Windows Server on virtual server is convenient when you need full RDP desktop, .NET/ASP.NET stack, IIS, domain services, or software that only runs on Windows. Below—practical guide for choosing and configuring Windows VPS on THE.Hosting, without fluff and focused on production.
Supported Editions and What to Choose
We install clean Windows Server images with current security patches:
- Windows Server 2022 Datacenter
- Windows Server 2019 Datacenter
How to choose:
- Need latest .NET stack, TLS, and long-term support—take 2022
- Require legacy software compatibility—2019 works perfectly
Activation performed legally under our licensing. RDP enabled immediately, access provided after deployment.
What Windows on VPS Provides
1) RDP and Full GUI
Connection via standard "Remote Desktop Connection". Convenient for users who prefer interface over SSH.
2) Microsoft Web Stack
IIS 10, ASP.NET Core, .NET Framework, Web Deploy, URL Rewrite. For certificates we use win-acme (Let's Encrypt) with auto-renewal, SNI supported.
3) Business Software Integration
1C clients, accounting packages, desktop applications, RDP pools for teams, application publishing via RDS.
4) Databases
MS SQL Server Express or Standard under your license. For light projects—Express, for serious loads—Standard with backup agent.
Resources: How Much CPU and RAM You Actually Need
Minimum for comfortable work: 2 vCPU and 4 GB RAM, disk from 60 GB NVMe.
IIS + .NET Core + MS SQL Express: 4 vCPU and 8-12 GB RAM, NVMe from 100 GB, enable disk cache.
Terminal server with 10-15 sessions: 6-8 vCPU and 16-24 GB RAM, account for user profiles and printing.
NVMe storage provides instant application startup and accelerates MS SQL. As load grows, we vertically scale resources with minimal downtime.
Default Security
- Change RDP port or restrict by IP in Windows Defender Firewall
- Login protection: complex passwords, 2FA via third-party solutions if needed
- Auto-updates with reboot control via Active Hours, for production—WSUS or manual schedule
- Antivirus: Microsoft Defender enabled, configure scan schedules
- TLS configuration: disable old protocols, order ciphers
- win-acme for Let's Encrypt and automatic certificate renewal
- Backups: hypervisor-level snapshots in panel + scheduled SQL dumps
Network and Addresses
Each VPS on THE.Hosting gets 1 IPv4 free—enough for sites, API, and RDP.
IPv6 issued on request, /64 costs €1 per month.
In DNS, add A record to your IPv4, for email—configure PTR via support ticket.
IIS Performance: Quick Tuning
- Enable Dynamic/Static Compression
- Profile application pool: AlwaysRunning, Preload Enabled for quick starts
- Set pool Queue Length based on load
- Move logs to separate directory, enable rotation
- For static content—reasonable cache headers
MS SQL: Practical Tips
- Separate MDF/LDF and tempdb on fast NVMe if database is active
- Limit memory with Max Server Memory so system doesn't starve
- Enable regular FULL + DIFF + LOG backups, verify recovery with test restore
- Monitor indexes and statistics, schedule reindexing at night
Terminal Services Without Surprises
- Plan RDS licensing in advance, specify license server
- Store user profiles on separate disk, enable quotas
- Reconfigure printers to Easy Print to avoid driver chaos
- Policies via gpedit.msc to restrict unnecessary actions so performance doesn't suffer
Backup and Recovery
- Take snapshots before major updates
- SQL backups—to separate directory where agent uploads to remote storage
- For IIS: export sites and pools, backup copies of applicationHost.config
- Verify recovery monthly—not just file presence, but actual application startup
Monitoring
Windows tools: Performance Monitor, Event Viewer.
For advanced monitoring: Prometheus with windows_exporter or Zabbix agent.
Threshold alerts: CPU, RAM, disk, RDP sessions, IIS queues, and service status.
Conclusion
Windows VPS on THE.Hosting is solution for projects where .NET, IIS, and convenient RDP access are critical. You get clean image, fast NVMe, one free IPv4, flexible upgrades, and predictable performance. Then it's simple: deploy roles, secure perimeter, enable backups and monitoring—and server quietly handles production.
FAQ
How secure is RDP on internet?
With IP restriction, enabled updates, complex passwords, and proper firewall—secure. For elevated requirements, use VPN, then RDP inside.
Can I migrate site from Plesk/cPanel to IIS?
Yes, but requires adaptation: rewrite configs, migrate database, replace Linux-specific features with IIS equivalents.
Is WordPress on Windows a good idea?
Works, but Linux with Nginx/PHP-FPM is more optimal. Windows is taken for .NET, RDP, and business software. For WP, better to deploy adjacent Linux VPS.
Do you support domain services?
Can deploy domain controller in isolated segment, but account for resources and SYSVOL backups. For external AD dependencies, configure secure network rules.