Where can virtual directories be configured?

Virtual directories are configured specifically in Internet Information Services (IIS), which is a web server application developed by Microsoft for hosting websites and web applications on Windows servers. A virtual directory in IIS serves as a pointer to a physical directory on the file system that is outside of the web application's root directory. This allows administrators to manage and deploy web content without needing it to reside in the default site structure.

IIS provides a graphical interface that allows users to create and manage virtual directories easily, specifying paths to content and setting permissions as needed. This capability is integral for hosting applications that may require access to multiple directories, or for organizing web content more effectively.

The other options do not provide the necessary context or functionality to configure virtual directories. The Control Panel is used for a variety of system settings but does not manage web server configurations. File Explorer is a file management tool that enables users to view and manage files on their system, but does not have capabilities for configuring web server settings. The Windows Registry is a database for operating system settings and configuration but not specific to managing IIS or web content directly. Thus, configuring virtual directories is distinctly and appropriately done within IIS.