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How to Export a Self-Signed Certificate?

Published in Certificate Management 3 mins read

To export a self-signed certificate, you'll need to use the Certificate Export Wizard. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Steps to Export Your Certificate

  1. Access the Certificate: Right-click on the self-signed certificate you wish to export.
  2. Initiate Export: From the context menu, navigate to All Tasks and then select Export. This action will launch the Certificate Export Wizard.
  3. Welcome Screen: You'll be greeted by the Welcome to the Certificate Export Wizard screen. Click Next to proceed.
  4. Private Key Export:
    • If you need to export the private key along with the certificate, select Yes, export the private key.
    • If you only need the public certificate, select No, do not export the private key.
    • Click Next to continue.
  5. File Format: Choose the file format for your exported certificate.
    • Select Personal Information Exchange - PKCS #12 (.PFX), especially if you exported the private key.
    • This format is widely used for storing both the certificate and its private key, and is commonly used for backup or to move the certificate to another computer.
    • Click Next to continue.
  6. Password Protection: If you are exporting the private key, you'll be prompted to set a password to protect it. Enter a strong password and click Next.
  7. File Location: Specify the location on your computer where you want to save the exported certificate file. Choose a descriptive filename.
  8. Finish the Export: Review your selections and click Finish. A confirmation message should appear indicating successful export.

Key Considerations When Exporting

  • Private Key Security: The private key should be handled with extreme care. If you do not password-protect the export file and it falls into the wrong hands, it can be misused.
  • File Format Choice: The Personal Information Exchange - PKCS #12 (.PFX) format is essential when exporting the private key, while the .CER format can be used when exporting only the public certificate.

Summary Table

Step Description
1. Right-click Certificate Select the certificate you want to export.
2. Initiate Export Navigate to "All Tasks" and then "Export".
3. Welcome Screen Click "Next" to start.
4. Private Key Select "Yes" if you have the private key, or "No" if you only need the public certificate.
5. File Format Choose Personal Information Exchange - PKCS #12 (.PFX) for key+certificate.
6. Password Set a strong password when exporting the key.
7. File Location Choose a location on your computer for the exported certificate file.
8. Finish Review and click "Finish" to complete.

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