Enable Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) in Windows 7

Run your computer like a server

By default, a standard installation of Windows 7 does not turn on Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS). In order to use this feature, you must turn it on using Programs and Features in the Control Panel. Learn how to turn on Microsoft Internet Information Services in Windows 7

What is Internet Information Services (IIS)?

By default, Internet Information Services (IIS) is turned off in Windows 7. This is for good reason because few casual users would ever use these services. Essentially, IIS is a set of software features that allow you to run your computer like a server.

Turning on IIS on your Windows 7 PC allows you to add support for such standards as Web and FTP servers, ASP.Net, Classic ASP, CGI, and others. Some people use IIS to preview their web content before posting it live on the web. Others use it to help them learn how to program in some scripting languages such as ASP.Net. Whatever your reasons, turning on IIS in Windows 7 is easy once you know how.

Turning on IIS in Windows 7

Begin by logging in to Windows 7 using an account that has administrative privileges. Then click onStart>Control Panel>Programs>Programs and Features. On thePrograms and Featureswindow, look to the left and click on the link labeledTurn Windows Features On or Off.

This will open up theWindows Featureswindow. It is here that you can turn on any Windows feature that is currently turned off and turn off any feature you no longer want available to users of your PC.

You will notice that there are three levels associated with turning Windows features on or off. If the feature’s folder has a check mark next to it, it means that the feature and all of its components are installed and ready to use. A square block means that only certain components of the feature are turned on.

Locate the folder titledInternet Information Servicesand click thePlussign next to it. This will show you all of the IIS features and components you can turn on.

Notice there are three main components that make up IIS. They are:

Also, note that there arePlussigns next to each of these features. Typically, you will want to install all of the IIS features and components. Of course, if you are an advanced user, you may wish to turn on only some of them. For now, place a check mark next to theInternet Information Servicesfolder and click theOKbutton. Follow the directions and soon you will have turned on IIS.

IIS is a set of Windows features that let you run any Windows 7 PC as a server. Features of IIS include FTP and World Wide Web capabilities. IIS also offers support for ASP.Net, Classic ASP, and a number of other scripting languages. As you become familiar with the features of IIS, you can open the Windows Features window and choose which IIS features to turn on or off.

Founder of Help Desk Geek and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications.Read Aseem’s Full Bio

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