- Proper certificate management in Edge is essential for operating electronic offices.
- Only copies with a private key (.pfx or .p12) allow you to digitally sign and authenticate.
- Exporting with a private key and password protection are critical steps.
The use of digital certificates has become essential for conducting electronic procedures securely and reliably in Spain. Microsoft EdgeAs a modern and widely used browser, Firefox allows you to install personal digital certificates for signing, identifying yourself on electronic sites, and accessing secure online services. However, the process of adding or exporting a digital certificate can be confusing, especially for those who have never managed this type of file or want a guide tailored to the current browser version.
In this article you will find a Clear and accessible step-by-step explanation of how to add, import, and export digital certificates in Microsoft Edge. We use the most comprehensive information from official sources such as the FNMT and the Tax Agency, as well as technological resources, and we accompany it with practical tips and warnings that will help you avoid common mistakes during the process.
What is a digital certificate and what is it used for in Edge?
A digital certificate is an electronic file that securely identifies you to the administration and multiple online services.In Spain, it allows you to carry out transactions with the Treasury, Social Security, regional agencies, city councils, and multiple platforms. Microsoft Edge, like other browsers, integrates a certificate manager to facilitate browsing and electronic signatures.
Use Microsoft Edge for digital certificates It guarantees compatibility with most official pages and procedures, since its integrated manager is based on the certificate system of Windows and offers a simple interface to import, export and manage these files.
Digital certificate file types supported by Edge
Edge primarily works with the following digital certificate formats:
- .pfx and .p12: These are backup copies that include the certificate and its private key (an essential element for signing documents or authenticating). Their icon usually shows an open envelope with a key, indicating that they are valid for proper operation.
- .cer: It's a certificate without a private key. It's only used to identify servers, not as a complete personal ID.
It is essential to have a valid copy in .pfx or .p12 format to successfully add the personal certificate to Edge. If you only have a .cer file, you'll need to export the private key from the computer where the certificate was generated or request a new one.
Preparations before importing the digital certificate into Microsoft Edge
Before you start the import, make sure you have the following:
- Valid copy of the digital certificate in .pfx or .p12 format (with private key).
- Backup protection password, which is requested when importing.
- Microsoft Edge updated on your Windows PC.
Your certificate may be stored in a USB, hard drive, a download folder or similar. If you don't see the file extension, right-click – Properties to check. Remember, never share the copy or the private key with anyone.
Step by Step: How to Import a Digital Certificate in Microsoft Edge
1. Access Edge settings: Open Microsoft Edge. Click the three-dot button ("Settings and more") in the top right corner of the browser window, or press ALT+F to quickly open the menu.
2. Search and access “Certificates”: Within the menu, select Configuration. Once on the settings screen, use the search box to type "Certificates" and press Enter. You can also manually navigate through the left menu to Privacy, search and services and, within this section, search Security to find the option Manage certificates.
3. Manage personal certificates: Click on Manage certificates. The window will open. Windows Certificates, where the different types are organized.
4. Select the “Personal” tab: Within the certificates window, locate the tab Staff. This displays the personal digital certificates installed on your computer.
5. Import the certificate: Push the button Import. This will open the Certificate Import Wizard that will guide you through the entire process.
- Press Next on the first screen of the wizard.
- Click Browse and select the .pfx or .p12 file where you have saved your certificate.
- Choose the file type “Personal Information Sharing” in the drop-down menu so that it detects your copy correctly.
- Press Next.
- Enter password associated with the file. Check the box “Mark this key as exportable” so you can make backups later. You can check “Enable secure private key protection” for added security, although this is optional.
- Press Next.
- Choose the certificate store: It is recommended to leave the default option “Automatically select the certificate store based on the certificate type” so that Windows catalogs it correctly.
- Click Next and Finish to complete the import.
If everything went correctly, a message will appear confirming the successful import. The new certificate will be available for processing on websites that require it.
What happens if the copy is not valid?
If the file you are trying to import is a .cer (without a private key), Edge will place it in the “Other People” tab. and you won't be able to sign or access personalized services with that certificate. In this case, you'll need to recover the private key certificate from the original device or request a new one to operate normally.
Likewise, if you cannot import because the file is incompatible or the password is missing, you will not be able to use the certificate in Edge for electronic transactions, which will require you to re-request the issuing entity (e.g., FNMT) to issue the digital certificate.
How to export a digital certificate from Microsoft Edge
Exporting your digital certificate is essential if you want to use it on another computer, browser, or simply save a backup copy in a secure location. You should perform this process only on trusted computers and never share the generated copy with third parties.
1. Access the settings in the same way as in the import process:
- Click on the three dots and choose “Settings.”
- In the search box, type “Certificates” or navigate to “Privacy, search, and services” → “Security” → “Manage certificates.”
2. Choose the “Personal” tab and select the certificate you want to export. The list of installed personal digital certificates will appear.
3. Click the “Export” button: It will be launched on Windows Certificate Export Wizard.
- Select the “Export private key” option and click “Next.” This is essential to be able to import the full certificate to another site.
- In the export file format, leave the default options or select the required ones. Click “Next.”
- You will be prompted to add a password to protect the exported copy. Enter a strong password and confirm itThis password will be required to re-import the certificate in the future.
- Choose the location and name of the exported file by clicking “Browse.” Save the file to a safe location.
- On the final screen of the wizard, review the features and click “Finish.”
- Confirm the export of the private key: a warning box will appear, click “OK”.
- If everything has been done correctly, you will receive a message indicating that the certificate has been successfully exported.
Security Note: Always keep a copy of your certificate in a secure location., such as an encrypted USB or a folder backup. Never share your private key, since fraudulent use of your certificate is your sole responsibility.
Import a digital certificate by double-clicking the file
There is a quick alternative to import the digital certificate to your computer. Just double-click on the .pfx or .p12 file and the Windows Certificate Import Wizard will open. In the first step, select "Current User" to install it in the appropriate store. The remaining steps and options are the same as those described in the manual process.
This method can be useful if you're having trouble accessing certificate management from Edge or want to speed up the process, but always make sure you choose the correct store to avoid errors later.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.