> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ititanhosting.ro/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ititanhosting.ro/docs/english/vps/windows/how-to-install-iis-on-windows-server.md).
# How to install IIS on Windows Server
IIS (Internet Information Services) is the built-in web server for Windows Server. It handles HTTP requests, hosts websites, and can run ASP.NET applications. No extra downloads needed.
### Step 1: Open Server Manager
When you log into your Windows VPS via Remote Desktop, Server Manager opens by default. If it does not, click the Start button and type Server Manager.
### Step 2: Add the Web Server role
1. In Server Manager, click **Manage** in the top-right corner
2. Select **Add Roles and Features**
3. Click **Next** until you reach the **Server Roles** section
4. Check the box for **Web Server (IIS)**
5. A popup asks you to add required features. Click **Add Features**
6. Click **Next** through the remaining screens
7. On the **Role Services** screen, keep the defaults unless you need specific features like ASP.NET or CGI
8. Click **Install**
The installation takes a minute or two.
### Step 3: Verify the installation
Open a browser on your VPS and go to:
```
http://localhost
```
You should see the default IIS welcome page. You can also check from outside your VPS by visiting `http://your-server-ip` in your own browser.
### Step 4: Understand the IIS folder structure
| Folder | Purpose |
| -------------------------------------- | --------------------- |
| `C:\inetpub\wwwroot\` | Default website files |
| `C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\W3SVC1\` | IIS logs |
| `C:\inetpub\history\` | Configuration history |
### Step 5: Create your first website
1. Open **IIS Manager** by typing IIS in the Start menu
2. In the left panel, expand your server name, then right-click **Sites**
3. Select **Add Website**
4. Enter:
* **Site name:** `MySite`
* **Physical path:** `C:\inetpub\wwwroot\mysite`
* **Binding type:** `http`
* **IP address:** `All Unassigned`
* **Port:** `80`
* **Host name:** leave blank (or enter your domain)
5. Click **OK**
### Step 6: Add a test page
Create a simple HTML file to confirm the site works:
```
C:\inetpub\wwwroot\mysite\index.html
```
Add this content:
```html
ITITAN Hosting
IIS is running on ITITAN Hosting!
Your Windows VPS is ready.
```
Visit `http://your-server-ip` in your browser.
### Step 7: Open port 80 in Windows Firewall
By default, Windows Firewall should allow HTTP after installing IIS. But if the site is not reachable from outside, check the firewall:
1. Open **Windows Defender Firewall** from the Start menu
2. Click **Advanced settings**
3. Look for **World Wide Web Services (HTTP Traffic-In)** in the Inbound Rules list
4. If it is disabled, right-click and select **Enable Rule**
### Step 8: Enable HTTPS
To add HTTPS, you need a certificate. For a free one, use Let's Encrypt.
Install the Let's Encrypt client:
```powershell
# Open PowerShell as Administrator
cd C:\inetpub
mkdir letsencrypt
cd letsencrypt
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://github.com/win-acme/win-acme/releases/latest/download/win-acme.v2.x.x.x.x64.pluggable.zip" -OutFile "wacs.zip"
Expand-Archive -Path wacs.zip -DestinationPath .
```
Then run the tool and follow the prompts:
```powershell
.\wacs.exe
```
Select option `N` for new certificate, then `1` to use a single site. The tool handles the rest.
### Useful IIS management commands
Restart IIS from PowerShell:
```powershell
iisreset
```
Check IIS site status:
```powershell
Get-Website
```
Start or stop a site:
```powershell
Start-Website "MySite"
Stop-Website "MySite"
```
### Common issues
**Default page does not load** Make sure the website files exist in the correct folder and the App Pool is running. Open IIS Manager and check that the site has a green indicator.
**"403 Forbidden"** Check folder permissions. The IIS user (IUSR or ApplicationPoolIdentity) needs read access to the website folder.
**"Port 80 already in use"** Another application might be using port 80. Run `netstat -ano | findstr :80` to see what is using it.
### Conclusion
IIS is now installed and ready to host websites. It integrates well with Windows, ASP.NET, and SQL Server, making it a solid choice for Windows-based hosting.