How to Install Free SSL Certificate from Let’s Encrypt on IIS Web Server?

We are going to discuss how to install/create a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt on the IIS web server using certify SSL manager. But before, I would like to introduce the first what is certified SSL manager is and how it can be helpful to us. Let’s first understand it right away.

What is Certify SSL Manager and how it can be helpful?

[Certify SSL Manager](https://certifytheweb.com/) is software that helps you to create, install, and renew a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt on IIS Windows, it will help you to request, deploy, and auto-renew free trusted SSL certificate from [Let’s Encrypt Certificate Authority](https://letsencrypt.org/). The Certify SSL Manager is free for limited use, in case you require many more certificates you can purchase an upgrade key.

Now maybe your next question will be what is Let’s Encrypt?

What is Let’s Encrypt?

Let’s Encrypt is the best free, automated, and open certificate authority provider in the current market. Encrypt provides the best free SSL certificate to enable HTTPS on our website.

Let’s Encrypt is a certificate authority(CA) and provides SSL files. If you want to know more information about how Encrypt works then just visit the website: https://letsencrypt.org/how-it-works.

Let’s start with how to create or install a free SSL certificate on the Microsoft .NET website.

  1. First of all, we need to install Certify SSL Manager in our IIS web server. Now you have to go on this URL: https://certifytheweb.com/ and download and install the latest installer file.
    install_create_a_free_SSL on iis server
  2. After you done the installation when you are going to run the Certify SSL Manager, it will ask you for an email id. Keep in mind, the provided email address will be used by Letsencrypt to notify you. Now, click on the Register Contact button.
    Setup_Let_s_Encrypt_Free_SSL_Certificate
  3. Click on the New Certificate button for creating a certificate.
    how_to_setup_Letsencrypt_ssl_certificate
  4. Now, select your website from “select website” drop-down. If you don’t want to then just leave it because it’s not mandatory.
    setup_Letsencrypt_ssl_certificate_in_websiteYou can also manually add Wildcard Domains to a certificate request. A wildcard domain takes the form *.yoursite.com and the resulting certificate will cover the yoursite.com and anything.yourdomain.com, but it will not cover nested subdomains i.e. www.anything.yourdomain.comHow does Wildcard SSL Certificate work?In below example shows that if you choose Wildcard SSL for *.yoursite.com, you can secure unlimited sub-domains under a single protection:

    wildcard-ssl

  5. Click on Authorization for setup the root directory path of your website.
    Letsencrypt ssl install
  6. Click on the Test button for testing the configuration and when you see all green marks means all configuration settings are correct.
    setup_Letsencrypt_ssl_certificate
  7. Now we can Request a real Certificate by clicking on the Request Certificate button.
  8. After clicking on Request Certificate, then after some background process, you can generate a free SSL certificate.

To summarize, in this blog, you were introduced to Certify SSL Manager, got the basic knowledge of Letsencrypt, and learned how to create or install a free SSL certificate and how wild-card SSL works.

Article by

Chintan Prajapati

Chintan Prajapati, a seasoned computer engineer with over 20 years in the software industry, is the Founder and CEO of Satva Solutions. His expertise lies in Accounting & ERP Integrations, RPA, and developing technology solutions around leading ERP and accounting software, focusing on using Responsible AI and ML in fintech solutions. Chintan holds a BE in Computer Engineering and is a Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, Certified Azure Solution Developer, Certified Intuit Developer, and Xero Developer.Throughout his career, Chintan has significantly impacted the accounting industry by consulting and delivering integrations and automation solutions that have saved thousands of man-hours. He aims to provide readers with insightful, practical advice on leveraging technology for business efficiency.Outside of his professional work, Chintan enjoys trekking and bird-watching. Guided by the philosophy, "Deliver the highest value to clients". Chintan continues to drive innovation and excellence in digital transformation strategies from his base in Ahmedabad, India.