Module 12: How to Configure a Web Server in Windows Server Using IIS (Step-by-Step Guide)

Configuring a web server in Windows Server involves installing and setting up IIS (Internet Information Services) to host websites, serve HTML/PHP/ASP.NET files, and manage HTTP/HTTPS traffic.

Overview of IIS

Windows Server IIS configuration steps
  • A Windows 2019 Server Running IIS Provides:
  • World Wide Web (WWW) Server
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Service
  • Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) Service
  • Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) Service

How to Prepare for IIS Installation in Windows Server (Pre-Installation Checklist)

Preparing for IIS installation involves validating server roles, network settings, storage, and security requirements to ensure a smooth and secure setup of the web server on Windows Server.

1. Verify System Requirements

  • Windows Server 2016, 2019, or 2022

  • Minimum 2 GB RAM and 1.4 GHz CPU

  • At least 10 GB of free disk space (more for large websites)

2. Update Windows Server

Run updates to ensure you have the latest security patches and compatibility for IIS components:

Choose option 6 for updates.

3. Assign a Static IP Address

Ensure your server has a static IP to reliably host websites:

Steps:

  1. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Adapter Settings

  2. Right-click your active NIC → Properties

  3. Select IPv4 → Properties

  4. Assign:

    • Static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10)

    • Subnet Mask

    • Default Gateway

    • DNS Server (use internal DNS or 8.8.8.8)

4. Check Hostname and Domain Settings

  • Set a clear hostname:

  • Join domain (if required)

5. Enable Required Firewall Ports

Allow required ports (especially port 80 for HTTP and 443 for HTTPS):

6. Plan Website Structure

  • Create a root folder: C:\inetpub\mywebsite

  • Prepare sample content like index.html

  • Assign appropriate NTFS permissions

7. Choose Optional IIS Features

Decide if you need:

  • ASP.NET, PHP, or Classic ASP

  • FTP Server

  • Logging & Tracing

  • SSL Certificate support

8. Create Backups (if necessary)

If you’re installing on an existing server:

  • Backup system state and configurations

  • Use tools like Windows Server Backup or wbadmin

Installing IIS

1. Install the IIS Web Server Role
▶️ Using Server Manager:

  1. Open Server Manager → Add Roles and Features

  2. Select:

    • Role-based or feature-based installation

    • Choose your local server

  3. Under Roles, check ✅ Web Server (IIS)

  4. Include optional features like:

    • HTTP Features

    • FTP Server (optional)

    • ASP.NET, PHP (if required)

  5. Click Install

▶️ PowerShell Alternative:
  • Perform the Installation:
  • Add Internet Services Manager to the Administrative Tools Menu
  • Create the Default Web Site and the Default FTP Site
  • Test the Installation:
  • Use Internet Explorer to View Files in the Home Directory, C:\inetpub\wwwroot
How to Configure a Website in IIS on Windows Server (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Prepare the Website Directory

Create a folder to store your website files:

  • Add a test file like index.html or default.aspx

  • Set appropriate read permissions for IIS_IUSRS

2. Open IIS Manager

  • Launch from: Server Manager → Tools → Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager

3. Add a New Website

  1. In the Connections pane, right-click Sites → Add Website

  2. Configure:

    • Site name: MyWebsite

    • Physical path: C:\inetpub\MyWebsite

    • Binding:

      • Type: http

      • IP address: All Unassigned or specific IP

      • Port: 80

      • Hostname: example.local (optional, if using DNS or hosts file)

  3. Click OK

4. Start the Website

  • Right-click the new site → Manage Website → Start

5. Allow HTTP/HTTPS Through Windows Firewall
6. Test the Website

  • Open a browser on a local client

  • Visit:

    • http://<server-ip>/

    • or http://example.local/ if using a hostname

Launch the IIS Manager

  • Open: Server Manager → Tools → Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager

  • Explore:

    • Sites

    • Application Pools

    • Default Web Site

Create Website Directory:

  • Create folder: C:\inetpub\mywebsite

  • Place index.html or your web files inside

Add New Website in IIS:

  1. Right-click Sites → Add Website

  2. Set:

    • Site Name: MyWebsite

    • Physical Path: C:\inetpub\mywebsite

    • Binding:

      • Type: http

      • IP: All Unassigned or server IP

      • Port: 80

  3. Click OK — your website is now hosted!

4. Allow Through Firewall

Allow HTTP (port 80) or HTTPS (port 443) through Windows Firewall:

Test Website Access

  • Open a browser on the same network

  • Visit: http://<server-ip> or http://localhost

  • Configuring Web Site Identification
How to Configure a Web Server in Windows Server Using IIS (Step-by-Step Guide)
  • Configuring the Home Directory
host website using iis windows server
  • Identifying Methods of Authentication
  • Anonymous Access
  • Basic Authentication
  • Digest Authentication
  • Integrated Windows Authentication
  • Selecting a Method of Authentication
Authentication MethodUse When
AnonymousYou want users to access public areas of your web site
BasicYou want to authenticate users who access your web site through any browser or proxy server
DigestYou want to secure authentication for your web sites and you must go through a proxy server
Integrated WindowsYou are configuring an intranet site, where both the users and the web server are in the same domain, or in domains with a trust relationship
  • Configuring Authentication
add website in iis 2019
  • Assigning a Default Document
add website in iis 2019
Administering IIS
  • How to Manage IIS Web Servers Remotely Using Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager

Internet Services Manager (IIS Manager) allows administrators to manage IIS web servers remotely using a secure connection. This enables centralized control over website configuration, site monitoring, and application management without local server access.

1. Install IIS Management Console (Client Side)

On your admin/workstation machine:

  • Use System Monitor to Monitor IIS Performance

Or via GUI:

  • Go to Add Roles and Features

  • Select: Web Server (IIS) → Management Tools → IIS Management Console

2. Install IIS Management Service (Server Side)

On the remote IIS server:

Also ensure:

  • IIS Management Service is running

  • Set it to start automatically

3. Enable Remote Management

On the IIS server:

  1. Open IIS Manager

  2. Click the server name → double-click Management Service

  3. Check:

    • ✅ Enable remote connections

    • 🔒 Use Windows credentials or IIS Manager credentials

  4. Click Apply

  5. Start the Web Management Service

Lab A: Configuring a Web Server

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