Import OpenPGP Certificate into Windows

TL;DR

Yes, you can import an OpenPGP certificate into Windows Certificate Manager, but it requires converting the .asc file to a .pfx format first. This guide shows you how.

Importing OpenPGP Certificates into Windows Certificate Manager

1. Install OpenSSL: If you don’t have it already, download and install OpenSSL for Windows from a reputable source (e.g., slproweb.com). Make sure to add the OpenSSL ‘bin’ directory to your system PATH environment variable during installation so you can run commands like openssl from any command prompt window.
2. Convert .asc to .pem: Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell window and navigate to the directory containing your OpenPGP certificate (.asc file). Use the following command:

   openssl pgp -in your_certificate.asc -outform pem -out your_certificate.pem

   Replace your_certificate.asc with the actual filename of your .asc file and your_certificate.pem with the desired name for the output .pem file.

3. Convert .pem to .pfx: Now convert the .pem file to a Personal Information Exchange (.pfx) format, which Windows Certificate Manager understands. You’ll need your private key (if you have one). If it’s in a separate file, include that as well.

   openssl pkcs12 -export -in your_certificate.pem -inkey your_private_key.key -out your_certificate.pfx

   Replace your_certificate.pem with the name of your .pem file and your_private_key.key with the filename of your private key (if applicable). You will be prompted to set a password for the .pfx file – remember this password! If you don’t have a separate private key, omit the -inkey option.

4. Import into Certificate Manager: Double-click on the generated your_certificate.pfx file. This will launch the Certificate Import Wizard.
   • Select ‘Local Machine’ as the store location (unless you specifically need it for your user account only).
   • Enter the password you set in the previous step.
   • Choose ‘Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate’.
   • Click ‘Finish’ to complete the import process.
5. Verify Import: Open Certificate Manager (search for ‘Manage computer certificates’ in the Start Menu). Navigate to ‘Trusted Root Certification Authorities’ or ‘Personal’ > ‘Certificates’, depending on where the certificate was placed during import, and verify that your imported certificate is listed.

Important Notes:

• Ensure you download OpenSSL from a trusted source to avoid security risks.
• Keep your private key secure! If compromised, anyone can impersonate you.
• The exact store location where the certificate is placed may vary depending on its purpose and configuration.