Windows hosting or Linux hosting: which do I need

Introduction

A common question when signing up for hosting is whether to choose Windows hosting or Linux hosting.

At miHosting we currently run on Linux servers. This means we don’t offer hosting on Windows servers, but in most cases your website will run correctly on Linux, as long as it doesn’t depend on Windows-specific technologies such as ASP or .NET Framework.

In this article we explain when you might need Windows hosting, when Linux hosting is enough, and what to do if you’re not sure what your website needs.

What type of hosting miHosting offers

miHosting’s hosting services currently run on Linux servers, with CloudLinux on shared plans to isolate each account’s resources.

Linux is a widely used platform for web hosting thanks to its stability, security, and compatibility with many types of websites. It’s a good fit for most projects, especially if your site uses common technologies such as:

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• PHP.
• MySQL or MariaDB databases.
• WordPress.
• PrestaShop.
• Content managers and web applications compatible with Linux.

If your website doesn’t need Windows-exclusive technologies, you can usually host it without issues on Linux hosting.

When you need Windows hosting

Windows hosting can be necessary when the website or application depends on technologies specific to the Microsoft environment. For example, you might need Windows hosting if your project uses:

• Classic ASP.
• ASP.NET Framework (the classic version — not the same as .NET Core).
• Applications built specifically for IIS.
• Components or software that only run on Windows.
• Specific integrations with Microsoft tools that require that environment.

If your project uses ASP.NET Core (the cross-platform version of .NET), things change: it can potentially run on Linux, though it needs an environment with more control than shared hosting, such as a VPS. See the details in can I install .NET Core on my hosting.

If your website depends on any of these cases, it’s important to check this before signing up for Linux hosting.

When Linux hosting is enough

For most web projects, Linux hosting is enough, and it can even be the more recommended option. Linux hosting is usually a good fit if you have:

• A corporate or informational website.
• A blog.
• An online store built with PrestaShop or WordPress + WooCommerce.
• A website built in PHP.
• An application compatible with Apache, Nginx, PHP, or MySQL/MariaDB databases.
• Email accounts linked to your domain.
• SSL certificates to use HTTPS.

On top of that, Linux servers usually offer a good combination of stability, security, and performance, which is why they’re a very common choice for professional hosting.

How to know if your website will work on Linux

If you’re not sure whether your website needs Windows or can run on Linux, you can check these points:

1. Ask whoever built the website. Ask whether the site uses ASP, ASP.NET Framework, IIS, or another Windows-exclusive technology.
2. Check your website’s files. If the site is built with PHP, WordPress, PrestaShop, or HTML files, it can usually run on Linux.
3. Check the database in use. Websites that use MySQL or MariaDB are usually compatible with Linux hosting.
4. Test it before migrating for good. If you’re unsure, you can try your site on a Linux environment to confirm it loads correctly and that all its features work as expected.

At miHosting you can use our free hosting to test Linux hosting’s features at no cost and with no commitment. This can help you confirm your website works correctly before making a final decision.

Useful tips

Before choosing between Windows or Linux hosting, keep the following in mind:

• Don’t choose Windows hosting just because your own computer runs Windows. Your computer’s operating system doesn’t determine what kind of server your website needs.
• WordPress and PrestaShop typically run on Linux servers.
• If your website uses PHP and MySQL/MariaDB, Linux is most likely enough.
• If your project depends on ASP or ASP.NET Framework, check compatibility before signing up for the service.
• If you’re migrating an older website, it’s worth checking its technical requirements before moving the files.

Common problems

My computer runs Windows — do I need Windows hosting?

Not necessarily. Your computer’s operating system has no direct relationship with the server hosting your website. You can use a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer and host your site on a Linux server without any issue.

My website is built in WordPress — can I use Linux hosting?

Yes. WordPress runs perfectly well on Linux servers and is one of the most common combinations in web hosting.

My website uses ASP.NET — can I host it at miHosting?

Currently, miHosting doesn’t offer hosting on Windows servers. If your website depends on ASP.NET Framework or other Windows-exclusive technologies, you may need a compatible Windows environment elsewhere. If it uses ASP.NET Core instead, check out our VPS options.

Is Linux worse than Windows for hosting?

No. They’re different platforms. For many websites, Linux is a very stable, secure, and efficient option. The choice mainly depends on the technology your website is built with.

Frequently asked questions

Does miHosting offer Windows hosting?

Currently we don’t offer hosting services on Windows servers. Our hosting services run on Linux servers.

What if my website doesn’t need ASP or .NET?

If your website doesn’t depend on Windows-specific technologies, it will most likely run correctly on Linux hosting.

Can I test whether my website works on Linux?

Yes. You can try miHosting’s free hosting to check whether your website runs correctly in a Linux environment before signing up or migrating your project.

What hosting do I need for WordPress or PrestaShop?

For WordPress or PrestaShop, Linux hosting is usually a good fit, since these applications typically run on PHP and MySQL or MariaDB databases.

Should I choose Windows because I use Microsoft tools?

Only if your application genuinely needs a Windows environment. Using tools like Visual Studio doesn’t always mean the server has to be Windows — if your project is ASP.NET Core, it can potentially run on a Linux VPS.

Conclusion

We don’t currently offer Windows hosting at miHosting, since our servers run on Linux. Even so, for most websites, online stores, blogs, and projects built with common technologies such as PHP, MySQL, WordPress, or PrestaShop, Linux hosting is a perfectly valid option.

If you have questions about your website’s compatibility, you can try our free hosting or contact support for guidance before migrating or signing up for a service.