[windows-server-2012] How can I enable "URL Rewrite" Module in IIS 8.5 in Server 2012?

I have windows server 2012 and I have installed the IIS 8.5 but I could not see the URL rewrite module. How can I enable or install?

This question is related to windows-server-2012 url-rewrite-module iis-8.5

The answer is


First, install the URL Rewrite from a download or from the Web Platform Installer. Second, restart IIS. And, finally, close IIS and open again. The last step worked for me.


Worth mentioning: you should download the x64 version!

From the main download page (https://www.iis.net/downloads/microsoft/url-rewrite) click "additional downloads" (under the main download button) and download the x64 version (because for some reason - the default download version is x86)


Thought I'd give a full answer combining some of the possible intricacies required for completeness.

  1. Check if you have 32-bit or 64-bit IIS installed:
    • Go to IIS Manager ? Application Pools, choose the appropriate app pool then Advanced Settings.
    • Check the setting "Enable 32-bit Applications". If that's true, that means the worker process is forced to run in 32-bit. If the setting is false, then the app pool is running in 64-bit mode.
    • You can also open up Task Manager and check w3wp.exe. If it's showing as w3wp*32.exe then it's 32-bit.
  2. Download the appropriate version here: https://www.iis.net/downloads/microsoft/url-rewrite#additionalDownloads.
  3. Install it.
  4. Close and reopen IIS Manager to ensure the URL Rewrite module appears.