SSL Certificate and IIS Server Guide

Topic Details
If I don't import it, can I bind it? No, you cannot bind an SSL certificate directly to a site in IIS unless it is first imported into the Windows Certificate Store. The binding process in IIS requires the certificate to be available in the local computer's store under the Personal certificates section. This is because IIS retrieves certificates from the store to populate the SSL certificate dropdown during the binding process.
Alternatives:
  • Import the Certificate First: Follow the steps to import the certificate into the Windows Certificate Store.
  • Use OpenSSL or Other Tools for Conversion: If the certificate is in another format (e.g., .crt or .pem), convert it to .pfx and then import it.
  • Use IIS to Create a Certificate Request: If you're working with a CSR-generated certificate, complete the request process in IIS before binding.
What are the steps for updating an SSL certificate in IIS server? Updating an SSL certificate on an IIS server involves several steps. Here's a detailed guide:
Steps to Update the SSL Certificate:
  1. Obtain the Updated SSL Certificate: Renew your SSL certificate with the Certificate Authority (CA). Once renewed, download the updated certificate (usually in .crt or .pfx format). If the certificate is in .crt format, ensure you have the private key file from the original certificate or convert it into .pfx using a tool like OpenSSL.
  2. Import the Updated Certificate into the Windows Certificate Store:
    1. Open MMC (Win + R, type mmc, and hit Enter.
    2. Add the Certificates Snap-In: Go to File > Add/Remove Snap-In. Select Certificates and click Add. Choose Computer Account, then Next > Local Computer > Finish > OK.
    3. Import the Certificate: In MMC, navigate to Certificates (Local Computer) > Personal > Certificates. Right-click on Certificates, select All Tasks > Import. Follow the wizard to import your .pfx or .crt file.
  3. Update the IIS Site Binding:
    1. Open IIS Manager: Press Win + R, type inetmgr, and hit Enter.
    2. Locate Your Site: In the left-hand Connections pane, expand your server node and select the site that uses the SSL certificate.
    3. Open Bindings: In the right-hand Actions pane, click Bindings.
    4. Edit the HTTPS Binding: Select the existing https binding and click Edit. Choose the updated certificate in the SSL certificate dropdown and click OK to save the changes.
  4. Restart IIS (Optional but Recommended): Run iisreset in Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator.
  5. Verify the Update: Open a browser and navigate to your site using https://. Check the certificate details by clicking the padlock icon in the browser's address bar.
  6. Optional: Remove the Old Certificate: After confirming the new certificate is working, remove the old/expired certificate from the Windows Certificate Store.
If you prefer not to use OpenSSL, there are several alternative tools and methods to convert certificates or complete a pending certificate request. Here are some options:
1. Using Windows Certificate Manager (MMC): If your certificate is in .crt format and you have the private key on the server, you can use MMC to merge the certificate and private key and then export it as a .pfx.
2. DigiCert Certificate Utility (Free): This utility allows you to import, export .pfx files with private keys, and convert certificates between formats. Download and install the DigiCert Certificate Utility, and export the certificate as .pfx.
3. IIS Manager for Completing a Pending Certificate Request: If you created the CSR in IIS, you can complete the certificate request directly in IIS. Open IIS Manager, select your server, and complete the certificate request in the Actions pane.
4. Online Tools (With Caution): Use trusted online tools like SSLShopper or Certificate Converter to convert certificates, but ensure you trust the tool for sensitive certificates.
5. CertUtil (Built-In Windows Command-Line Tool): Use CertUtil to manage and convert certificates. For example: certutil -MergePfx "path\to\certificate.crt" "path\to\privatekey.key" "output.pfx"
6. Certbot (For ACME Protocol Certificates like Let's Encrypt): Certbot automates certificate issuance and conversion. Use Certbot tools to issue or renew certificates and convert to .pfx.