Where are IIS settings stored?
Where are IIS settings stored?
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03-Mar-2025
Updated on 04-Mar-2025
Khushi Singh
04-Mar-2025Internet Information Services (IIS)operates through several configuration files that reside on the system disks. The IIS server stores its main configuration file as
applicationHost.configthat sets global rules for all websites together with application pools and modules connecting to the server. IIS Manager and command-line tools will initiate automatic server configuration updates whenever you modify the settings in this file.Another important configuration file is the
web.config; each website or application can provide such a file. Withweb.config, it is easy to use specific settings to override general configurations set in the main IIS configuration. This helps to apply tailored settings without affecting the server as a whole.Finally,
machine.configis another important configuration file; it has to do with the .NET Framework and contains system-wide configurations, which can affect IIS applications. This specifies settings for .NET applications running on IIS so that different hosted applications maintain consistency with the file. In addition to these configuration files, IIS settings related to logging, SSL certificates, authentication, and URL rewriting may be stored in some locations, including the system directories, Windows Registry, and log files. Knowing these locations is vital in troubleshooting, modifying a setting, and optimizing IIS performance.