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Step-by-Step Guide to Installing IIS on Windows Server 2022

If you're planning to host websites, APIs, or internal web apps on Windows Server 2022, installing Internet Information Services (IIS) is your first step. IIS is Microsoft's flexible, secure, and robust web server platform. This article walks you through two easy ways to install IIS using the graphical interface (Server Manager) and using PowerShell.

Why Use IIS?

IIS supports:

  • Static and dynamic content (HTML, ASP.NET, PHP, etc.)
  • SSL/TLS for secure websites
  • Authentication and authorization options
  • Logging, diagnostics, and advanced performance features

It’s ideal for both internal enterprise apps and public-facing websites.


Method 1: Installing IIS Using Server Manager (GUI)


Step 1: Open Server Manager

Click Start, then select Server Manager. Wait for it to fully load.

iis1 (1).PNG

Step 2: Launch the Add Roles and Features Wizard

In the Dashboard, click “Add roles and features” to open the wizard.

select server roles iis.PNG

Step 3: Choose Installation Type

Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click Next.

add roles and features iis.PNG

Step 4: Select the Server

Choose your local server from the server pool. Click Next.

Step 5: Select Server Role

Scroll down and check “Web Server (IIS)”.
When prompted, click “Add Features” to include required dependencies. Click Next.

rolebased.PNG

Step 6: Confirm Features

Keep the default features, or customize (e.g., enable ASP.NET, WebSockets). Click Next.


Step 7: Begin Installation

Click Install and wait until the process completes.
Once done, click Close.

Step 8: Verify IIS Installation

Open a browser and go to http://localhost — you should see the IIS Welcome Page, confirming successful installation.

installediis.PNG

Method 2: Installing IIS Using PowerShell

If you're managing multiple servers or prefer automation, PowerShell is the fastest way.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Step 2: Run the Installation Command

Install-WindowsFeature -Name Web-Server -IncludeManagementTools

This installs IIS along with management tools like the IIS Manager GUI.

Step 3: Confirm IIS is Installed

Check installation status with:

Get-WindowsFeature Web-Server

The Installed status confirms it's active.

Step 4: Open in Browser

Go to http://localhost to view the default IIS page.

Optional: Install Additional IIS Features

Depending on your app, you might need to enable extra modules. Here are some common ones:

# Enable ASP.NET 4.8

Install-WindowsFeature Web-Asp-Net45


# Enable Static Content and Default Documents

Install-WindowsFeature Web-Static-Content, Web-Default-Doc


# Enable WebSockets for real-time apps

Install-WindowsFeature Web-WebSockets

Conclusion

Installing IIS on Windows Server 2022 is simple whether you prefer a GUI or command-line approach. Once set up, IIS can host everything from basic websites to enterprise-grade applications with advanced features like SSL, logging, and load balancing.

After installation, don’t forget to:

  • Secure your server (e.g., enable HTTPS)
  • Configure logging and monitoring
  • Keep your server patched and up to date

Now you're ready to deploy your first web application on a rock-solid Windows Server foundation.

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