Sample Customers

Samsung, eBay, AT&T, Walmart, Cisco, Time Warner Cable, Bloomberg, Best Buy, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Ericsson, Orange, Wells Fargo

Rakuten, Rackspace, Tyco

Buyer's Guide

Ubuntu Linux vs. Windows Server

December 2025

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