A Mysterious 'inetpub' Folder was created in my desktop After the Windows 11 April Update

The Windows 11 April 2025 update surprised many users with the sudden appearance of a new folder named ‘inetpub’ on the C: drive. For those unfamiliar with system-level changes, this unexpected addition sparked concern, confusion, and even panic. Many thought it was a glitch or leftover from some unwanted software.

However, Microsoft has since addressed this issue officially. The tech giant confirmed that the inetpub folder is intentional and tied to a security update. This article will help you understand why the folder is there, what it means, and why you shouldn’t delete it.

A Mysterious 'inetpub' Folder was created in my desktop After the Windows 11 April Update — A Mysterious ‘inetpub’ Folder was created in my desktop After the Windows 11 April Update

Table of Contents

What Is the ‘inetpub’ Folder and Why Is It Showing Up?

The inetpub folder is not new to Windows. In fact, it has been part of earlier versions of Windows that included Internet Information Services (IIS) — a built-in web server feature used by developers and IT administrators to host web applications.

The main function of the inetpub folder is to hold content related to web hosting. Its most common subfolder is:

wwwroot – This is where website files reside if someone is running a site using IIS.

So, why has it shown up now on Windows 11 systems?

After the April 9, 2025 update, Microsoft rolled out enhanced web security fixes. As part of this security patch, the inetpub folder was automatically created on many systems — even for users who don’t use IIS directly.

In short, the inetpub folder acts as a placeholder for future or current web-related security enhancements.

Why Microsoft Says You Should Not Delete It

Some users who found the folder unfamiliar tried deleting it, assuming it was unnecessary. However, Microsoft strongly advises against removing the inetpub folder. Here’s why:

The folder is tied to core system-level changes that came with the April 2025 security patch. These changes may involve:

Protecting the system from remote web-based attacks
Laying groundwork for safer inbuilt services
Preventing exploitation of web server components

By deleting this folder, you risk interrupting important security mechanisms that Microsoft has quietly implemented in the background.

Some users who removed the folder experienced:

System instability
Failed security patches
Unexpected errors when future updates were installed

It’s clear that while the folder might look unfamiliar, it’s part of a bigger picture — one designed to keep your PC secure without requiring technical knowledge from users.

The confusion about the inetpub folder arose due to a lack of initial documentation or clear communication from Microsoft right after the update. Users on forums like Reddit and Microsoft Tech Community expressed concerns about it being malware or bloatware.

Only a few hours after the rollout did Microsoft confirm through its Windows Update release notes that the folder was intentional and safe.

This delay led to misinformation and users accidentally removing it, creating avoidable problems.

Final Thoughts: Leave It Alone for Better Security

The ‘inetpub’ folder is not harmful — it’s part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to tighten system security with little disruption to the user experience.

Here’s what you need to remember:

The folder is safe and added by design.
It’s related to web services, even if you don’t use them.
Deleting it could negatively affect your system’s security features.
Always wait for official announcements before making changes after an update.

In today’s connected world, even silent security improvements matter. Keeping the inetpub folder untouched is a small step toward maintaining a secure Windows 11 environment.