Windows or Linux for a MU Online server?
MuServer runs on Windows, but the site can go to Linux. See the differences and the best combination for your server.
A common question for those building a server: Windows or Linux? The short answer is "it depends on the component". See how to decide.
The game: Windows
Most MuServer distributions use Windows executables and SQL Server (Microsoft). So the game server almost always runs on Windows (Server 2012/2016/2019 or similar).
The site: Windows or Linux
The site is PHP + (usually) MySQL, which run well on both. Linux is often cheaper and lighter for hosting the site/CMS.
| Component | Recommended system |
|---|---|
| MuServer (game) | Windows |
| SQL Server | Windows |
| Site/CMS (PHP) | Linux or Windows |
| MySQL (site) | Linux or Windows |
How to decide
- Everything on a Windows VPS: simpler to manage, game + site together;
- Game on Windows + site on Linux: cheaper and more flexible for the site;
- For beginners: start with everything on Windows to reduce complexity.
See connect VPS/dedicated and FTP and host the server website for the next steps.
Perguntas frequentes
Does MuServer run on Linux?
Most MuServer distributions are made for Windows (they use .exe executables and SQL Server). It's possible to run via compatibility layers, but the standard, stable path is Windows.
Can I host the site on Linux and the game on Windows?
Yes, and it's a common combination. The game (MuServer + SQL Server) runs on a Windows machine, and the site (PHP + MySQL) can run on Linux. They communicate over the network.