IIS enables hosting websites, APIs, and internal web tools directly on Windows without installing a separate web server. Enabling it is useful for local development, lab environments, and serving content on a dedicated machine while keeping the stack aligned with Microsoft tooling.
IIS runs on top of the Windows HTTP stack (HTTP.sys) and serves requests through worker processes grouped into application pools. Features are modular, so only the required server components, management tools, and application development modules need enabling.
Installing IIS requires administrator privileges and typically binds the default site to TCP port 80, which can conflict with other web servers or development tools already listening on the same port. Exposing IIS to other devices also depends on firewall rules and network configuration, so remote access may need additional setup beyond the local install.
On Windows Server, install the Web Server (IIS) role using Server Manager → Add roles and features instead of the Windows Features dialog.
Steps to install IIS on Windows:
- Open the Control Panel.
Searching for control panel from the Start menu or taskbar opens it directly.
- Select Programs → Programs and Features.
- Select Turn Windows features on or off.
- Select Internet Information Services.
If another application is already listening on TCP port 80, the Default Web Site may fail to start and http://localhost may not show the IIS welcome page.
- Expand Internet Information Services to view available components.
- Select the required IIS sub-features for hosting and administration.
Common selections include World Wide Web Services for the web server and Web Management Tools → IIS Management Console for IIS Manager.
- Select OK to apply the changes.
- Wait for Windows Features to finish applying changes until the completion message appears.
Installation time varies with system performance, and a restart prompt may appear if additional components are required.
- Open a web browser.
- Open http://localhost.
The default IIS welcome page confirms the Default Web Site is serving content locally.
- Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.
If IIS Manager is missing, enable Web Management Tools → IIS Management Console in the Windows Features list.
- Confirm the Default Web Site shows a Started status in IIS Manager.
Mohd Shakir Zakaria is a cloud architect with deep roots in software development and open-source advocacy. Certified in AWS, Red Hat, VMware, ITIL, and Linux, he specializes in designing and managing robust cloud and on-premises infrastructures.
