Install SSL Certificates in Windows IIS

Install SSL in Windows IIS

how to Install SSL  in Windows IIS

SSL is the most widely used security protocol and it protects your sensitive information as it travels across the Internet. Using SSL is essential for protecting your website, even if it does not handle sensitive data such as credit cards, personal data, and contact information.

Install SSL certificate in Windows IIS to secure your website and protect sensitive information as it travels across the Internet.

Installing SSL certificate is crucial for ensuring the security of your website and protecting sensitive data during online transactions. SSL is the most widely used security protocol, and it helps to secure information as it travels across the internet.

The easiest way to secure your website is by using an SSL certificate and HTTPS. SSL installation involves three general steps, which are as below:

  • Generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
  • Purchase of SSL certificate from an SSL vendor
  • Installation of SSL certificate in the server

The below steps outline the process of CSR generation and SSL installation with IIS on Windows servers.

  • Generate CSR for Installing SSL Certificate in IIS
    Before installing the SSL certificate in Windows IIS, you need to generate a CSR. This process is essential for obtaining an SSL certificate from an external vendor.
  • Binding the SSL Certificate to Your Website
    After installing the SSL certificate, ensure that your website is bound to it. This is crucial for the secure transfer of data via HTTPS, which is made possible by the SSL certificate in IIS.

Creating CSR in IIS:

1. Click on Start >> Administrative Tools >> Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager

2. In the Connections pane, click on the server name.

3. In the center pane, double click on Server Certificates under IIS section

Installing SSL on windows iis

4. In the Actions menu in the right pane, click on Create Certificate Request.

Server certificates windows iis

5. In the Request Certificate window, provide your information in the Distinguished Name Properties page and then click Next.

  • Common name: Your fully qualified domain/website name
  • Organization: Your company’s legally registered name
  • Organizational unit: The name of your department within the organization.
  • City/locality: The city where your company is located.
  • State/Province: The state/province where your company is located.
  • Country/Region: The country/region where your company is located. You can use the drop-down list to select your country.
Request Certificate window

6. On the Cryptographic Service Provider Properties page, select Microsoft RSA SChannel Cryptographic Provider as the Cryptographic service provider and 2048 as the Bit length and then click Next.

SSL certificate for Windows IIS: Guide

7. On the File Name page, under Specify a file name for the certificate request, click the12 button to specify a file name and save location for your CSR.

SSL installation guide on windows iis

8. Click on Finish once done.

9. The generated CSR can then be used to order the SSL certificate from a third-party SSL provider.

Installing and Configuring the SSL Certificate in IIS

Once the SSL provider has issued and provided the certificate, you need to install and configure the SSL certificate in the server where the CSR was generated. The below steps can be followed for this purpose.

Installing the SSL certificate

1. Save the SSL certificate .cer file that you have received from the SSL provider in the server where you generated the CSR.

2. Click on Start >> Administrative Tools >> Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager

3. In the Connections pane, click on the server name.

4. In the center pane, double click on Server Certificates under IIS section

5. Click on Complete Certificate Request in the Actions menu (right pane).

SSL setup Windows IIS

6. In the Complete Certificate Request window, on the Specify Certificate Authority Response page, provide the below information:

  • File name containing the certificate authority’s response: Click the button and locate the .cer SSL certificate file that you have saved in the server.
  • Friendly name: A name used to identify the certificate.
  • Select a certificate store for the new certificate: Select Personal, in the drop-down list
install ssl certificate iis windows server 2019

7. Click OK to install the certificate.

Now, that the SSL certificate has been installed in the server, you would need to configure your website to use it.

Configuring website to use the installed SSL certificate

1. In IIS Manager, in the Connections pane, expand the name of the server, expand Sites and then click on the website you want to secure using the SSL certificate.

2. In the Actions menu, click Bindings.

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3. In the Site Bindings window, click on Add.

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4. In the Add Site Binding window, specify the below settings and then click OK.

  • Type: Select https from the drop-down list
  • IP address: From the drop-down list, select the IP address of the website or select All Unassigned.
  • Port: Type 443 (SSL uses port 443 to secure traffic.)
  • SSL certificate: From the drop-down list, select the installed SSL certificate.
Add Site Binding

5. Your website is now configured to use the newly installed SSL certificate. The website can now be securely accessed using the URL https://yourdomain.com

Installing SSL certificates in IIS is a critical step for protecting your website’s sensitive data. It ensures that all communications between your website and users are encrypted and secure. By following the correct steps for CSR generation, SSL installation, and binding the certificate to your site, you ensure your website is safely protected.Securing your site with HTTPS is a valuable step toward online security. By following this guide on how to install an SSL Certificate in Windows IIS, you can ensure a safe, encrypted connection for your visitors.

Rohith Krishnan

Rohith SK is an MSC computer science graduate living in Cochin, Kerala. As a technology enthusiast, he is always on the lookout for the latest trends and developments in the field, with a particular interest in cloud computing and DevOps updates. Apart from his passion for technology, Rohith SK is an avid reader and enjoys spending his free time exploring different genres of literature. He believes that reading is one of the best ways to expand one's knowledge and understanding of the world. With his expertise in computer science and a passion for technology, Rohith SK regularly contributes articles and blog posts on the latest trends and updates in the industry. His articles offer insights and valuable perspectives on the various aspects of cloud computing and DevOps, and are widely read and appreciated by readers all over the world. As an experienced technology writer and researcher, Rohith SK's articles are well-researched, informative, and easy to understand, making them accessible to readers of all levels of technical knowledge. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn more about the latest trends in technology, or an experienced professional seeking insights and updates, Rohith's articles are sure to provide valuable information and insights.

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