Table of contents

What is a Windows VPS?What is Windows Server?Key differences between Windows Server 2019 and 2022Performance and stabilitySecurity improvements in Server 2022Support and future-proofingPricing and licensing considerationsWhich should you choose for your VPS?Getting startedAdditional resources

Get the industry’s fastest, most secure VPS hosting ◦ 99.99% uptime
◦ Comprehensive security
◦ 24/7 support

VPS → Windows VPS OS

Windows VPS OS: Windows Server 2019 vs Windows Server 2022

Choosing the right operating system for your Windows VPS isn’t just a technical detail—it’s the foundation of your hosting environment. Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022 are both reliable options, but each brings different performance, security, and compatibility perks to the table.

Let’s compare them side by side so you can make the right call for your site, app, or business.

Get premium Windows VPS hosting

High-performance Windows VPS hosting that delivers unrivaled power

Explore Windows VPS hosting

What is a Windows VPS?

A Windows VPS is a virtual private server that runs a licensed version of the Windows Server operating system. It offers the power and isolation of a dedicated server but with the affordability and scalability of the cloud.

If you’re running software that relies on Microsoft technologies—like .NET applications, Microsoft SQL Server, or Remote Desktop Services—a Windows VPS is the go-to choice. The OS version you choose determines your compatibility with apps, your security posture, and how future-proof your environment is.

What is Windows Server?

Windows Server is Microsoft’s enterprise-grade operating system designed specifically for servers, rather than personal computers. It powers everything from file and print services to web hosting, Active Directory, database management, virtualization, and remote desktop services.

Built to handle multiple simultaneous connections, advanced networking, and system-level security, Windows Server provides the backbone for many business-critical applications and infrastructure. It’s available in several versions, with each offering different features, performance enhancements, and support lifecycles tailored for modern IT environments.

Key differences between Windows Server 2019 and 2022

Both versions are part of Microsoft’s long-term servicing channel (LTSC), meaning they get regular security updates and multi-year support. But under the hood, they’re built for different generations of server workloads.

Feature	Windows Server 2019	Windows Server 2022
Release date	October 2018	August 2021
Long-term support (LTS)	Until Jan 2029	Until Oct 2031
Security features	Windows Defender ATP	Secured-core server, SMB over QUIC
Performance improvements	Basic networking and CPU optimizations	Faster networking, UDP improvements, TLS 1.3
Hybrid cloud support	Azure Arc limited	Full Azure Arc integration
RAM and CPU scalability	Up to 24 TB RAM, 640 cores	Same limits, but better efficiency
HTTPS encryption	TLS 1.2 default	TLS 1.3 default

Performance and stability

For most VPS users, the biggest real-world difference between 2019 and 2022 is how snappy and stable things feel under load.

Network speed: Windows Server 2022 improves UDP throughput and latency, which can significantly benefit high-traffic applications and real-time services like VoIP or video streaming.
Remote access: RDP sessions are more responsive on 2022, especially when paired with GPU acceleration or NVMe storage.
Efficiency: While both support massive hardware configurations, 2022 is optimized for faster I/O and better container performance, making it a better pick for dev environments.

Security improvements in Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 isn’t just a performance update—it’s a security powerhouse. Microsoft baked in several new features specifically for modern server threats.

Secured-core server: Combines hardware root-of-trust, secure boot, and virtualization-based security for hardened protection.
SMB over QUIC: A game-changer for file sharing: encrypted, VPN-less file access over the internet.
Credential Guard + Hypervisor-protected code integrity: Helps block credential dumping and boot-level malware, which is especially important on VPSs exposed to public traffic.

If your VPS handles sensitive data, payments, or user credentials, these upgrades can be worth the move to 2022 on their own.

Support and future-proofing

Support windows matter, especially if you’re investing in a long-term application or compliance-heavy project.

Windows Server 2019: Gets security updates until January 2029
Windows Server 2022: Gets security updates until October 2031

2022 also has better support for hotpatching (for hosts that allow it), Azure Arc and hybrid cloud tools, and the latest Intel and AMD server chips. If you’re building something meant to grow, 2022 is the safer bet.

Pricing and licensing considerations

Windows VPS hosting typically bundles the cost of your server license into the monthly rate. But it’s worth knowing:

Server 2022 may cost slightly more per month on some hosts, due to its newer license.
Performance efficiency on 2022 could reduce your need for higher specs—saving money long term.
Licensing models are similar between versions: most VPS providers handle the complexities behind the scenes.

Unless you’re self-hosting or running custom licensing scenarios, pricing probably won’t be the deciding factor—but 2022 may stretch your dollars further.

Explore our latest VPS packages

Which should you choose for your VPS?

Here’s the bottom line.

Choose Windows Server 2022 if you’re starting a new project, care about strong security, want longer support, or are building hybrid cloud services.
Stick with Windows Server 2019 if you’re running legacy applications, use tools that aren’t yet 2022-certified, or just want something rock-solid and familiar for the next few years.

Next steps for choosing a Windows VPS OS

Your VPS OS impacts everything from app speed to security to long-term compatibility. Windows Server 2022 is ideal for forward-looking businesses, while Windows Server 2019 remains a stable and trusted workhorse.

Explore available Windows VPS hosting plans that support both Server 2019 and 2022, and check with your provider about compatibility for your software stack.

When you’re ready to upgrade your hosting to a high-quality VPS, Liquid Web can help. We’ve been leading the industry for decades, because our VPS servers are fast, cloud-based for easy scalability, and unbeatably reliable. Choose your favorite OS and the management tier that works best for you.

Click below to explore VPS hosting options or start a chat with one of our experts right now to learn more.