How to Install IIS in Windows

iis setup and install on windows

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:

  1. Press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter.
  2. Ensure your version supports IIS.

Step 2: Install IIS Using Windows Features

For Windows 10/11 and Windows Server

  1. Press Win + S, search for Control Panel, and open it.
  2. Navigate to Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
  3. Find Internet Information Services (IIS) and check the box.
  4. 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.)
  5. Click OK and wait for the installation.
  6. Restart your computer if prompted.

For Windows Server (Using Server Manager)

  1. Open Server Manager.
  2. Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
  3. Choose Role-based or feature-based installation, then Next.
  4. Select the target server and click Next.
  5. Under Server Roles, check Web Server (IIS).
  6. Choose additional IIS Features if needed.
  7. Click Next and then Install.
  8. Restart the server if required.

Step 3: Verify IIS Installation

  1. Open a web browser and enter http://localhost.
  2. 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

  1. Expand Sites > Default Web Site.
  2. Right-click and select Manage Website > Browse.
  3. Modify settings like Bindings, Authentication, and Default Documents as needed.

3. Add a New Website

  1. Right-click Sites in IIS Manager and select Add Website.
  2. Fill in:
    • Site Name
    • Physical Path (location of website files)
    • Binding Settings (port and hostname)
  3. Click OK.

4. Enable Features Like PHP, ASP.NET, CGI

  1. Go to Windows Features via Control Panel.
  2. Expand Internet Information Services > Application Development Features.
  3. Select required features (e.g., ASP.NET, CGI, ISAPI Extensions).
  4. 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

  1. Open IIS Manager (inetmgr).
  2. Select your server node.
  3. Use the Start, Stop, or Restart options on the right panel.

Step 6: Configure Firewall and Security

1. Allow HTTP and HTTPS Traffic

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Click Advanced Settings.
  3. Go to Inbound Rules > New Rule.
  4. Select Port and click Next.
  5. Choose TCP and enter:
    • 80 for HTTP
    • 443 for HTTPS
  6. Click Next, select Allow the connection, then Next.
  7. Apply the rule to Domain, Private, and Public profiles.
  8. Name the rule and click Finish.

2. Configure SSL for HTTPS

  1. Open IIS Manager.
  2. Select your site and click Bindings.
  3. Add an HTTPS binding and select an SSL certificate.
  4. 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.


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