[This is preliminary documentation and subject to change]

# Enabling HTTP Keep-Alives

Most Web browsers ask the server to keep the connection open across multiple requests. This is referred to as HTTP Keep-Alives. Keep-Alive is an HTTP specification that allows for greatly enhanced server performance. Without it, a browser has to make numerous connection requests for a page containing multiple elements, such as graphics. A separate connection may need to be made for each element. These additional requests and connections require additional server activity and resources, decreasing server efficiency. They also make a browser much slower and less responsive, especially across a high-latency (slow) connection. HTTP Keep-Alives are enabled by default during the installation process.

To disable HTTP Keep-Alives

1. In the IIS snap-in, select the Web site, and open its property sheets.
2. On the Web Site property sheet, clear the HTTP Keep-Alives Enabled check box.

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