How to Check Installed Certificates in Windows Server 2016?

Are you a Windows Server administrator who wants to make sure that your system is secure? Do you need to check which certificates are installed in Windows Server 2016? If so, then this guide is for you! In this article, we will discuss how to check installed certificates in Windows Server 2016, including the different methods you can use to verify the certificates. We will also explain how to install additional certificates if needed. By the end of this article, you should have all the knowledge you need to keep your Windows Server 2016 system secure. So let’s get started!

Introduction to Installed Certificates in Windows Server 2016

Installed certificates are important components of Windows Server 2016, as they are used to authenticate, secure, and encrypt data. Certificates are digital documents that contain information about an entity and are used to prove the identity of the entity. Windows Server 2016 stores multiple certificates that are used to authenticate the identity of the server. In this article, we will explain how to check installed certificates in Windows Server 2016.

How to Check Installed Certificates in Windows Server 2016?

The first step in checking installed certificates in Windows Server 2016 is to open the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). This can be done by opening the Start menu and typing “mmc” into the search box. Once the MMC is open, select “File” and then “Add/Remove Snap-in.”

Adding the Certificates Snap-In

The next step is to add the certificates snap-in. To do this, click on “Add” and then select “Certificates” from the list of available snap-ins. You will then be prompted to select the type of certificates you would like to manage. Depending on the type of certificates you have installed, you may need to select “Local Computer” or “My User Account.”

Viewing the Installed Certificates

Once the certificates snap-in has been added, you will be able to view the installed certificates. To view the installed certificates, expand the “Certificates” folder in the MMC and select the type of certificates you wish to view. This will open a list of the installed certificates.

Viewing Certificate Details

To view additional details about a certificate, select the certificate and then click on “View Certificate.” This will open a window with detailed information about the certificate, such as the issuer, subject, validity period, and so on.

Exporting the Certificate

If you need to export the certificate, you can do so by selecting the certificate and then clicking on “Export.” This will open the Certificate Export Wizard, which will guide you through the process of exporting the certificate.

Deleting the Certificate

If you need to delete a certificate, select the certificate and then click on “Delete.” You will then be prompted to confirm the deletion of the certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I check installed certificates in Windows Server 2016?

A1: You can check installed certificates in Windows Server 2016 by opening the Server Manager, navigating to the Local Server tab, and then clicking on the “Manage” button. From there, you can open the “Certificates” snap-in and view all of your installed certificates. You can also check the certificates using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), by accessing the run command, typing “mmc”, and then add the Certificates snap-in.

Q2: How do I view the certificates in Windows Server 2016?

A2: Once you have accessed the Certificates snap-in, you can view the certificates by expanding the “Certificates” folder and selecting the type of certificate that you want to view. For example, you can view the “Personal” certificates, “Trusted Root Certification Authorities”, “Intermediate Certification Authorities”, and other certificates. Once you have selected the type of certificate, you can view the certificate details by double-clicking on it.

Q3: How do I know if a certificate is valid in Windows Server 2016?

A3: You can check if a certificate is valid in Windows Server 2016 by viewing the certificate details. In the “Certificate Information” window, you can view the “Validity Period” to check if the certificate is still valid. Additionally, you can view the “Certificate Status” to see if the certificate is valid or not.

Q4: How do I export a certificate from Windows Server 2016?

A4: You can export a certificate from Windows Server 2016 by opening the Certificates snap-in, selecting the certificate you want to export, and then clicking “Export” in the menu bar. You will be prompted to select a file format for the exported certificate; you can choose either a “.cer” or “.pfx” file format. You can then choose the location to save the certificate file.

Q5: How do I delete a certificate in Windows Server 2016?

A5: You can delete a certificate in Windows Server 2016 by opening the Certificates snap-in, selecting the certificate you want to delete, and then clicking “Delete” in the menu bar. You will be prompted to confirm the deletion of the certificate; click “Yes” to delete the certificate.

Q6: How do I create a certificate in Windows Server 2016?

A6: You can create a certificate in Windows Server 2016 by opening the Certificates snap-in and clicking “Create Certificate Request” in the menu bar. You will be prompted to select the type of certificate you want to create; you can choose either a “Certificate for Local Computer” or a “Certificate for User”. You will then enter the necessary information for the certificate and click “Finish”. The certificate will then be created and you can view it in the Certificates snap-in.

Certficate Services(Installing and managing certificates) on Windows Server 2016

Whether you need to check for installed certificates for security purposes or for troubleshooting, Windows Server 2016 makes it easy to do so with a few simple steps. By using the Certificates Snap-in, you can quickly view any certificates that are currently installed on your server and take the necessary steps to manage them. With this knowledge, you can confidently ensure that your Windows Server 2016 is properly secured and running optimally.