Microsoft Urges Users to Restore Deleted 'inetpub' Folder Critical to Windows 11 Security

The folder, introduced in the April 2025 update, addresses a key vulnerability, but confusion over its purpose has led to widespread deletion.

Microsoft confirmed that the 'inetpub' folder created in the April 2025 Windows 11 update is an essential component of a security fix for vulnerability CVE-2025-21204.
Deleting the folder disables the security patch, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation that could allow attackers to access or modify files locally.
Confusion arose due to insufficient communication in Microsoft's release notes, leading many users to mistakenly delete the folder assuming it was unnecessary.
Users who have deleted the folder can restore it by enabling Internet Information Services (IIS) through the Control Panel, as outlined in Microsoft's updated guidance.
The incident highlights the need for clearer documentation in software updates to prevent user misunderstandings that compromise system security.