How to Apply SSL in Windows IIS

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Introduction

Enabling SSL on your Windows IIS server is vital for securing web traffic, enabling HTTPS, and boosting user trust.

This guide will walk you through the SSL setup in Windows (IIS) using a .pfx file. Whether you already have a certificate or plan to buy an SSL certificate, these steps will help you install and bind SSL correctly.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

.PFX Certificate File & Import Password
Access to Windows Server with IIS Role Installed
(Optional) Certificate Purchased / Exported
If you don’t already have a .pfx, you may need to buy an SSL certificate, export it from your CA or control panel, or choose a cheap SSL certificate before proceeding.

Steps to Apply an SSL on Windows IIS

Step 1: Import SSL from the .pfx File

Open IIS and click server certificate

Click Import.

Click Import SSL

Specify the certificate file (.pfx file).
Fill in the import password of the .pfx file.
Click OK to complete the certificate import process.

Specify the certificate file

Step 2: Set Certificate Bindings

2.1 Open the site binding window

Choose your site. Click Bindings.

Click bindings

Click Add.

Add bindings

2.2 Add the SSL binding

Configure the following required fields:

Type: https.
IP address: If Windows Server 2008 is used, please assign a dedicated IP to the site. For other types of servers, a designed IP is not necessary.
Port: 443.
Require Server Name Indication: Please check the option if Windows Server 2012 R2 / 2016 / 2019 is used.
SSL Certificate: Choose the SSL imported before.

When all settings are configured, click OK.
Configure Bindings

Step 3: Verify SSL Installation

Your certificate should now be installed. You can navigate your site (https://YourDomain.com) in a web browser and check for the padlock to verify the installation.

Verity SSL Installation

How to Apply an SSL on Windows IIS