How To Export A Private Key File From A Windows Machine?
It is easy to locate and export a private key file on non-windows platforms. Both public and private keys will be created and saved in a separate file in .key or .pem extensions on non-windows platforms. However, Windows doesn’t store the private key in a separate file to view as a text file. you can’t export the private key alone. If you need to export the private key from either MMC or IIS, you should export the certificate in .pfx (PKCS#12) file format along with the private key. If this is the case, you may ask it is not possible to export a private key file on the Windows platform. To answer this question, there is no direct way. However, there is a way. Let’s see how to export a private key file from a Windows machine.
Table of Contents
Procedure To Export A Private Key File From Windows:
We have broken down the procedure into four sections to make it simple to understand.
Note: We have covered right from the beginning from creating a CSR to export the private key for those who need help in getting a certificate. If you have the certificate in your hand or it’s deployed on your Windows server, then you can skip the first three steps. You can start directly from the fourth step.
- Create CSR.
- Submit the CSR to a CA and get the Certificate.
- Import the Certificate on your Windows machine.
- Export the Certificate in PFX format.
- Install OpenSSL on your Windows machine.
- Export the private key file from the PFX certificate.
Time needed:15 minutes.
How To Export a Private Key File from a Windows Machine?
- Create a CSR
1. Open MMC console:
Win + R > mmc > Ok > File > Add/Remove Snap-in > Certificates > Add > Computer account > local computer > Finish > Ok.2. Create a CSR file:
right-click the Personal folder > All Tasks > Advanced Operations > Create Custom Request > Next > Proceed without enrollment policy > Click Next > PKCS # 10 > Next > Details > Properties.3. Add CSR contents:
Subject tab > Fill Subject nameCommon Name (CN) = Host or domain name
DNS (SAN) =
Organization (O) =
Organizational Unit (OU) =
City/Locality (L) =
State/County/Region (S) =
Country (C) =
Email Address =Private Key tab > Key options > select Key size: 2048 > Ok
4. Save the CSR file:
Select Base 64 and Click Next > Click Browse.Please visit this post to see how to create a CSR on a Windows machine.
- Submit the CSR to a CA and get the Certificate
Submit the CSR to your Certificate Authority (CA) or you can also submit it to third party CA to sign the certificate.
If you have Microsoft’s ADCS CA service and want to sign the CSR with your internal CA. Please read how to submit and download the certificate from ADCS.
- Import the Certificate on your Windows machine
After CA has issued the certificate. You should download that and import it along with the chain certificates.
Note: If you don’t have the chain certificates imported to trusted stores, please import chain certificates (intermediate & root CA certificates) on your machine.Right Click on the Certificate > Install Certificate > Next > Automatically select the certificate store > Finish > Ok
- Export the certificate in PFX format
This is the place where the export of the private key happens. Windows doesn’t store the private key in a separate file. you can’t export the private key alone. If you need to export the private key from either MMC or IIS, you should export the certificate in .pfx (PKCS#12) file format along with the private key.
See AlsoHow to digitally sign PDF in C# and VB.NET? | SyncfusionOpenSSL Tutorial: How Do SSL Certificates, Private Keys, & CSRs Work?Generating Public/Private Keys In C# And .NET1. Open MMC console:
Win + R > mmc > Ok > File > Add/Remove Snap-in > Certificates > Add > Computer account > local computer > Finish > Ok.2. Export the certificate in PFX:
Right Click on the Certificate > All Tasks -> Export > Next > yes, export the private key > Next > Personal INformation Exchange – PKCS # 12 (PFX) > Include all certificate in the path > Next > Passwords > Browse > Finish. - Install OpenSSL on your Windows machine.
OpenSSL is a powerful full cross-platform open-source utility used in various digital certificate activities. The installation procedure is very simple and straight. Read this post to know how to install OpenSSL on the Windows machine.
1. Download the OpenSSL installer from the official OpenSSL download link: https://slproweb.com/products/Win32OpenSSL.html
2. Run the installer to complete the installation.
3. Add OPENSSL_CONF and Path environment variable on System Properties:
- Export the private key file from the PFX certificate.
Run this command to extract the private key from PFX file:
> openssl pkcs12 -in [yourfile.pfx] -nocerts -out [drlive.key]Run this command to extract the certificate from PFX file:
> openssl pkcs12 -in [yourfile.pfx] -clcerts -nokeys -out [drlive.crt]Run this command to decrypt the private key:
> openssl rsa -in [drlive.key] -out [drlive-decrypted.key]
In this way you can export a private key file from the Windows machine.
Thanks for reading this post. Please let us know if you want to know more about this. We recommend to read the below post to know in detail.
- Step-By-Step Procedure to Export a Certificate With a Private Key From the IIS Console
- Export a Private Key File from a Windows Machine
- Step-By-Step Procedure to Export a Certificates With a Private Key From a Windows Server
- Step by Step Procedure to Convert a CER Certificate to PFX Without the Private Key
- How to Export a Certificate From PowerShell?
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is a private key file?
A private key file is a cryptographic key that is used to decrypt data encrypted with the corresponding public key. Private keys should be kept secure and confidential, as unauthorized access to a private key file can lead to unauthorized access to encrypted data or the ability to forge digital signatures.
2. Why would I need to export a private key file from a Windows machine?
You might need to export a private key file from a Windows machine if you need to transfer the key to another device or if you want to create a backup of the key. This can be useful for migrating security credentials or transferring encrypted data between devices.
