How do I install Windows network certificate?

Question

I'm trying to install a network certificate on my Windows 10 computer. Can someone guide me through the steps? Also, do I need to purchase the certificate, or is there a way to get it for free?

Answer 1

Hello,

To install a network certificate on your Windows 10 computer, you can follow these steps:

1. Download the Certificate:
   • If you have been provided with a certificate file (usually with extensions like .cer, .pfx, or .crt), make sure it's downloaded to your computer.
2. Open the Certificate File:
   • Double-click the certificate file to start the installation process.
3. Certificate Import Wizard:
   • A wizard will open up. Click Next to proceed.
   • You'll be asked if you want to let this app make changes to your device. Click Yes.
4. Choose the Store:
   • Select whether you want to place all certificates in a store automatically or choose the certificate store yourself.
     • For most cases, selecting "Place all certificates in the following store" and then clicking Browse... to select "Trusted Root Certification Authorities" is sufficient for installing a root certificate.
     • For client authentication certificates, you may need to choose "Personal".
   • Click Next.
5. Complete the Installation:
   • Click Finish to complete the installation.
   • You might get a security warning asking if you're sure you want to install the certificate. Review the warning and click Yes if you trust the source of the certificate.
6. Verify Installation:
   • To check if the certificate was installed correctly, you can go to Manage User Certificates or Manage Computer Certificates through the Run dialog (Win + R), depending on where you installed the certificate.

Whether you need to purchase a certificate depends on your needs:

Free certificates: Some Certificate Authorities (CAs) offer free certificates, especially for personal use or testing.

Paid certificates: For commercial use, especially if you need extended validation or a higher level of trust, you may need to purchase a certificate from a reputable CA.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

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Answer 2

I have no answers. I only have unanswered questions. I used MSFT Co-Pilot to find out about whether a workable LOCAL VERSION of OUTLOOK could be installed, only to find out that the AI thingi called Co-Pilot only provides answers that either are outdated as of 01-18-2025, or only reflect the unwillingness of its programmers to provide true and accurate answers.

This pretty much shows the problem with AI: If the makers of AI do not use the professionally required care and knowledge to train AI, that AI will happily provide answers that do not work. It has no conscience after all. In this regard AI remains similar to human customer service agents who either have not been trained to provide good answers, or, if they are already smart, they are PREVENTED by their bosses to provide helpful answers. And even if they are allowed to provide helpful answers, they are, from my experience, not allowed to make any changes to any software, nor are they allowed to communicate with the overlords, in the vain hope of making the software world better for everyone.

This is a problem with each and every software, tech and all other "EULA" damaged companies.

I say it out loud: EULA's are prime examples of "abusive contracts". Abusive contracts are those who force unreasonable, self-serving, irresponsible, inadequate, confusing and economically damaging terms upon the relatively innocent consumer. That's my own definition, stemming from my concept of reason and fairness. Nowadays, these are quaint and laughable ideas. Excuuuse me if I am wrong, but I am merely reflecting personal experience with software companies.