# Export a .p12 SSL Certificate from Windows

When the FileWave Server certificate and private key were created on Windows, export them as a password-protected PKCS #12 bundle for upload in **FileWave Central > Preferences > Mobile**. The bundle should contain the private key, server certificate, and available intermediate and root certificates. Windows saves the bundle with a `.pfx` extension; rename it to `.p12` without changing its contents before upload.

<p class="callout warning">**Protect the exported bundle.**  
A `.p12` file contains the server's private key. Use a strong temporary export password, transfer the file through an approved secure method, and remove unnecessary desktop or transfer copies after FileWave accepts the certificate.</p>

## Export the certificate and private key

- Open a *Run* dialog and enter "mmc".
- Go to *File &gt; Add/Remove Snap-in*.
- Add the *Certificates* snap-in and click the *Add &gt;* button in the middle.
- Choose *Computer account*.
- Pick *Local computer* and click *Finish*.
- Click the *OK* button.
- In the MMC console browse to *Certificates (Local Computer) &gt; Personal &gt; Certificates* on the left. If your certificate is not there, browse the rest of the *Certificates (Local Computer)* tree until you find it.

![9bq8SqnSPZrkO4UA-embedded-image-c42w2ww8.png](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-07/9bq8SqnSPZrkO4UA-embedded-image-c42w2ww8.png)

- Select your certificate in the middle pane, right-click, and pick *All Tasks &gt; Export*.
- When prompted, choose **Yes, export the private key**. If that option is unavailable, the selected certificate does not have an exportable private key on this computer; return to the system where the CSR and private key were created.

![93sx4x9etvQjHbk9-embedded-image-wjwp3rea.png](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-07/93sx4x9etvQjHbk9-embedded-image-wjwp3rea.png)

- Under *Personal Information Exchange - PKCS #12 (.PFX)*, check *Include all certificates in the certification path if possible*. Leave the other two checkboxes unchecked.

![JGJBW4CJjxz5EtzU-embedded-image-asfnyarr.png](https://kb.filewave.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-07/JGJBW4CJjxz5EtzU-embedded-image-asfnyarr.png)

- Choose **Next** and set a strong export password. FileWave Central prompts for this password during upload.
- Save the `.pfx` file to a temporary secured location.
- Rename the extension from `.pfx` to `.p12`.
- Upload the `.p12` file in **FileWave Central &gt; Preferences &gt; Mobile**, enter the export password, and verify that the expected certificate is shown before deleting temporary copies.