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I've made some tests to solve this problem: trying to update some plugins via Wordpress backend I always receive a "Unable to create folder" error.

So I've initially added IIS_IUSRS with Read/Write/Modify permissions (not full control), but nothing changed.

Then I've tried to add IIS_IUSRS with full control, but I did not solve. My final try was to add "Everyone" user and give him the Read/Write/Modify permissions. And it works!

But do you think it's a security hole to give this permissions to Everyone user? And what do you think could be a solution?

I'm using: Windows Server 2012, Wordpress 4.0.1, PHP 5.4.24, IIS 8.0

3 Answers 3

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There are actually 3 users that IIS access files with on .NET sites: IIS_IUSRS, IUSR, and NETWORK SERVICE

Grant all 3 IIS users Read & Execute, List Folder Contents, Read permissions on the entire WP folder

For file management (e.g. plugin/theme installation & updates), grant all 3 of the IIS users Full Control on the wp_content folder.

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  • I've tried your suggestion, but in my case your solution do not grant the possibility to do Wordpress core update.
    – Pepozzo
    Apr 24, 2015 at 7:13
  • I granted all 3 of the IIS users Modify on the wp_content folder explicitly and the Read, Execute, and List to the root level folder +1 for pointing me in the correct direction at least to get a new server site configured; updating the documents this time though
    – Facebook
    May 6, 2017 at 4:49
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I'm not positive if you need to grant Everyone Full control access to the WordPress root folder. Likewise, you don't need to grant IIS_IUSRS, IUSR and NETWORK SERVICE all permission to the entire Wordpress root folder either.

I was able to accomplish an upgrade recently where I only gave IUSR the Modify, Read & Execute, List folder contents and Read permissions to the root folder. I then revoked them after the update.

Environment:

  • Windows Server 2012 R2
  • WordPress 4.6.1
  • PHP 5.5.38

Sources:

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I found the the solution was to modify the location and permissions of the WordPress uploads folder. The problem is explained and the solution has screen shorts https://www.urtech.ca/2018/04/solved-500-error-on-downloads-in-wordpress-running-on-iis/

I hope this helps.

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