How to Install IIS and Host Your First Website on a Windows VPS
In this guide, we will show you how to install Internet Information Services (IIS) on your Windows VPS and host your first website. This process is compatible with Windows VPS servers running versions 2008 or 2012.
Step 1: Installing IIS on Your Server
- Open Server Manager and select Dashboard from the left menu.
- Click Add roles and features.
- Click Next to proceed through the initial screen.
- Choose Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
- Select Select a server from the server pool, then click Next.
- In the list of roles, check the box for Web Server (IIS), then click Next.
- If you need additional features, select them; otherwise, just click Next.
- Click Install, and once the installation is complete, click Close.
Congratulations, you have successfully installed IIS on your server! Now you can begin hosting your first website.
Step 2: Opening the IIS Interface
- Open Control Panel.
- Navigate to Administrative Tools.
- Select Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.
Step 3: Adding a New Website
- In the IIS Manager, right-click on Sites and select Add Website.
- Complete the form as follows:
- Site name: Enter the name of your website.
- Physical path: Choose a folder on your server where your website files will be stored.
- Type: Select either HTTP or HTTPS depending on your website.
- IP address: We recommend selecting your server's IP address instead of the default "All unassigned".
- Port: Use the default port 80.
- Host name: Enter your website's domain, e.g.,
example.com.
- After entering all the necessary information, click OK.
Step 4: Configuring the Server
After adding the website, it may not be accessible online immediately. You will need to configure your server with the following commands:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Enter the following commands:
netsh
http
add iplisten ipaddress=X.X.X.X
exit
iisreset
Replace X.X.X.X with your server's IP address.
Step 5: Checking Your Website
Once the configuration is complete, you can check your website online. Your IIS setup is now ready, and your website should be live!
You are all set!
