How to Enable IIS and Key Features on Windows Server: A Step-by-Step Guide
Enabling Internet Information Services and its features is essential for hosting websites and web applications on a Windows Server. This guide will walk you through three different methods: using Server Manager, PowerShell, and the DISM command.
Using Server Manager
• Open the Start menu, search for “Server Manager,” and click to open it.
• In Server Manager, click on “Manage” in the top right corner and select “Add Roles and Features” from the dropdown menu.
• The Add Roles and Features Wizard will open. Click “Next” until you reach the Installation Type section.
• Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next.”
• Choose the server from the Server Pool list where you want to install IIS, and click “Next.”
• Scroll down and select “Web Server (IIS)”.
• A popup will appear asking you to add the required features. Click “Add Features.” Then, click “Next.”
• In the Features section, select any additional IIS features you want, such as .NET Framework, ASP.NET, or WebSocket Protocol. Click “Next.”
• Review your selections and click “Install.”
• Wait for the installation to complete, then click “Close.”
It is user-friendly with an easy-to-use graphical interface, making it comprehensive by allowing the selection of various features with guided prompts. Additionally, it provides visual feedback, displaying the progress and status of the installation. However the process can be time-consuming, requiring multiple clicks and steps, and it is less efficient compared to command-line methods, especially for bulk installations.
Using PowerShell
• Search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.”
• Use the following command to install IIS and the basic features:
Install-WindowsFeature -name Web-Server -IncludeManagementTools
• To install specific IIS features, use the following command and replace the feature names as needed:
Install-WindowsFeature -name Web-Server, Web-ASP, Web-Mgmt-Tools, Web-WebSockets
○ Web-Server installs the core web server role.
○ Web-ASP installs support for ASP.NET.
○ Web-Mgmt-Tools installs management tools for IIS.
○ Web-WebSockets installs WebSocket Protocol support.
PowerShell is fast and efficient, enabling quick installations via the command line. It supports automation and scripting, allowing for repeatable tasks, and it is highly customizable, making it easy to tailor installations to specific needs. However, it requires familiarity with command-line interfaces, which may not be as user-friendly for everyone. The visual feedback is limited, as progress is shown in text format with no visual indicators.
Using DISM Command
• Search for Command Prompt in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.”
• Use the following DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) command to install IIS:
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:IIS-WebServerRole /all
• To install additional IIS features, use the following command:
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:IIS-ASPNET45 /all
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:IIS-WebSockets /all
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:IIS-WebSockets /all
○ IIS-ASPNET45 installs support for ASP.NET 4.5.
○ IIS-WebSockets installs WebSocket Protocol support.
The DISM command is lightweight, using minimal system resources. It is comprehensive, allowing multiple features to be installed with a single command, and supports offline images, enabling features even on systems not currently running. But it is less intuitive, requiring precise command syntax, and is limited to a command-line interface, which might be a drawback for users who prefer a graphical interface.
After installation, open a web browser and go to “http://localhost“; you should see the IIS welcome page. Alternatively, you can open IIS Manager by typing “inetmgr” in the Run dialog.
Summary
Enabling IIS on a Windows Server can be done through several methods, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Server Manager offers a user-friendly approach, PowerShell provides speed and flexibility, and DISM is a lightweight option that’s ideal for those comfortable with command-line tools. Choose the method that best fits your needs, depending on your familiarity with the tools and the specific requirements of your server environment.
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