If You Deleted This Weird New Folder in Windows, You Need to Put It Back. Here’s How

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Windows 11 users who browsed their files after an update earlier this month may have noticed a new folder they didn’t recognize. It turns out to be pretty important.

The empty folder, labeled “inetpub,” caused curiosity and confusion online, with some people deleting it. The folder is used to manage logs for Internet Information Services, but it appeared even for those who don’t have that service turned on.

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While nothing obvious happened after the folder was deleted, the deletion creates a security vulnerability, according to Microsoft. 

“After installing the updates listed in the Security Updates table for your operating system, a new %systemdrive%inetpub folder will be created on your device,” Microsoft said in a security update. “This folder should not be deleted regardless of whether Internet Information Services (IIS) is active on the target device. This behavior is part of changes that increase protection and does not require any action from IT admins and end users.”

Microsoft said the deletion creates an issue in which an attacker can use what’s called a “link following flaw” to access your computer. Microsoft didn’t immediately respond to a request for further comment.

While it’s not clear exactly why the folder is needed, the fact that Microsoft updated its security advisories to elevate the issue shows you should pay attention, said Satnam Narang, senior staff research engineer at the cybersecurity firm Tenable. 

“It’s a bit of a headscratcher, but if Microsoft says it’s needed to thwart exploitation somehow, then consumers should take it seriously,” Narang said in an email.

What to do if you deleted the “inetpub” folder in Windows

If you deleted the folder, restoring it by turning on Internet Information Services will fix the vulnerability, according to Windows Latest. 

To do so:

  1. Access your optional Windows features by going to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Select Turn Windows features on or off.
  3. Check the box next to Internet Information Services.
  4. Click OK.

You can open your Windows folder to double-check that “inetpub” is back. That’s it.

Narang said it’s important that the folder has the proper permissions, so reinstating it by installing IIS is the best way to ensure the folder is put back properly. “Once installed, users can uninstall IIS, as the folder will remain on the system after,” he said.