Using IronPDF with IIS: Setup Guide

Chaknith Bin

Updated:June 22, 2025

IronPdf and IIS

Framework

Multiple Websites: Hosting multiple websites in the same app pool is not supported because Chrome only allows one initialization call per process. Separate app pools are required.
Site Configuration Changes: Even with separate app pools, modifying the site configuration or content may cause IIS to attempt to restart Chrome automatically. This will result in a crash since Chrome does not support reinitialization without a full restart.
Restart Requirements: After a crash, a website restart is necessary. If the problem persists, a complete Application Pool restart may be required.

Core/.Net

App Pools: Core/.Net naturally enforces the use of separate app pools.
Reliability: This setup works well with IronPDF. Changing the application content usually does not necessitate a full restart.
Multiple Sites: You can run multiple sites on the same IIS web server using IronPDF without issue.
LiveReload: This feature is not supported.

We are actively improving detection mechanisms and working towards clearer, more helpful exception messages for this increasingly rare setup requirement.

From IronPdf version 2022.7.6986, please try setting Installation.SkipShutdown = true. This can be found in the API documentation.

API Reference - IronPdf Installation

// This setting prevents unnecessary shutdowns which may occur on site configuration changes.
IronPdf.Installation.SkipShutdown = true;

// This setting prevents unnecessary shutdowns which may occur on site configuration changes.
IronPdf.Installation.SkipShutdown = true;

' This setting prevents unnecessary shutdowns which may occur on site configuration changes.
IronPdf.Installation.SkipShutdown = True

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Chaknith Bin

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Software Engineer

Chaknith works on IronXL and IronBarcode. He has deep expertise in C# and .NET, helping improve the software and support customers. His insights from user interactions contribute to better products, documentation, and overall experience.