3. How can I export a private key file from a Windows machine?
To export a private key file from a Windows machine, you can use the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) with the Certificates snap-in. Follow these steps:
1. Press “Windows Key + R” and type “mmc” in the Run dialog box. Press “Enter” to open the Microsoft Management Console.
2. Click “File” > “Add/Remove Snap-in” in the MMC.
3. Select “Certificates” from the list of available snap-ins and click “Add.”
4. Choose “My user account” or “Computer account,” depending on the location of the certificate you want to export, and click “Finish.”
5. Click “OK” to close the Add/Remove Snap-in dialog box.
6. In the MMC, expand the “Certificates” node to locate the certificate containing the private key you want to export.
7. Right-click the certificate, select “All Tasks,” and then click “Export.”
8. Follow the Certificate Export Wizard prompts, and make sure to select “Yes, export the private key” when prompted.
9. Choose the desired export format (usually Personal Information Exchange – PKCS #12 (.PFX)) and set a password to protect the exported file.
10. Specify a file name and location for the exported private key file, and click “Finish.”
4. Can I export a private key file using command-line tools?
Yes, you can use the “certutil” command-line tool to export a private key file from a Windows machine. You will need to provide the appropriate command options and arguments, including the thumbprint of the certificate you want to export and the desired export format.
5. Are there any third-party tools available for exporting private key files?
Yes, there are third-party tools available for exporting private key files from a Windows machine. Some popular tools include OpenSSL and KeyStore Explorer. These tools can provide additional options and flexibility when exporting private keys compared to the built-in Windows tools.
6. How can I ensure the security of the exported private key file?
To ensure the security of the exported private key file:
1. Protect the exported file with a strong password.
2. Store the exported file in a secure location, such as an encrypted USB drive or a secure cloud storage service.
3. Limit access to the exported file to authorized individuals only.
4. Delete the exported file from the Windows machine once it is no longer needed.
7. What file format is used for exporting private key files?
Private key files are usually exported in the Personal Information Exchange (PKCS #12) format with a .pfx or .p12 file extension. This format is widely supported by various operating systems and applications and can store both the private key and the corresponding public key certificate.
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About the author
Arun KL
Arun KL is a cybersecurity professional with 15+ years of experience spanning IT infrastructure, cloud security, vulnerability management, Penetration Testing, security operations, and incident response. He is adept at designing and implementing robust security solutions to safeguard systems and data. Arun holds multiple industry certifications including CCNA, CCNA Security, RHCE, CEH, and AWS Security. To know more about him, you can visit his profile on LinkedIn.
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Very good post.Really thank you! Really
Reply
You are most welcome!
Reply
This is a great post! I have been struggling to export my private key file from my Windows machine for a while now. This post has helped me a lot.
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Thanks for your prompt comments! It boosts us to create more such content.
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I'm an experienced cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of expertise in IT infrastructure, cloud security, vulnerability management, penetration testing, security operations, and incident response. My knowledge extends to various domains, including cryptographic protocols and key management. I've successfully designed and implemented robust security solutions to protect systems and sensitive data. My proficiency is reflected in the depth of information provided in the following article on exporting a private key file from a Windows machine.
Concepts Covered in the Article:
-
Private Key File:
- Definition: A cryptographic key used to decrypt data encrypted with the corresponding public key.
- Importance: Should be kept secure and confidential to prevent unauthorized access and potential compromise of encrypted data or digital signatures.
-
Exporting Private Key from Windows:
- Challenge on Windows: Unlike non-Windows platforms, Windows doesn't store the private key as a separate text file.
- Solution: Export the private key along with the certificate in .pfx (PKCS#12) format.
- Procedure:
- Open MMC console.
- Create a CSR (Certificate Signing Request).
- Submit the CSR to a Certificate Authority (CA) to obtain the certificate.
- Import the certificate on the Windows machine.
- Export the certificate in PFX format (including the private key).
- Install OpenSSL on the Windows machine.
-
Using OpenSSL:
- Purpose: OpenSSL is a powerful, cross-platform, open-source utility used for various digital certificate activities.
- Installation:
- Download the OpenSSL installer from the official link.
- Run the installer to complete the installation.
- Add OPENSSL_CONF and Path environment variables on System Properties.
-
Exporting Private Key with OpenSSL:
- Command to extract private key from PFX file:
openssl pkcs12 -in [yourfile.pfx] -nocerts -out [drlive.key] - Command to extract certificate from PFX file:
openssl pkcs12 -in [yourfile.pfx] -clcerts -nokeys -out [drlive.crt] - Command to decrypt the private key:
openssl rsa -in [drlive.key] -out [drlive-decrypted.key]
- Command to extract private key from PFX file:
-
Security Measures for Exported Private Key:
- Protect the exported file with a strong password.
- Store the file securely, e.g., encrypted USB drive or secure cloud storage.
- Limit access to authorized individuals.
- Delete the file from the Windows machine when no longer needed.
-
File Format for Exported Private Key:
- Personal Information Exchange (PKCS #12) format with .pfx or .p12 file extension.
- Widely supported and can store both private key and corresponding public key certificate.
-
Additional Information:
- Mention of third-party tools like OpenSSL and KeyStore Explorer for exporting private keys.
- FAQs addressing common questions related to private key files and their export from Windows.
This comprehensive coverage provides users with a step-by-step guide, practical insights, and security considerations when dealing with private key export on Windows machines. The inclusion of FAQs and links to related topics enhances the overall value of the article.
