Don't delete the inetpub folder in Windows or you'll get an unpleasant surprise.

In recent months, the unexplained appearance of the inetpub folder in Windows has caused quite a stir among users around the world. After updating their system, many have found a mysterious new empty folder at the root of their C: drive. Yes, you read that right: an empty folder.

The lack of explanation or warning from Microsoft has given rise to all sorts of theories and many questions: What is its purpose? Is it a dangerous file? Should we delete it? The short answer is no. You shouldn't delete the inetpub folder in Windows. Here's why.

What exactly is the inetpub folder in Windows?

The inetpub folder is traditionally known in the Windows environment as the main directory where files, scripts and content of websites are stored on servers that use Internet Information Services (IIS). We must clarify that ISS It's the web server that Microsoft has included in its operating systems for years. It allows users and IT professionals to host websites, services, and online applications directly from a Windows computer.

However, what has recently attracted attention is that Many users have encountered this folder after installing security patches. Even when IIS was not enabled or installed on your computer. This has happened especially with the April 5055523 update KB2025 for Windows 11, although there are also reports of cases in Windows 10.

Traditionally, if IIS wasn't enabled, the inetpub folder wouldn't appear. But after the latest patches, Microsoft has switched to automatically creating it in the root of the C: drive. This change, initially unexplained by the company, has caused confusion and even fear of being the victim of a system failure or some type of malware.

Why does the inetpub folder appear after new updates?

Microsoft, after the numerous queries and doubts raised by users, has had to step in and clarify this mysteryThe fundamental reason for the unexpected appearance of inetpub lies in the need to protect the system against a critical security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-21204.

 

The vulnerability in question allowed low-privileged users to exploit a symbolic link-based technique capable of tricking Windows into accessing and modifying protected system files. Even if IIS was not enabled, the threat was real due to the way Windows manages certain paths and file permissions.

The most relevant thing is that, Despite being empty, its existence is crucial in the security framework, functioning as a “decoy” or controlled directory that neutralizes potential attempts at privilege escalation.

Is it advisable to delete the inetpub folder in Windows?

One of the most frequently asked questions that arise when this type of mysterious folder appears is whether it can be delete without risk, or if it represents any danger to keep it there. The answer is categorical: you should not delete the inetpub folderAlthough it's empty and seemingly useless, it serves an important security function following the latest patches released by Microsoft.

From the company itself They have recommended not to eliminate it under any circumstances, as it's part of the new advanced exploit protection system. Removing it could leave the system unprotected against the vulnerability for which the fix was created. It could also force the system to recreate it in new updates.

On the other hand, the folder It takes up hardly any disk space, it doesn't affect performance, and it's free of any suspicious or harmful files. So the most prudent thing to do is leave the folder as it is.

 

How to restore the inetpub folder after deleting it

By the time you're reading this, it may be too late, and you've decided to delete the inetpub folder in Windows at your own risk. It's okay if you've already done this: There are simple ways to restore it and return your system to a safe state..

• The most direct option is enable IIS temporarily from the Control Panel, which will cause Windows to automatically recreate the inetpub folder with the appropriate permissions. Once created, you can disable IIS again if you don't need it, and the folder will still be there, providing protection.
• Another way is to Manually create the folder named inetpub in the root of C:, assigning read-only attributes and ensuring it's owned by SYSTEM. However, this method can be more technical and doesn't always guarantee that the permissions will be identical to those created by the official update.

In any case, if you have any doubts or want to be on the safe side, it's best to use temporary IIS activation so the system can manage it automatically.

How do you know if your system needs the inetpub folder?

If you have installed the latest Windows 11 updates (especially KB5055523) or Windows 10 and you see the folder inetpub in C:, you have no reason to worry. Your system is up to date and has the active protections recommended by Microsoft.

If, on the other hand, you don't see the folder and haven't deliberately deleted it, you can check if you have IIS installed from Windows' optional features. If you don't need IIS at all (which is common for home users), simply wait for the corresponding patches and let the system take its course.

For users who manage servers, develop websites, or experiment with IIS, inetpub will continue to be an essential directory for hosting, configuring, and monitoring their web content.

Can Microsoft delete the inetpub folder in the future?

For now, Microsoft has not announced any plans to retire the inetpub folder. in Windows 11 for future updates, nor does it indicate whether the measure will be permanent or only until certain security conditions change. In any case, the company's advice is to maintain it and not manipulate it manually.

Software companies often adapt and refine their defense mechanisms as new threats emerge, so it is possible that in future versions Windows will choose to handle mitigation of similar exploits differently, but right now inetpub is the recommended standard.

The situation could evolve, but until further announcements or relevant updates arrive, the best advice remains to leave the folder alone and trust that it fulfills its role as a silent barrier against potential attacks.