Exporting and Importing your SSL certificate in IIS

This article provides you with steps to Export and Import your SSL to IIS on a new server.

Exporting/Backing Up to a .pfx File

Select Computer Account and then click Next. Select Local Computer and then click Finish. Then close the add standalone snap-in window and the add/remove snap-in window.

Click the + to expand the certificates (local computer) console tree and look for the personal directory/folder. Expand the certificates folder.
Right-click on the certificate you want to backup and select ALL TASKS > Export.

Choose Yes, export the private key, and include all certificates in the certificate path if possible.
Warning: Do not select the delete private key option.

Choose to save the file and then click Finish. You should receive an “export successful” message. The .pfx file is now saved to the location you selected.

Importing from a .pfx File

On the Start menu click Run and then type MMC.
Click File > Add/Remove Snap-in.
Click Certificates > Add.
Select Computer Account and then click Next. Select Local Computer and then click Finish. Then close the add standalone snap-in window and the add/remove snap-in window.
Click the + to expand the certificates (local computer) console tree and look for the personal directory/folder. Expand the certificates folder.
Right-click on the certificate you want to backup and select ALL TASKS > Import.
Follow the certificate import wizard to import your primary certificate from the .pfx file. When prompted, choose to automatically place the certificates in the certificate stores based on the type of the certificate.

Updated on March 17, 2023