Why You Shouldn’t Delete the Inetpub Folder: Essential Insights for Windows Security

If you’re a Windows user, you may have noticed a new folder appearing on your hard drive after updating your system last week. Don’t worry, it’s nothing suspicious and you shouldn’t delete it. This folder, usually found at C:\inetpub, is related to Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS) and helps protect your system.

This folder shows up as part of a fix for a security issue, specifically CVE-2025-21204. This vulnerability could allow malware or unauthorized users to gain higher-level privileges on your system. The security patches released by Microsoft aim to close this hole, and the creation of the inetpub folder is an added layer of defense.

Microsoft assured users that creating this folder does not require any action from you. “After installing the updates, a new %systemdrive%\inetpub folder will be created on your device,” they explained. It is read-only and designed to block potential misuse. Interestingly, even if you don’t have IIS installed, this folder will still appear.

But why should you keep it? The inetpub folder has long been a standard for those who do use IIS, where it stores web scripts and other content. Its recent addition serves as a safeguard against threats that unfortunately could arise in the future.

As of now, there’s no evidence of this CVE being exploited in the wild, and no exploit code has surfaced. However, cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of proactive measures. “Even the absence of active exploitation doesn’t mean the risk isn’t real,” says Dr. Angela Rivera, a cybersecurity analyst. “Maintaining security protocols, like this folder, is essential for long-term safety.”

If you mistakenly deleted the folder after updating, here’s how to restore it: Go to the Windows Control Panel, click on Programs and Features, then find “Turn Windows features on or off.” Locate IIS, check it, click OK, and the folder will reappear with the right permissions. Once it’s back, you can disable IIS again if you don’t need it.

In today’s world, maintaining digital safety is more crucial than ever. Statistics show that cyberattacks have surged by nearly 50% over the past year. Keeping security measures in place, like the inetpub folder, is one way to guard against these threats. So, next time you see that folder, remember it’s there to help keep your system secure.

For further details on CVE-2025-21204, you can check out Microsoft’s [update guide](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-21204). Keeping your software updated and embracing these security enhancements is key to staying protected. Your vigilance can make a big difference in your digital life.

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