If you’ve recently updated your Windows 11 system and noticed a mysterious new folder on your system drive, you’re not alone. The latest April 2025 security updates for Windows 11 have introduced an unexpected and somewhat bewildering change: the creation of an empty folder named “inetpub” on the drive where Windows is installed, typically the C: drive.
The Appearance of the ‘inetpub’ Folder
After installing the April cumulative update (KB5055523), many users have reported finding this new, empty “inetpub” folder. This folder does not contain any files or subfolders and shows a size of 0 bytes. It is created by the system itself and does not seem to serve any immediate purpose[1][2][3].
What is the ‘inetpub’ Folder?
The “inetpub” folder is associated with Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS), a web server software that allows developers to host websites and services on their local machines. Normally, this folder is created when IIS is enabled, but in this case, it has appeared even though IIS remains disabled by default on most systems[1][2][3].
Is the Folder Harmless?
Fortunately, the appearance of the “inetpub” folder does not indicate any malicious activity or system malfunction. It is entirely safe to delete this folder without worrying about any adverse effects on your system or applications. Several users and tech enthusiasts have already removed the folder without encountering any issues[1][2][3].
Why Did This Happen?
The exact reason behind the creation of this folder is still unclear. It is speculated that the April update might have temporarily triggered or referenced IIS components, leading to the folder’s creation. However, since IIS was not actually enabled, the folder remains empty and serves no purpose[1][2][3].
User Experience and Implications
While the presence of the “inetpub” folder might be confusing, it does not consume any disk space or affect system performance. For users who are accustomed to a tidy system drive, deleting the folder is a simple solution. However, for those who prefer to leave things as they are, the folder’s presence is benign and can be ignored.
Historical Context and Future Fixes
This is not the first time Windows updates have introduced unexpected folders or quirks. Historical reports suggest that similar issues have occurred in the past, making it a sort of ‘folder whack-a-mole’ where users periodically encounter and remove these unnecessary folders. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will address this issue permanently or if it will continue to appear in future updates[1][2].
In any case, rest assured that the “inetpub” folder is a harmless anomaly, and deleting it is a safe and simple fix. As always, keeping an eye on future updates and patches from Microsoft will be crucial in understanding and resolving such minor yet confusing issues.