How to Install IIS on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / August 30, 2025

Internet Information Services (IIS) is a flexible, secure, and manageable web server for hosting websites and web applications on Windows. Installing IIS on Windows 11 allows developers and IT professionals to test websites locally or deploy web services. This step-by-step guide walks you through the installation and setup process.

What Is IIS?

IIS (Internet Information Services) is Microsoft’s web server software that:

  • Hosts websites, web apps, and APIs.
  • Supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and other protocols.
  • Integrates with .NET applications.
  • Provides logging, security, and management tools for developers and system administrators.

Why Install IIS on Windows 11?

Installing IIS is useful when you want to:

  • Test web applications locally before deployment.
  • Host static and dynamic websites.
  • Experiment with ASP.NET or PHP development.
  • Learn web server management on Windows.

Prerequisites for Installing IIS

Before installing IIS, ensure:

  1. You have Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (IIS isn’t fully available on Home edition).
  2. You are signed in with an administrator account.
  3. Your system meets basic hardware requirements for Windows 11.

Method 1: Install IIS via Windows Features

The easiest way to install IIS is through the built-in Windows Features.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S and type Control Panel, then open it.
  2. Go to Programs → Programs and Features.
  3. Click Turn Windows features on or off from the left sidebar.
  4. In the Windows Features dialog, scroll and find Internet Information Services.
  5. Check the box next to IIS. Expand it to select additional features if needed, such as:
    • Web Management Tools
    • World Wide Web Services
  6. Click OK.
  7. Windows will install IIS. Wait for the installation to complete.
  8. Restart your computer if prompted.

💡 Tip: For development purposes, you can select default options. Advanced users may enable FTP Server, Security, or Application Development Features.

Method 2: Install IIS Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers a fast method for installing IIS via command line.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type PowerShell, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command to install IIS: Install-WindowsFeature -name Web-Server -IncludeManagementTools
  3. Press Enter and wait for the installation to complete.
  4. Verify installation by typing: Get-WindowsFeature -Name Web-Server

The output should show Installed for the Web-Server feature.

Step 3: Verify IIS Installation

  1. Open a web browser.
  2. Type http://localhost/ in the address bar.
  3. If IIS is installed correctly, you will see the default IIS Welcome Page.

💡 Tip: You can also open IIS Manager by pressing Windows + S, typing IIS, and selecting Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.

Step 4: Configure IIS

After installation, you may want to configure IIS for your website:

  1. Open IIS Manager.
  2. Expand your PC name in the left-hand Connections panel.
  3. Click Sites → Default Web Site.
  4. Click Bindings to configure HTTP/HTTPS ports.
  5. Place your website files in the folder: C:\inetpub\wwwroot
  6. Test your website by visiting http://localhost/ in a browser.

💡 Tip: For multiple sites, create a new website in IIS Manager and assign unique ports or hostnames.

Step 5: Install Additional IIS Features (Optional)

Depending on your needs, you may enable:

  • ASP.NET / .NET Extensibility for web applications.
  • FTP Server for file transfers.
  • Security features like Request Filtering or Windows Authentication.
  • Logging and Diagnostics tools for monitoring web traffic.

Enable these through Windows Features → Internet Information Services → World Wide Web Services → Application Development Features.

Troubleshooting IIS Installation

  • IIS Manager not opening: Ensure IIS and Management Tools are installed.
  • Cannot access localhost: Check firewall settings and verify IIS service is running.
  • Website not loading: Verify files are in wwwroot and proper bindings are set.

Conclusion

Installing IIS on Windows 11 is straightforward and provides a powerful platform for hosting and testing web applications. Whether you use Windows Features or PowerShell, IIS can be up and running within minutes. After installation, configure your websites and explore additional features for a robust web development or testing environment.

FAQs

Q1. Can I install IIS on Windows 11 Home edition?
IIS is limited on Home edition. For full functionality, use Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.

Q2. Where are the IIS website files stored?
Default location: C:\inetpub\wwwroot.

Q3. How do I access IIS Manager?
Press Windows + S, type IIS, and select Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.

Q4. Can I host multiple websites on IIS?
Yes, by creating multiple sites with unique ports or hostnames.

Q5. Is IIS free to use?
Yes, IIS is included with Windows 11 and does not require additional licensing.

Recommendation: Use Windows Features for a quick installation, and enable Management Tools to easily configure and manage your websites.

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