A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing IIS on Windows Server

If you want to host websites or web applications on a Windows Server, the first step is to install Internet Information Services (IIS). While IIS is included with Windows Server, it is not enabled by default, so you’ll need to take some steps to get it running.

How to Install IIS via Server Manager

  1. Open Server Manager

    • Click the Start menu and select Server Manager.
    • In the Server Manager dashboard, click on Manage and then select Add Roles and Features.

  2. Add Roles and Features

    • The Add Roles and Features Wizard will open. Click Next to continue.
    • Choose the Role-based or feature-based installation option and click Next.

  3. Select Your Server

    • Choose your server from the server pool and click Next.
    • In the Select server roles section, check Web Server (IIS) and add any required features as prompted. You can also select optional components like ASP.NET or .NET Extensibility if needed.
    • Click Next, review your selections, then hit Install.

  4. Verify the Installation

    • Once installation completes, click Close and verify by opening a browser and navigating to http://localhost. You should see the default IIS welcome page.

How to Install IIS via PowerShell or DISM

  1. PowerShell Method

    • Run the following command in PowerShell:

      Install-WindowsFeature -Name Web-Server -IncludeManagementTools

    • To add additional features such as ASP.NET or management tools, use:

      Install-WindowsFeature -Name Web-Server, Web-ASP, Web-Mgmt-Tools, Web-WebSockets

  2. DISM Method

    • Execute the following command:

      dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:IIS-WebServerRole /alldism /online /enable-feature /featurename:IIS-ASPNET45 /alldism /online /enable-feature /featurename:IIS-WebSockets /all

These methods are excellent for automating installations and rapid deployments of web servers.

Reasons to Use IIS

IIS is not only a server for hosting websites; it is also advantageous for testing applications, serving internal dashboards, and running containerized web services. With IIS, you can deploy ASP.NET applications, manage SSL certificates, and set up microservices using modules like Application Request Routing (ARR) or URL Rewrite. IIS serves as a powerful tool in your Windows Server arsenal for HTTP routing and legacy support.

Next Steps After Installation

Once IIS is up and running, you can start configuring websites, bindings, and SSL certificates. For more advanced configurations, you might find it useful to install WMIC again on Windows 11 25H2, or for servers managed by Intune, troubleshoot Intune device visibility or management extension issues. If you’re seeking further guidance, check out articles on setting up DNS or opening ports in the firewall.

FAQs Related to Installing IIS on Windows Server

  • Can I install IIS without Server Manager?Yes, both PowerShell and DISM can be used for unattended installations, suitable for automation.

  • Do I need to reboot the server after installing IIS?Generally, a reboot is not required as most features are active immediately, though complex configurations might require it.

  • How can I verify IIS is installed correctly?Navigate to http://localhost on the server; if the IIS welcome page is displayed, the installation was successful.

  • Does PowerShell install management tools by default?Only if you include the -IncludeManagementTools parameter; otherwise, you’ll need to add them separately.

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