39

On Windows 7 (Windows 7 Professional x64), how can I view and install certificates in the local machine store?

The certmgr.msc plugin allows me to view certificates installed in the current user store, but not the local machine store.

I am attempting to install from a .PFX file. On Windows 8, you are presented with an option to install either to local machine or current user store, but this option does not appear to be present in Windows 7.

Improve this question
0

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
51

Start mmc.exe (as administrator), menu File -> Add/Remove Snap-in.., select "Certificates", press Add, select radio button "Computer account", press Finish and OK.

Improve this answer
5
  • This is great. Is there a way to do this at the command line, rather than drag-and-drop ? Seems to me the command line was only dealing with my currentUser store.
    – Mike at KBS
    Commented Apr 29, 2015 at 18:06
  • CertMgr.exe is the way to do it on cmdline... msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/e78byta0%28v=vs.110%29.aspx
    – riro
    Commented May 1, 2015 at 9:29
  • If you just want to access your own certificates (not the machine certificates), then you don't need to be an administrator to follow these directions.
    – ArtOfWarfare
    Commented Jul 25, 2019 at 19:30
  • "If you just want to access your own certificates (not the machine certificates)" - those answers seem to be always strange. Topic starter clearly wrote above "FOR LOCAL MACHINE"
    – Paul
    Commented Jun 17, 2023 at 15:59
  • Where is this radio button "Computer account" in Windows 7 ?
    – Paul
    Commented Jun 17, 2023 at 16:00
21

certlm.msc (Win8/2012 and above) will open the local machine's certificate store in the same GUI style as certmgr.msc.

Improve this answer
2
  • I got the error message "certlm.msc. Windows cannot find 'certlm.msc'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again." on Windows 7 Enterprise when I tried it.
    – Peter Mortensen
    Commented May 17, 2016 at 9:48
  • certificates.msc appears to work in Windows 7 to display the local computer certificates.
    – Andrew S
    Commented Mar 15, 2018 at 18:01
8

Install the certificate for all users:

  1. First save the certificate in a file
  2. Run MMC
  3. Open the Certificate Manager (certmgr.msc in C:\Windows\System32)
  4. You will see it opens 'Certificates - Current User'
  5. In the menu, choose File, Add/Remove Snap-In
    • Now press Add, select 'Certificates' and select 'Computer Account'
    • Select the Local Computer
    • Now you have two snap-ins:
      • Certificates - Current User
      • Certificates (Local Computer)
  6. Now import the certificate in "Certificates (Local Computer)\Trusted Root Certificates\Certificates""Certificates (Local Computer)\Trusted Root Certificates\Certificates"

http://www.arcencus.nl/Blogs/tabid/105/EntryID/39/Default.aspx

  • Performing this task using the Certificate Manager on the local machine.
    • Launch mmc.exe, if a User Account Control prompt is displayed, click Yes.
  • Add the Certificate Management snap-in. Click File, Add/Remove Snap-in…, Certificates. Click Add, click Computer account, Next.
  • Retain “Local computer” selection,
    • => Finish, OK.
Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .