---
title: "Enabling Detailed Error Messages in Windows"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/windows/enabling-detailed-error-messages-in-windows/"
description: "IIS — and also using classic ASP — defaults to providing very little error information. Fortunately, you can add a rule to your domain's web.config file to disp…"
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2024-03-04"
last_modified: "2026-07-27"
---

# Enabling Detailed Error Messages in Windows

IIS defaults to providing very little error information if something isn’t working as expected. Fortunately, you can add a rule to your domain’s *web.config* file to display more detailed messages when you encounter an error. For more information about web.config files, see [What Is a web.config File?](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/windows/internet-information-services-iis-your-windows-web-server-guide/understanding-the-web-config-file/)

NoteThese detailed errors are visible to anyone who is viewing your site and encounters an error, and we recommend turning this feature off (by removing the rule) when your site is ready to go live.

1. Open your domain’s *web.config* file. This should be wherever your publicly visible web content is stored. If you don’t have a *web.config* file already, you can create one in a text editor and upload it via FTP, RDP, or your control panel’s file manager.
2. Add the following rule to the *web.config* file:

```
<configuration> 
   <system.webServer> 
      <httpErrors errorMode="Detailed" /> <asp scriptErrorSentToBrowser="true"/> 
   </system.webServer> 
</configuration>
```

3. Make sure to save the file after you are done.