Windows includes a native, enterprise-grade web server called Internet Information Services (IIS). It is perfect for hosting ASP.NET apps, PHP sites, or static pages for development or local hosting. Here is how to host it on the internet cheaply and smartly.
Requirements to host your local website on IIS
- Enable IIS on Windows: Go to "Turn Windows features on or off" and install Internet Information Services.
- Configure your website: Add your HTML/PHP files to the default directory (usually C:\inetpub\wwwroot).
- Set up network rules: Enable HTTP/HTTPS inbound traffic in Windows Firewall and configure port forwarding (ports 80 and 443) on your router to your PC's local IP.
Keeping the server accessible on a dynamic IP
Once your web server is ready, you need your domain to point to it permanently. Since your ISP changes your public IP address periodically, you must use SyncMyIP configured with your domain in Cloudflare. SyncMyIP will check your IP and automatically update Cloudflare's A/AAAA records.
Security with Cloudflare Proxy and SSL
By routing your traffic through Cloudflare (enabling the orange proxy cloud), you automatically get free SSL certificates and hide your home IP address, preventing targeted attacks. If you want a professional tool to guarantee maximum uptime for your personal or commercial site on Windows, check out the SyncMyIP PRO license for faster sync intervals and priority support.