Seeing a new folder called ‘inetpub’ in the root of the C drive? Here’s everything you need to know about it.
The inetpub is not a virus, it is a legitimate folder created by Windows after installing the KB5055523 update. According to Microsoft, this folder is generally created when the IIS service (Internet Information Services), which is used to host websites and apps on Windows 11 & 10, is turned on. However, after installing the KB5055523 update, this folder is automatically created even if the service is not enabled.
The reason for Microsoft creating this folder on all Windows 11 & 10 systems is to fix a security vulnerability (CVE-2025-21204) that might allow an attacker to elevate their privileges locally via an improper link resolution in Windows Update. While the exploitability of this vulnerability is ‘likely less’, according to Microsoft, the issue is fixed nonetheless.
Should You Delete the ‘inetpub’ Folder?
NO, according to Microsoft advisory, the inetpub folder should not be deleted regardless of whether Internet Information Services (IIS) is active on the system.
If you delete the ‘inetpub’ folder, it doesn’t cause any system stability issues but it makes your system vulnerable to the CVE-2025-21204 bug.
Restore the inetpub Folder, If Deleted
If you accidentally deleted the folder, there is no need to worry, you can easily restore it by enabling the optional feature IIS service (Internet Information Services). Follow the below steps.
Open the Start menu by pressing the “Windows key”. Search for “Turn Windows features on or off” and click “Open“.
Select the “Internet Information Services” checkbox. Click “OK“.
Windows will enable the IIS feature. Once enabled, click “Close“.
With that, the inetpub folder is created in the root of the C drive (Windows OS).
Wrapping Up — inetpub Folder in Windows and Its Importance
inetpub is a system folder created by Windows after installing the KB5055523 update to fix a security vulnerability. As per Microsoft advisory, users should NOT delete the inetpub folder. If the inetpub folder is accidentally deleted, you can restore it by enabling the Internet Information Services feature via the Windows Features dialog as shown above.
That is all. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
