Enable static website feature
Enable static website hosting
What is Static Website Hosting?
Static website hosting allows you to host a website directly from an S3 bucket. Unlike dynamic websites that require server-side processing, static websites consist of fixed content (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images) that is delivered directly to users’ browsers. S3 can serve these files efficiently and cost-effectively.
Benefits of S3 Static Website Hosting
- Cost-Effective: Pay only for storage and data transfer
- Scalable: Automatically handles traffic spikes
- Reliable: Built on AWS’s robust infrastructure
- Fast: Content served from AWS edge locations
- Simple: No server management required
Step-by-Step Configuration
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Access Bucket Properties
In your S3 bucket interface, select the Properties tab
What you’ll find: The Properties tab contains all configuration options for your bucket, including versioning, encryption, logging, and website hosting settings.

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Locate Static Website Hosting
In the Properties interface:
- Scroll down to find the Static website hosting section
- Select Edit to modify the settings
Navigation Tip: The Static website hosting section is typically located in the middle of the Properties page. Look for the globe icon next to the section name.

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Configure Website Hosting Settings
In the Static website hosting configuration:
- Static website hosting: Select Enable
- Hosting type: Select Host a static website
- Index document: Enter
index.html
- Error document (optional): Enter
error.html
if you have a custom error page
Understanding the Settings:
- Index document: The default page served when users visit your website root
- Error document: Custom page shown for 4xx errors (404 Not Found, etc.)
- Redirection rules: Advanced routing rules for complex scenarios
Why index.html?
- Standard convention for web homepages
- Automatically served when users visit your domain root
- Must exist in your bucket root directory

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Save Configuration
Review your settings and select Save changes
Important: After enabling static website hosting, your bucket will have a website endpoint URL, but the content won’t be accessible until you:
- Upload your website files
- Configure public access permissions
- Set appropriate bucket policies

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Verify Configuration
Static website hosting is now enabled for your bucket.
What you’ve gained:
- Your bucket now has a website endpoint URL
- S3 will serve index.html as the default page
- The bucket is configured to host static content
- You’re ready to upload website files
Important Information Displayed:
- Website endpoint: The URL where your website will be accessible
- Hosting type: Confirms static website hosting is active
- Index document: Shows your configured default page

Understanding the Website Endpoint
Your website endpoint will look like:
http://bucket-name.s3-website-region.amazonaws.com
Key Points:
- Uses HTTP by default (HTTPS requires CloudFront)
- Region-specific endpoint format
- Different from the REST API endpoint
- Only works with static website hosting enabled
What You’ve Accomplished
- ✅ Enabled static website hosting on your S3 bucket
- ✅ Configured index.html as the default document
- ✅ Generated a website endpoint URL
- ✅ Prepared the bucket to serve web content
Next Steps
Now that static website hosting is enabled, you’ll need to:
- Upload your website files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images)
- Configure public access permissions
- Test your website accessibility
Common Use Cases for S3 Static Websites
- Personal portfolios and blogs
- Company landing pages
- Documentation sites
- Single Page Applications (SPAs)
- Marketing campaign pages
- Event websites