Cover Image for A Windows 11 update supposedly creates a mysterious folder on the system disk, which may cause confusion, although it is not dangerous.
Thu Apr 10 2025

A Windows 11 update supposedly creates a mysterious folder on the system disk, which may cause confusion, although it is not dangerous.

The new Windows 11 24H2 update creates an empty folder called 'inetpub', which, in theory, can be deleted without any issues.

After the latest monthly update of Windows 11 24H2, some users have noticed the appearance of an empty folder named 'inetpub' on their system drive, usually the C: drive. This folder, although strange, poses no risk and can be safely deleted. However, its appearance has caused confusion among users.

The 'inetpub' folder is associated with Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services), a web server software used by developers. Typically, this directory is used to store web pages that are being tested locally. Despite its connection to web development, a significant number of users who do not use IIS have reported the emergence of this folder after installing the update, leading many to wonder if unwanted software has been installed on their system.

Fortunately, no additional programs have been installed, just this empty folder that has been created accidentally. Therefore, no harm has been done. Several users, including the media outlet that reported this issue, have deleted the folder without difficulty, assuring that its deletion is completely safe. However, those who prefer to keep it, as it does not cause any problems, may choose to leave it.

This incident highlights a peculiar bug in Windows 11, labeled as yet another of the many strange issues the operating system has faced. It is presumed that the erroneous creation of the folder may be linked to settings in the IIS components within the cumulative April update, causing it to appear on machines that do not use this software.

Although the bug is benign, its appearance could lead to misunderstandings and cause some users to suspect possible virus infections, as the emergence of unexpected items in the system is often associated with such issues. The confusion seems to be widespread, and there are reports from several users on platforms like Reddit who have also noticed the presence of the folder.

It is hoped that Microsoft will resolve this inconvenience soon. However, there have been instances in the past where the folder has reappeared on systems, raising questions about the effectiveness of any long-term solution. Those who choose to delete the folder would do so at their own risk, with no guarantee that it will not resurface in the future.