The built-in Microsoft Management Console (MMC) and the Certificate Manager tool, also known as Certificates Snap-in, allow one to easily check certificates in Windows. Here is a detailed walk-through guide for gaining access, looking over, and handling certificates on your Windows computer:
Using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) for Local Machine Certificates
1. Open MMC:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type mmc and press Enter.
2. Add the Certificates Snap-in:
- In the MMC, go to File > Add/Remove Snap-in.
- In the Available snap-ins list, find Certificates and click on it.
- Click Add.
- Choose Computer Account or My user account, then click Finish and OK.
3. Navigate and Inspect Certificates:
In the MMC, under Certificates (Local Computer) or Certificates - Current User, you'll see several folders:
- Personal: Typically contains certificates associated with your machine/user, including SSL/TLS certificates.
- Trusted Root Certification Authorities: Lists all trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs).
- Intermediate Certification Authorities: Holds intermediate certificates used in certificate chains.
- Other folders may include revoked certificates, trusted publishers, etc.
Expand each folder to view the certificates. Right-click on a certificate and select Open to view its details, including:
- General: Basic information and validity period.
- Details: Comprehensive details, including the public key and all extensions.
- Certification Path: Shows the certificate chain (from the certificate to the root CA).
Alternative Method: Using the Certificate Manager Directly for Current User
If you're specifically interested in certificates associated with your current user account and prefer a quicker access method:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type certmgr.msc and press Enter. This opens the Certificate Manager for the current user.
Managing Certificates
1. Importing a Certificate:
Right-click on a certificate store (e.g., Personal), hover over All Tasks, and select Import. Follow the wizard to select and import your certificate file.
2. Exporting a Certificate:
Right-click on a certificate, hover over All Tasks, and select Export. Follow the wizard to choose the file format (e.g., .CER for the certificate only or .PFX for the certificate and private key) and specify a password if required.
3. Deleting a Certificate:
Right-click on a certificate and select Delete. Be cautious as this action cannot be undone and may affect applications or services relying on the deleted certificate.
