If you’re a Windows 11 user, especially those on the 24H2 build, you might have noticed a new and mysterious folder appearing on your system drive recently. This folder, named inetpub, has been causing quite a stir among users, but there’s no need to panic.
What is the inetpub Folder?
The inetpub folder is associated with Internet Information Services (IIS), which is Microsoft’s web server software. Typically, this folder is created when a user manually enables the IIS feature through the “Turn Windows features on or off” settings. However, with the latest April 2025 updates, specifically the KB5055523 update for Windows 11 24H2, this folder started appearing even if IIS was not enabled[1].
Why Did It Appear?
The inetpub folder was not created by accident; it was intentionally added as part of a security patch. Microsoft’s April 2025 Patch Tuesday updates included a fix for a vulnerability known as CVE-2025-21204, which could allow attackers to modify system files or folders. The creation of the inetpub folder is part of the measures to increase protection against this vulnerability[1].
Is It Safe to Delete?
While the inetpub folder is empty and doesn’t occupy any space on your system drive, it’s advisable not to delete it. Microsoft has explicitly stated in their updated support documentation that this folder should not be deleted, even if IIS is not enabled on your device. Deleting it could potentially undo the security fixes implemented by the update[1’.
What Should You Do?
If you’ve already deleted the inetpub folder, the best course of action would be to reinstall the April 2025 updates. Here’s how you can do it:
- Uninstall the current update.
- Check for updates again.
- Reinstall the update.
Alternatively, you can wait for the next cumulative update, which will likely reinstate the folder as part of the security patch.
User Experience and Practical Applications
The appearance of the inetpub folder, while unexpected, does not affect the general user experience. It’s an empty folder and does not consume any resources. For developers who use IIS, this folder might be familiar, but for most users, it will remain a benign presence on their system drive.
Microsoft’s Communication
One of the key concerns here is Microsoft’s lack of communication regarding the creation of this folder in their initial release notes. This oversight led to confusion among users, many of whom were worried about the sudden appearance of this mysterious folder. However, Microsoft has since updated their documentation to clarify the purpose and importance of the inetpub folder.
Conclusion
In summary, the inetpub folder is not a cause for concern but rather a part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance security. While it may seem mysterious at first glance, it’s a deliberate addition to protect your system from potential vulnerabilities. So, the next time you see this folder, you can rest easy knowing it’s there to keep your Windows 11 system secure.