VGSources / Best Game Server Control Panels / Windows Game Server
What it is
Windows Game Server (WGS) is a free, open-source management panel for installing, running, and managing dedicated game servers on Windows. It includes 143+ built-in game plugins, and its graphical Plugin Creator can add more games. WGS downloads SteamCMD automatically and handles server installation and updates. A dashboard tracks CPU and RAM use, player counts, crash history, and performance graphs. Scheduled tasks, automatic backups, crash prediction, and wake-on-demand startup support server administration. Discord notifications and a remote-control bot can report events and run commands. Operators can use a browser dashboard or REST API with token authentication. Sensitive values such as RCON passwords, Steam credentials, and API tokens are protected with Windows DPAPI encryption. Dashboard accounts support Admin and read-only Viewer roles, with access restricted to selected servers. Installation requires Windows 10 or 11 64-bit, .NET 10 Desktop Runtime, about 50 MB, and internet access. WGS is a native Windows app, not a Linux or Docker tool.
Good, and not so good
- Free with no instance limits
- 143+ built-in game plugins
- Scheduled backups and tasks
- REST API and browser dashboard
- Encrypted sensitive credentials
- Windows-only native application
- Some games lack user field testing
- Service mode is experimental
- Several features do not run in service mode
Who it suits
WGS suits Windows administrators who want self-hosted control over dedicated servers, plugins, backups, automation, and role-based access. It is useful for operators comfortable with Windows requirements and SteamCMD downloads.
WGS provides broad server management and automation without a hosting charge. Its scope is centered on Windows, and the maker notes limitations around untested games and experimental service mode.
Plans
- FreeNo instance limits · Windows game server managementFree
As wgsserver.com lists them, read 8 Oct 2026.