Installing a Free SSL Certificate in Plesk for a Windows Website Print

  • Updated on 06-Sep-2024
  • 30

How to Install a Free SSL Certificate in Plesk for Windows

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate keeps your website secure by encrypting the data sent between your website and its visitors. This ensures that the information is private and safe.

What You Need Before You Start:

  1. Access to your Plesk control panel.
  2. Your domain should be correctly set up to point to your server.
  3. Make sure the Plesk extensions "SSL It!" and "Let's Encrypt" are installed.
Info! If you encounter any issues during installation, check that these extensions are installed.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Log in to Plesk

Open your Plesk control panel and log in with your username and password.

Step 2: Install Necessary Extensions

Go to the Extensions section in Plesk and install the extensions called SSL It! and Let's Encrypt if they are not already installed.

Step 3: Turn On SSL/TLS Support

  1. Click on Domains.
  2. Select your domain (e.g., yourdomain.com).
  3. Go to Hosting & DNS and then Hosting Settings.
  4. Find the SSL/TLS support checkbox and make sure it is checked.
  5. Click OK or Apply to save your settings.

Step 4: Go to SSL/TLS Certificates

  1. Go back to Domains.
  2. Click on SSL/TLS Certificates.

Step 5: Install Let's Encrypt Certificate

  1. At the bottom of the page, look for the section called More options and click Install a free basic certificate provided by Let's Encrypt.
  2. Check the following options:
    • Secure the domain name.
    • Include a "www" subdomain for the domain and each selected alias.
    • Secure webmail on this domain.
    • Assign the certificate to the mail domain.
  3. Make sure your email address is correct. This is where Let's Encrypt will send important notices.
  4. Click Get it free.

After Installing the Certificate

  1. Go to Websites & Domains.
  2. Click on Hosting Settings.
  3. In the Certificate menu, select the Let's Encrypt certificate you just installed.
  4. Click OK to save your settings.
Success! Your website is now secured with a free SSL certificate.

How to Renew the SSL Certificate

The Let's Encrypt certificate is valid for 90 days and renews automatically. If you need to renew it manually:

  1. Log in to Plesk.
  2. Go to Domains > yourdomain.com > SSL/TLS Certificates.
  3. Click Reissue Certificate and follow the instructions.
Info! Automatic renewal is usually seamless, but always ensure your contact details are up-to-date.

Using a Purchased SSL Certificate

If you bought an SSL certificate:

  1. Go to Domains > yourdomain.com > SSL/TLS Certificates.
  2. Click Upload .pem file and choose the certificate file from your computer.
  3. Select this certificate in Hosting Settings under the Certificate menu and click OK.

Managing Your Certificates

To manage your SSL certificates:

  1. Go to Domains > yourdomain.com > SSL/TLS Certificates.
  2. Click Manage under Download or remove existing certificates.
  3. You can download or delete certificates as needed.

Summary

Installing a free SSL certificate in Plesk is easy and keeps your website secure. Just follow these steps, and your website will be encrypted and safe for your visitors.

If you have any issues, please open a support ticket or a LiveChat session using the icon located at the bottom right of the screen.

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