Did You Delete This Critical Windows Security Folder? Here's the Dangerous Truth About Recovery

Why Is This Empty Windows Folder So Important? The Shocking Security Risk You're Missing

I found an important Windows security folder on my computer, and I need to tell you why you should never delete it. Microsoft created this special folder called "inetpub" to protect your computer from hackers. Let me explain what happened and how to fix it if you already deleted this folder.

What Is This Mysterious Folder?

Microsoft put a new folder on your computer after you installed their April security updates. This folder appeared in your main Windows drive, and it looks empty. Many people, including me, thought it was junk and deleted it. Big mistake!

The folder exists because of a serious security problem. Bad actors could trick Windows into giving them special permissions through something called CVE-2025-21204. This vulnerability lets hackers use fake links to get control over your files. Microsoft fixed this by creating the inetpub folder first, so hackers can't exploit this weakness.

Why You Can't Just Make a New Folder

I tried making a new folder with the same name after I deleted mine. It didn't work. The original folder has special permissions that only Microsoft can create. When you look at the folder properties, you'll see "System" owns it, not your username. This means it has protective settings that a regular folder doesn't have.

Your homemade folder won't protect your computer the same way. It's like having a fake security badge - it looks right but won't actually keep you safe.

Three Ways to Get Your Folder Back

Method 1: Check Your Recycle Bin

Look in your Recycle Bin first. If you just deleted the folder and haven't emptied the bin, you can restore it easily. Right-click the folder and choose "Restore."

Method 2: Turn On IIS Service

You can enable Internet Information Services through Windows Features. Go to Control Panel, then Programs, then "Turn Windows features on or off." Check the box for "Internet Information Services" and restart your computer.

I don't recommend this method. It creates lots of extra folders you don't need unless you're building websites. These folders just clutter your system.

Method 3: Use Microsoft's PowerShell Script

This is the best way to fix the problem. Microsoft made a special script that creates the folder with the right permissions. Here's how to use it:

1. First, open PowerShell as an administrator. Right-click the Start button and choose "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
2. Type this command and press Enter:

   Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass

3. Next, install the script with this command:

   Install-Script -Name Set-InetpubFolderAcl -Force

4. If PowerShell asks about installing NuGet provider, type "Y" and press Enter.
5. Finally, create the folder by running:

   Set-InetpubFolderAcl

6. If you get an error saying "Command Not Found," try this instead:

   & "C:\Program Files\WindowsPowerShell\Scripts\Set-InetpubFolderAcl.ps1"

Why This Matters for Your Safety

This folder protects you from a specific type of attack. Hackers try to trick Windows into giving them higher permissions by creating fake file links. The inetpub folder blocks this attack by existing in the right place with the right permissions.

Without this folder, your computer has a security hole. Attackers could potentially access files they shouldn't see or change important system settings. The folder acts like a security guard, standing in the way of these attacks.

My Honest Opinion About Microsoft's Approach

Microsoft could have handled this better. They should have made the folder hidden so people wouldn't see it and think it was junk. Most users don't need to know this folder exists - it just needs to do its job quietly in the background.

The fact that so many people deleted this folder shows Microsoft didn't think about the user experience. When you put a mysterious empty folder on someone's computer, they're going to want to clean it up.

I wish Microsoft had explained this better from the start. A simple notification saying "Don't delete this security folder" would have saved everyone a lot of trouble.

What You Should Do Now

If you haven't deleted the inetpub folder, leave it alone. Don't touch it, don't move it, don't try to organize it. It's doing important work even though it looks empty.

If you already deleted it, use the PowerShell method I described above. It's the safest way to restore the folder with all the right security settings.

Remember, this folder is part of your computer's defense system. Deleting it is like removing a lock from your front door - your house might look cleaner, but it's not as safe.