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How to Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) and Obtain a Certificate in PFX Format for SMIME In Windows 

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Overview:  

This guide provides a streamlined process for obtaining and configuring an S/MIME certificate in PFX format on Windows. It covers CSR generation, certificate request and validation via Sectigo, import using Certificate Manager, and final setup in Microsoft Outlook for encrypted and digitally signed email communication. 

Step 1: Generate a CSR 

To begin, create a new CSR using the instructions provided in the following article: 

CSR Generation for E-Mail (or) S/MIME certificates using windows certificate manager 

Step 2: Complete Certificate Setup 

Once the CSR is generated, the CSR should be submitted to Sectigo to request an email certificate.  

Follow the below steps to submit CSR: 

1. Open the CSR file in Notepad. 

2. Login into Sectigo portal.  

3. Click on 'My Products and Services' 

4. Under Sectigo products, Select Signing certificates to find your recent SMIME email certificate order. Click the set-up button on that email certificate order to submit your CSR. 

5. On the next page, you can enter your Contact Email Address (Please enter the email address that you wish to get the certificate). 

6. Paste the CSR into the designated field and click Submit.  

7. Review the details and complete the setup. 

Step 3: Email Verification 

After submitting the CSR, you will receive a verification email at the contact email address provided. Follow these steps: 

- Click the verification link in the email. 

- Enter the verification code to complete the process. 

Step 4: Collect and Import the Certificate 

Once verified, you will receive a collection email. Please collect the certificate in  PKCS#7 format.  

Step 5: Import the certificate on “Windows Certificate Manager”: 

To import the certificate on Windows Certificate Manager, follow the instructions in the below article.: 

Related Articles:

CSR Generation for E-Mail (or) S/MIME certificates 

Import a certificate to Windows Certificate Manager 

Exporting the certificate as PFX file from Windows 

How to Configure an email (S/MIME) certificate on Outlook 2016

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