Import ssl certificate to windows server 2016 (to IIS 10)

Scenario:

You need to import and restore an SSL certificate for a website running with IIS 10 on a Windows Server 2016 server; probably because you have just re-setup your website and server due to a failed system. And importantly, you have backup of your SSL certificate done earlier and want it restored to the new setup to protect the website traffic.

Solution:

Windows Servers regardless of versions, has been quite compatible for you to export/backup and import/restore your certificate from and to the computer certificate stores. To import your SSL certificate you can follow the steps below.

Access the computer certificate store with the MMC Snap-in
Import your cert to the computer certificate store

Import your cert to the computer certificate store

import ssl cert - personal certs

From the certificates store view, right click on Personal and from the context menu, go to All Tasks > Import… You will see the import wizard. import ssl cert - import wizard

Proceed to the next dialog.

import ssl cert - browse file

Browse the backup certificate file to import. Next.

import ssl cert - private key settings

Provide the password used to protect the backup private key. Mark the key as exportable if you wish to allow exporting of the key from the store later (obviously for backup purpose). Next.

import ssl cert - certificate store

Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate. Otherwise if you place the cert in the wrong store location, the cert may not work. Next.

import ssl cert - completing