Import and Export Certificate - Microsoft Windows

Jan 7, 2026

Import and Export Certificate - Microsoft Windows

Import the Certificate

In order to import the certificate, you need to access it from the MMC.

1. Open the MMC, Start > Run > MMC.

2. Go to File > Add / Remove Snap In.

3. Click Certificates, then click Add.

4. Click OK to exit the Snap-In window.

5. Go to Certificates > Personal > Certificates.

6. Right click on Certificates and select All Tasks > Import.
   
   

7. In the Certificate Export Wizard, click Next.

8. Click Browse and set the location where the certificate is stored. 

   Note: More than one certificate can be stored in a single file in the following formats:

   • Personal Information Exchange - PKCS #12 (.PFX, .P12)
   • Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard - PKCS #7 Certificates (.P7B)
   • Microsoft Serialized Certificate Store (.SST)

9. Select the file (.cer, .crt, or .pfx) you would like to import and click Open. Then, click Next.

10. Select Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate, then click Next.

11. Review the information in the Summary screen, then click Finish.

Export the Certificate as a Personal Information Exchange (.pfx) file

In order to export the certificate, you need to access it from the MMC.

1. Open the MMC, Start > Run > MMC.

2. Go to File > Add / Remove Snap In.

3. Click Certificates, then click Add.

4. Click OK to exit the Snap-In window.

5. Go to Certificates > Personal > Certificates.

6. Locate and select the certificate for the correct domain.

7. Right click on the identified certificate then select All tasks > Export.

   

8. In the Certificate Export Wizard, click Next.

9. Select Yes, export the private key.

10. Choose Personal Information Exchange - PKCS#12 (.PFX) for the certificate file format and select the following:
    
    • Include all certificates in the certificate path if possible
    • Export all extended properties
    
    Then, click Next.

11. Put a tick mark in the Password node and enter a password for your private key. Then, click Next. Note: For the Encryption type, select SHA256.

12. Click Browse and set the save location. Then, click Next. Note: For naming convention, we recommend using the Common Name for fast identification. 

13. Review the information in the Summary screen, then click Finish.