How to Install SSL Certificate on Microsoft IIS Server?

Steps to Install SSL Certificate on Microsoft IIS

Installing an SSL Certificate on Microsoft IIS is a simple process that can help you secure your website and protect customer information. This guide will walk you through the steps of installing an SSL Certificate on IIS, from purchasing and downloading the certificate to binding it to your web server. With an SSL Certificate, your website will become more secure, and your visitors will have confidence that their data is secure.

The Prerequisites for Installing an SSL on Microsoft IIS

A valid & verified SSL Certificate from Comodo, Certera or Sectigo.
Access to the server and administrative rights
The latest version of IIS Manager installed on the server
Knowledge of Windows Server 2008 or above

Step 1: Install Root Certificate

To launch the Microsoft Management Console, click on Start and type MMC into the search bar.
MMC Console window will appear
To launch the Add/Remove Snap-in window, press Ctrl + M.
Click on the Certificates and press the Add button
A new window will appear, ask you to choose one of one account for which certificates snap-in will be managed.
Select the option “Computer account”, and click the Next button.
Now, Select Local Computer and click on the Finish button.
To access the Trusted Root Certificates, you must first locate it and expand its contents. Click on ‘Certificates’ folder to gain the further access.
To add an SSL Certificate, open the actions menu and select “All tasks”.
Click on the “Import” file.
Now you will be able to view a list of Certificates. You can download the valid certificate through the “Certificate Download” page. If it is not showing, the steps below will help you install the files.

Place the certificate in a directory where the server can access it.
To import a certificate, right-click on the Certificates folder beneath the Trusted Root Certification Authorities folder, and pick “All Tasks” from the drop-down menu before clicking “Import.”
Click on Next in the Certificate Import Wizard
Next, click on “Browse” to find your Root CA certificate. Once it appears in the File Name field, click Next to continue.
Click on ‘Place all certificates in the following store‘ option & tap Next.
Click on the Finish button.
Upon completion of the import, you will receive a notification confirming its success.

Step 2: Installing the Certificate

To begin installation, click on Start. Now, Access Administrative Tools and select Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.
In the left Connections pane, click on your server’s name to access it.
To access the Server Certificates, double-click on the icon in the middle pane.
To finish your certificate request, head to the right Actions pane and click on Complete Certificate Request.
Click on the three-dot button to view your newly installed certificate in the list.
Navigate back to the Connections pane and select the website you’d like to install your SSL certificate on.
After Selecting the website, tap the Bindings link, and click on the Add button.
1. Next, change the Type field to “HTTPS“.
2. IP Address: add your own IP address
3. Port: Add 443
4. SSL Certificate: A common name of your imported SSL
That’s It! SSL certificate is installed on Microsoft IIS successfully.

Do not forget to test the SSL Certificate installation with our SSL Checker Tool.

Follow this guide to generate CSR on Microsoft IIS Server

FAQs

Q1: How do you enable SSL settings in IIS?

To enable your website for SSL with IIS, open the Internet Information Services Manager and select the site you wish to make secure. Under the “IIS” tab, go to “SSL Settings” and choose “Require SSL“. Additionally, if desired, turn on both “Require 128-bit SSL” option and “Client Certificates“. Complete these steps by clicking Apply > click OK to save all changes!

Q2: How to add port 443 in IIS?

The process couldn’t be easier to successfully introduce port 443 in IIS.

Open IIS Manager and take a click on Sites > Bindings
Choose “Add” and select “https” as the type of binding
Enter port 443 in its designated field
Click ‘OK’!
Port 443 is added.

Q3: Where does the SSL certificate is located in IIS?

To access your SSL certificate in IIS, go to the IIS Manager and select the desired website from there. Click on “Features View” followed by “Server Certificates,” which will bring you directly to where your SSL certificate is stored.