IIS (Internet Information Services)
Internet Information Services (IIS) is a web server developed by Microsoft for hosting websites, applications, and services on Windows. This guide will walk you through installing IIS on different Windows versions, ensuring a smooth setup.
Step 1: Check Windows Compatibility
IIS is available on these Windows versions:
- Windows 10/11 (Pro, Enterprise, Education) – IIS 10.0
- Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022) – IIS 10.0
- Windows 8/8.1 (Pro, Enterprise) – IIS 8.5
- Windows 7 (Professional, Ultimate, Enterprise) – IIS 7.5
Note: IIS is not available on Windows Home editions.
To check your Windows version:
- Press
Win + R
, typewinver
, and press Enter. - Ensure your version supports IIS.
Step 2: Install IIS Using Windows Features
For Windows 10/11 and Windows Server
- Press
Win + S
, search for Control Panel, and open it. - Navigate to Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
- Find Internet Information Services (IIS) and check the box.
- Expand IIS and ensure these features are selected:
- Web Management Tools
- World Wide Web Services
- Application Development Features (if needed, select ASP, .NET, CGI, etc.)
- Click OK and wait for the installation.
- Restart your computer if prompted.
For Windows Server (Using Server Manager)
- Open Server Manager.
- Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
- Choose Role-based or feature-based installation, then Next.
- Select the target server and click Next.
- Under Server Roles, check Web Server (IIS).
- Choose additional IIS Features if needed.
- Click Next and then Install.
- Restart the server if required.
Step 3: Verify IIS Installation
- Open a web browser and enter
http://localhost
. - If IIS is installed correctly, the IIS Default Welcome Page should appear.
To open IIS Manager, press Win + R
, type inetmgr
, and press Enter.
Step 4: Configure IIS
1. Open IIS Manager
Press Win + R
, type inetmgr
, and press Enter.
2. Configure the Default Website
- Expand
Sites > Default Web Site
. - Right-click and select Manage Website > Browse.
- Modify settings like Bindings, Authentication, and Default Documents as needed.
3. Add a New Website
- Right-click Sites in IIS Manager and select Add Website.
- Fill in:
- Site Name
- Physical Path (location of website files)
- Binding Settings (port and hostname)
- Click OK.
4. Enable Features Like PHP, ASP.NET, CGI
- Go to Windows Features via Control Panel.
- Expand Internet Information Services > Application Development Features.
- Select required features (e.g., ASP.NET, CGI, ISAPI Extensions).
- Click OK and restart IIS.
Step 5: Manage IIS Services
Using Command Prompt (Admin Mode)
# Start IIS
iisreset /start
# Stop IIS
iisreset /stop
# Restart IIS
iisreset /restart
Using IIS Manager
- Open IIS Manager (
inetmgr
). - Select your server node.
- Use the Start, Stop, or Restart options on the right panel.
Step 6: Configure Firewall and Security
1. Allow HTTP and HTTPS Traffic
- Open Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click Advanced Settings.
- Go to Inbound Rules > New Rule.
- Select Port and click Next.
- Choose TCP and enter:
80
for HTTP443
for HTTPS
- Click Next, select Allow the connection, then Next.
- Apply the rule to Domain, Private, and Public profiles.
- Name the rule and click Finish.
2. Configure SSL for HTTPS
- Open IIS Manager.
- Select your site and click Bindings.
- Add an HTTPS binding and select an SSL certificate.
- Click OK and restart IIS.
Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. IIS Page Not Loading?
- Make sure IIS is running:
iisreset /status
- Check if firewall settings allow port 80.
- Confirm the Default Website is running in IIS Manager.
2. Can’t Find inetmgr?
- Ensure IIS Management Console is installed in Windows Features.
3. Permission Errors?
- Grant the IIS_IUSRS group necessary permissions on website files.
- Ensure Application Pool Identity has folder access.
You have successfully installed and configured IIS on Windows. IIS is a powerful web server that allows efficient website hosting. You can further customize it by adding security, enabling logging, and integrating with databases.