I really value Windows Server's consistency over the years, which makes it easier to use and allows us to manage HAL protection smoothly when connecting to our hardware devices. It's quite handy that this is similar across versions, so we don't need to redevelop for different versions unless there's a major update. The stable environment it provides is fantastic for testing our products and understanding customer experiences. Additionally, the setup isn't difficult from my perspective, especially once predefined policies are in place. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Sometimes some features are introduced and not correctly integrated. It would be great to have an opt-out of these new features. Giving the end admins an easier way to select what they need and what they do not need, in simple terms, as the OS covers a huge variety of users. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I like how easy it is to set up and use Windows Server. We’ve used Microsoft integrations with Windows Server, such as Azure AD and Hyper-V, to create VMs on host servers, among other things. The ability to apply Microsoft updates, security updates, and even third-party application or driver updates automatically makes it much easier to keep the server secure. It also lets us schedule restarts outside of business hours, so we don’t disrupt production. We've had to reach out to Microsoft support multiple times and always have a great experience with their team and the option to escalate to a manager when needed is a great feature. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I would like to have easier/more support when it comes to AI/Intelligence integration available for us to use with Windows server. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I use Windows Server to provide various services to my users and customers, including SQL server databases, IIS websites, security software, and warehouse management software. It's a well-known, easily supported, and cost-effective server operating system. I really like the ease of installation and management, especially in a domain environment where it's very easy to configure the servers to communicate with each other and share data. The initial setup of Windows Server is very easy using the GUI prompts. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

There are often security vulnerabilities that pop up and we need to update/patch the server operating system often to keep our users and their data secure. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Windows Server achieves a strong balance between powerful capabilities and manageable complexity, making it a highly adaptable platform for enterprise environments. Its user-friendly nature is enhanced by familiar graphical interfaces such as Server Manager and straightforward wizards that simplify routine tasks, making them accessible to IT generalists.

However, unlocking the platform’s full potential does require specialized knowledge. Setting up standard roles like Active Directory or file services is typically uncomplicated, thanks to clear installation processes. In contrast, implementing more advanced features like failover clustering or Storage Spaces Direct calls for thorough planning and a higher level of expertise.

For most system administrators, Windows Server is an essential part of daily operations, serving as the backbone for critical workloads, identity management, and virtualization hosting. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Windows Server 2025, though more integrated with Azure, still comes with complex licensing and a noticeable push toward cloud dependencies. Its mandatory updates and steep automation requirements place a persistent burden on IT teams, demanding significant expertise and time to manage securely and efficiently. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I like that it is a very stable and reliable platform for managing servers and business services. It allows you to centralize users, permissions, and network resources in an organized manner. Additionally, the integration with other Microsoft products greatly facilitates the administration of the environment, especially if you are already working with Windows in the company. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The initial setup can be complex if you don't have prior experience, especially when it comes to advanced roles. Also, the cost of licenses can be high, particularly for small businesses, and some tasks require deeper technical knowledge. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

It’s very easy to deploy and set up, no matter your situation. It can give you either a full desktop experience or a CLI version, which is great for anyone who’s more CLI-brained than GUI-brained. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

So far, there’s nothing to dislike—I’ve had nothing but good experiences with it. The 2025 version is great, especially because it lets you upgrade directly from an older version. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Windows Server is very reliable and easy to manage, especially for enterprise environments. It provides strong integration with Active Directory, making user and access management simple. The graphical interface is user-friendly compared to other server systems, and it supports a wide range of applications and services. Security features and regular updates also make it a trustworthy platform. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The licensing cost of Windows Server is quite high, especially for small businesses. It also requires powerful hardware to run efficiently. Sometimes updates can cause unexpected restarts or compatibility issues. Compared to Linux-based servers, it is less flexible and can consume more system resources. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Windows Server provides seamless integration with Azure AD and other Microsoft services. Its performance remains consistently reliable, and it is strengthened by regular, robust security updates. The management tools, including MMC and PowerShell, greatly simplify daily administrative tasks and make operations more manageable. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The licensing and CAL costs are quite high, which can be a significant drawback. Updates often require mandatory reboots, disrupting operations more frequently than I'd like. Patch management can also interrupt workflows, making maintenance less smooth. The graphical user interface tends to use more system resources, which can impact performance. Learning PowerShell presents a steeper curve, especially for those new to scripting. I've encountered compatibility issues between different versions, which complicates upgrades and migrations. For certain workloads, I find it less flexible compared to Linux. Some administrative tasks remain challenging to automate fully. Performance tends to lag on older hardware, and Hyper-V still lacks some features found in VMware. Additionally, managing Active Directory becomes increasingly complex in larger environments. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

One of the most impressive features of Windows Server is its sleek and intuitive interface. Every task, no matter how complex, feels straightforward thanks to the thoughtful design. The integration with Active Directory is particularly powerful, allowing for seamless management of users, devices, and permissions without any unnecessary hassle. As an administrator, I find that Windows Server eliminates the need for additional services, offering robust administrative tools that help save valuable time. By letting Windows Server handle system issues, I can focus on more important work, knowing that problems will be kept to a minimum. The platform’s design inspires confidence and reliability, making IT system management both easier and more intuitive. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

One aspect I find frustrating about Windows Server is that some features can become quite expensive, particularly as licensing costs accumulate. Additionally, there are still tasks that require navigating through multiple menus or using PowerShell commands, which can be daunting for administrators who are new to the platform. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The graphical user interface and the range of features are what stand out to me. Windows OS is well known for its user interface, and over time, it has seen significant improvements. Now, the operating system has also reached a point of stability. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What I find frustrating is the recent shift requiring the use of PowerShell commands to operate Windows. I dislike that core functions now have to be performed through PowerShell, as this change does not appeal to me. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.