After installing Microsoft's April 2025 security update (KB5055523) for Windows 11, many users have reported noticing a strange, previously unseen folder named inetpub appearing on their system drive (usually the C: drive). If you've spotted this folder and wondered what it is or whether it's safe to delete, you're definitely not alone.

This new folder, which is empty and appears to serve no immediate purpose, has understandably caused confusion among users. The folder's creation aligns exactly with the installation time of the recent Windows update, suggesting a direct connection between the two events.

The inetpub folder isn't a completely new concept. Windows veterans might recall that this folder traditionally belongs to Microsoft's Internet Information Services (IIS)—a web server software built into Windows that is typically disabled by default. IIS uses the inetpub directory to store website content, logs, and other server-related files when it's active.

However, the puzzling part is that IIS isn't activated by default on most Windows 11 installations. Even after installing the latest update, IIS remains disabled for the majority of users who have encountered this folder. This suggests that the folder's creation is likely an unintended side-effect or bug within the recent security update rather than a deliberate move by Microsoft.

Microsoft has acknowledged that the creation of the folder is intentional, but the company hasn't fully explained the reasoning behind its sudden appearance. This ambiguity has only added to users' confusion.

Despite its mysterious appearance, the good news is that the inetpub folder is completely harmless. It is empty and doesn't affect your system's performance or stability. While Microsoft has advised users to leave it in place, many users have safely deleted the folder without encountering any issues.

Here's how to safely remove the inetpub folder if you choose to do so:

Step 1: Open File Explorer and navigate to the root of your system drive (typically C:).

Step 2: Locate the inetpub folder. Right-click on it and select "Delete" from the context menu, or simply select it and press the Delete key on your keyboard.

Step 3: Confirm the deletion if prompted. Since the folder is empty and not linked to any active processes, you shouldn't encounter any issues. If the folder reappears after future updates, you can repeat this simple deletion process.

For now, the mysterious inetpub folder isn't something to worry about—it's just another quirky side-effect of a Windows update. Feel free to remove it if it bothers you, or simply leave it be and move on with your day.