File and Storage Services on the web server.

Question

Hello,
On a web server, is the File and Storage Services needed? I guess, it installed by default!

Can I remove it?

Thank you.

Answer 1

"File and Storage Services includes technologies that help you set up and manage one or more file servers, which are servers that provide central locations on your network where you can store files and share them with users. If your users need access to the same files and applications, or if centralized backup and file management are important to your organization, you should set up one or more servers as a file server by installing the File and Storage Services role and the appropriate role services."

To answer your question, no, it is not required to host a website.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/hh831487(v=ws.11)

Answer 2

Hi @WindowsGeek

Whether to install File and Storage Services depends on your needs, administrators can use the File and Storage Services role to set up and manage multiple file servers and their storage capabilities by using Server Manager or Windows PowerShell. Some of the specific applications include the following:

1. Storage Spaces - Use to deploy high availability storage that is resilient and scalable by using cost-effective industry-standard disks.
2. Folder Redirection, Offline Files, and Roaming User Profiles - Use to redirect the path of local folders (such as the Documents folder) or an entire user profile to a network location, while caching the contents locally for increased speed and availability.
3. Work Folders - Use to enable users to store and access work files on personal PCs and devices, in addition to corporate PCs. Users gain a convenient location to store work files and access them from anywhere. Organizations maintain control over corporate data by storing the files on centrally managed file servers and optionally specifying user device policies (such as encryption and lock screen passwords). Work Folders is a new role service in Windows Server 2012 R2.
4. Data Deduplication - Use to reduce the disk space requirements of your files, saving money on storage.
5. iSCSI Target Server - Use to create centralized, software-based, and hardware-independent iSCSI disk subsystems in storage area networks (SANs).
6. Server Manager - Use to remotely manage multiple file servers from a single window.
7. Windows PowerShell Use to automate the management of the majority of administration tasks for file servers.

More information you can refer to this link: File and Storage Services Overview.

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Answer 3

Hello,
I can't remove that service:

Why?

Answer 4

Do you have any other dependent services in the server? for e.g. you can not remove the storage services from a domain controller.

Also you can try uninstall using Powershell.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/servermanager/uninstall-windowsfeature?view=winserver2012r2-ps

Answer 5

Hello,

Thank you for your question.

File and Storage services -> Storage services is essential component of Windows 2016 or 2019 server operating systems which can not be removed. Hence you are receive that error message if you try to uninstall.
In 2019 Server its clearly mentioned when you select Storage services component on the right side " That is always installed and can not be removed ""

Also , Port 445 is SMB port and which you can block if your client computers not accessing shared files and folder your Web server and your purpose if only hosting of IIS then you can block 445 port as per below Microsoft article.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/preventing-smb-traffic-from-lateral-connections-and-entering-or-leaving-the-network-c0541db7-2244-0dce-18fd-14a3ddeb282a

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