Choosing an OS for your dedicated server or VPS
Quick answer
Use Linux unless something specific requires Windows Server, and .NET/IIS-specific applications, Active Directory, and RDP-based workflows are the usual reasons it does. Within Linux, Ubuntu is the broadest default, Debian suits production servers that should change as little as possible, and Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux are the right call where cPanel or other RHEL-family software expects them.
Linux or Windows Server: what actually decides it
For most workloads, Linux is the default: web applications, databases, containers, and general-purpose infrastructure all run natively on Linux without needing a licensed OS underneath them. Windows Server becomes the right choice when something concrete requires it, not as a general preference:
- .NET or IIS-specific applications, where the application was built for and depends on the Windows application stack.
- Active Directory, where the server needs to join or host a Windows domain environment.
- RDP-based workflows, where the team specifically needs Remote Desktop rather than SSH-based server access.
Windows Server editions carry an extra monthly cost and typically aren't included the way most Linux distributions are, that's shown directly on the configurator at order time, see Configuring a dedicated server when you order it. If none of the reasons above apply to your workload, that licensing cost is usually reason enough on its own to stay on Linux.
Choosing a Linux distribution
Once Linux is the answer, the choice between distributions mostly comes down to how much change you want on the server over time, and what other software you're running expects underneath it.
| Distribution | Good default when | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu | You want the broadest package and community support, and no strong reason to pick something else | The most common general-purpose default; large ecosystem, frequent releases |
| Debian | You want a production server that changes as little as possible between releases | Stability-focused, longer release cycles; often preferred for servers that should stay predictable over time |
| Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux | Other software expects a RHEL-family base, cPanel included | RHEL-compatible community distributions; the practical choice wherever enterprise software assumes RHEL |
| CentOS Stream | You specifically want to track upstream of RHEL | Rolling-release model, positioned upstream of RHEL rather than as a stable production base; less common as a production choice now than it once was |
Whichever distribution you pick, the exact version and edition on offer is shown in the OS list at order time or in the VPS creation form in Portal, along with which options are included versus licensed. This article covers the decision in general terms, not a specific version list, check the live configurator or portal for what's currently available.
Next steps once you've picked an OS
Once the server or VPS is provisioned, see Deploying your first Flexible VPS for the initial setup flow, and Connecting to your server for the first time for how to get access once it's live.