Cheap Windows VPS (2026): Prices, License Costs and What to Check
A Windows VPS costs more than Linux because the license is billed separately. Here is what it costs, how to size it and how to secure it.
Short answer: a Windows VPS costs more than a Linux one because the Windows Server license is billed separately. On Vultr, the smallest Windows plan is listed at $26/month ($10 plan plus a $16 license). Choose at least a mid-size plan if you will use the desktop, and keep remote access locked down.
This guide is about the Windows license and sizing. For Linux plans and renewal prices see cheap VPS hosting, and for MetaTrader use see forex VPS.
Why a Windows VPS costs more
Linux is free, so a Linux VPS only charges for the hardware. Windows Server is licensed software, so a Windows VPS adds a license fee. Vultr says plainly that Windows licenses are not included in its base monthly price. That is why you cannot compare a Windows VPS to a Linux price directly.
Cheap VPS hosting Windows: Vultr example
- Starting price: $26 a month for the smallest plan ($10 base plus $16 license). Both the plan price and the license fee rise on larger plans.
- Versions: Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025, in Standard and Datacenter editions, with Core (no desktop) or a full GUI.
- Locations: 33 regions, including Toronto, Atlanta, London and Frankfurt.
- Licensing: the license is added at provisioning, and you cannot bring an existing license.
Low cost Windows VPS hosting: other providers
- Contabo: offers Windows as an operating system option with a license cost. Check its current plans and price for the exact fee.
- Hostinger: its VPS plan page lists Linux distributions and did not mention Windows, so confirm availability on its support pages before you buy.
For Linux-only budgets, see our cheap VPS hosting guide.
How much power you need
As a rule of thumb, not an official requirement, a Windows desktop feels better with at least 4 GB of RAM and two vCPUs, and a single trading platform may need less than a full desktop with many apps. Windows Server Core uses fewer resources than the full GUI, but it has no desktop, so only pick it if you are comfortable with the command line.
Secure your Windows VPS
- Change the default Administrator account name and use a long, unique password.
- Do not leave Remote Desktop open to the whole internet. Limit it by IP address or use a VPN.
- Install Windows updates and enable the firewall.
- Take a snapshot or backup before big changes.
Common uses
People use a Windows VPS to run Windows-only apps, remote desktops, MetaTrader trading platforms, scrapers and tools that do not run on Linux.
Locking down Remote Desktop, step by step
- Rename or disable the default Administrator account and create your own admin user.
- Use a long, unique password and turn on account lockout after failed attempts.
- Restrict Remote Desktop by IP in the provider firewall, or put it behind a VPN.
- Keep Windows Update on and restart after patches.
- Remove software you do not use and avoid browsing on the server.
- Take a snapshot before major changes.
Windows or Linux: how to decide
| Your software | Choose |
|---|---|
| Runs only on Windows, such as MetaTrader or some desktop apps | Windows VPS |
| Web apps, databases, Docker, automation tools | Linux VPS, which is cheaper |
| You only need remote access for occasional use | Compare against remote-desktop services |
For Linux options and renewal prices, see cheap VPS hosting.
Common mistakes
- Leaving Remote Desktop open to the whole internet.
- Choosing too little RAM and blaming the provider for slowness.
- Forgetting the license when comparing prices.
- Not planning how to move your data if you change providers.
Cost example: the Windows premium over a year
| Item | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Smallest Vultr plan (base) | $10 | $120 |
| Windows license | $16 | $192 |
| Total with Windows | $26 | $312 |
The license is about 62% of the bill on the smallest plan. If your software runs on Linux, a Linux plan of the same size is far cheaper, so only pay for Windows when you need it.
Sources and last checked
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Windows VPS cost?
On Vultr, the smallest Windows plan is $26 a month: $10 for the plan and $16 for the license. Larger plans cost more in both parts.
Why is a Windows VPS more expensive than Linux?
The Windows Server license is a separate fee. Vultr says Windows licenses are not included in its base monthly price.
Can I use my own Windows license?
Vultr says existing licenses cannot be transferred to its platform.
Which Windows versions can I run?
Vultr lists Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025, with Standard and Datacenter editions and Core or GUI options.
Is there a cheap Windows VPS?
The cheapest Windows plans are still higher than Linux ones because of the license. Compare the total price including the license.
Is a Windows VPS safe?
It is as safe as you configure it. Use strong passwords, limit remote desktop access and keep updates on.
What is the cheapest VPS hosting for Windows?
Prices change. On Vultr the smallest Windows plan is listed at $26 a month including the license. Compare the total with the license for each provider.
What is low cost Windows VPS hosting?
It means a Windows server plan priced low, but the Windows license is usually an extra fee, so check the total monthly cost.
Need a Windows server?
Check the plan and license price together before you deploy.
See Vultr Windows plans →Prices and limits were read from the pages below on October 12, 2026. They change often, so confirm before you pay.