Windows VPS

A Windows VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtual machine running the Windows Server operating system. It offers dedicated resources like CPU, RAM, and storage on a shared physical server. This setup provides the flexibility and control of a dedicated server, but at a lower cost. You can use it to host websites, applications, remote desktops, or even run custom business software, all with full admin access.

Contabo’s Windows VPS hosting enhances your business operations by offering scalable resources, full administrative control, and compatibility with numerous Windows-based applications. This makes it ideal for businesses looking to efficiently run software like SQL Server, SharePoint, or any .NET based frameworks without investment in physical hardware.

Developers find Contabo’s Windows VPS hosting highly advantageous due to its root access feature, which allows the installation and configuration of advanced software and tools. This, coupled with compatibility for key development frameworks and databases, makes it an ideal environment for development and testing.

Yes, with Contabo’s Windows VPS, you can host multiple websites. Each VPS provides the ability to configure and manage multiple domains, giving you the flexibility to support various projects or customer websites from a single server.

We accept payments in EUR, USD, and GBP, with different payment methods depending on the currency. Please see the full list here and this helpful video guide for more information.

For all payment methods other than credit card, the first payment after you have submitted an order has to be done manually. Please use the payment information provided after the order process. Once you have access to your Customer Control Panel, you can manage your payment methods, make payments, and set up automated payments conveniently.

Each Cloud VPS plan is preconfigured to give you the most value for your money, so you’re not able to customize or change the hardware specs of your plan. But you can easily upgrade to a better configuration or increase storage as needed via the Customer Control Panel.

We also recommend exploring our Virtual Dedicated Servers or our powerful Dedicated Servers for more customization options.

Yes, you can upgrade to a more powerful VPS plan through the Customer Control Panel. Simply navigate to your VPS instances via the sidebar, then click “More” on the VPS you wish to upgrade and select “Upgrade” from the dropdown menu.

If you want to downgrade, then you’ll need to buy the smaller plan through the Customer Control Panel. Once you downgrade, we recommend transferring all the data from your current VPS to the new one, and then mark your old VPS for cancellation. You’re always welcome to contact support if you need help with this.

All our servers are self-managed by default. However, should you anticipate needing some occasional or regular help with your Windows Dedicated Server, you can add a limited server management option during the configuration process for an additional fee.

The choice between Windows and Linux for your VPS depends on your intended usage, familiarity with the operating system, and cost considerations. Linux is often preferred for web hosting, development environments, and servers running applications like databases or CMS platforms due to its stability, security, and lower costs. Windows is suitable if you rely on Microsoft technologies such as ASP.NET or need to run Windows-specific software. Your comfort level and expertise with either Linux or Windows should also guide your decision.

All our server options are highly customizable, so consider your performance needs, storage requirements, and budget. To make things easier, we have put together a few preconfigured Windows server bundles for common use cases (see above).

On our VPS, you cannot use your own Windows license. Due to our licensing agreement with Microsoft, you will need to use the Windows Server license provided by us. The terms of the license agreement require us to charge a monthly fee for Windows Server, which is determined by the size of the VPS you order.

Yes, our self-managed servers support the use of unified management tools, including Microsoft System Center, allowing you to efficiently manage your hosting environment.

Yes, you can run mail software such as Microsoft Outlook on a Windows VPS from Contabo. Our Windows VPS servers are fully compatible with Windows applications, including Outlook and other email clients. By installing Outlook on your Windows VPS, you can access and manage your email accounts securely and efficiently from anywhere.

When you order a new Windows VPS at Contabo, the Windows Server image is installed automatically. To switch an already existing server, open the Customer Control Panel and run Reinstall with a Windows Server image. This way, licensing is handled for you. Please mind that upon reinstallation, all existing data will be deleted.

You can find step-by-step instructions in our guide on Installing My Contabo Server for the First Time.

To set up a Windows VPS server, first connect via Remote Desktop (RDP) using your IP, username, and password. Then:

1. Run Windows Update and reboot if prompted.

2. Harden your firewall by restricting RDP access where possible (trusted IPs or VPN if available).

3. If you install additional services, use strong, unique passwords for every component.

4. Remove unused roles/services and apply the latest security patches to reduce attack surface.

5. Install needed components (IIS, .NET, SQL Server, etc.) and configure DNS if you plan to host websites or applications.

6. Set up backups and basic monitoring to ensure quick recovery and visibility.

Contabo tip: if you’re using Contabo, the “hard part” is easier. Simply choose a Windows Server image and start the install directly from the Customer Control Panel, so you spend less time provisioning and more time configuring.

Start by keeping your system updated. Install Windows updates and remove or disable any unused roles or services. Enable and configure the built-in firewall, use strong unique credentials (ideally with multi-factor authentication), and restrict Remote Desktop access to trusted IPs or via VPN. Install reliable antivirus/anti-malware software, rename or disable the default Administrator account, and monitor logs for any suspicious activity. Finally, set up regular backups – or use Contabo’s Auto Backup add-on – so you can recover quickly if needed. For even more tips, check out our blog article on Best Practices to Secure your VPS