What is IIS and Why Use It?

Internet Information Services (IIS) is Microsoft’s built-in web server for hosting websites, APIs, and web applications on Windows Server.

✅ Benefits of Using IIS:

• ✔️ Easy to Use – Integrated with Windows Server.
• ✔️ Supports Multiple Technologies – ASP.NET, PHP, HTML, JavaScript.
• ✔️ Built-in Security Features – SSL, request filtering, authentication.
• ✔️ Scalable & Reliable – Works for small sites to enterprise applications.

Step 1: Install IIS on Windows Server

✅ 1. Install IIS via Server Manager

Follow these steps to install IIS:

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Click Manage → Add Roles and Features.
3. Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click Next.
4. Choose your server and click Next.
5. In the Server Roles section, check “Web Server (IIS)”.
6. Click Next → Install and wait for completion.

✅ 2. Install IIS via PowerShell

For a faster setup, use this PowerShell command:

Install-WindowsFeature -name Web-Server -IncludeManagementTools
        

✅ 3. Verify IIS Installation

1. Open Run (Win + R), type inetmgr, and press Enter.
2. The IIS Manager window should open.
3. Open a browser and go to: http://localhost
4. You should see the IIS welcome page .

Step 2: Set Up a Website in IIS

✅ 1. Create a Website Directory

Create a folder for your website:

C:WebsitesMyWebsite
        

Place your HTML, ASP.NET, or PHP files inside this folder.

✅ 2. Add a New Website in IIS

1. Open IIS Manager (inetmgr).
2. Right-click Sites → Select Add Website.
3. Enter the following details:
• Site Name: MyWebsite
• Physical Path: C:WebsitesMyWebsite
• Binding: Choose http, enter an IP or “All Unassigned”, and use port 80.
4. Click OK.

✅ 3. Test Your Website

Open a browser and enter: http://localhost

Step 3: Configure IIS Security Settings

✅ 1. Enable HTTPS with an SSL Certificate

1. Obtain an SSL certificate (self-signed or from a CA).
2. Open IIS Manager → Click Your Website.
3. Click Bindings → Add.
4. Select HTTPS, choose the certificate, and click OK.

✅ 2. Enable Windows Authentication

Open IIS Manager → Authentication → Enable Windows Authentication
        

⚡ Step 4: Optimize IIS for Performance

✅ 1. Enable IIS Compression

IIS Manager → Compression → Enable Static & Dynamic Compression
        

✅ 2. Configure Application Pool Settings

IIS Manager → Application Pools → Select Your Site → Advanced Settings
        

✅ 3. Enable Output Caching

IIS Manager → Output Caching → Enable Caching for Static Files
        

Final Thoughts: Mastering IIS for Web Hosting

By following this guide, you can:

• ✅ Install and configure IIS for web hosting.
• ✅ Set up a secure website with HTTPS.
• ✅ Optimize IIS for better performance and speed.
• ✅ Secure IIS to prevent unauthorized access.

With IIS properly configured, you can host high-performance websites and applications on Windows Server!