This note provides a simple way to issue a basic SSL certificate Let's Encrypt in manual mode using the Certbot application on a local Windows computer, perfect for those who are not experts in web technologies. This method provides you with the SSL certificate files in a folder on your local computer that can be easily installed onto your web hosting.



If you need to renew expired SSL certificates, or if you are struggling to find a service to issue SSL certificates, then this note might be helpful to you. I faced the same problem and managed to create SSL certificates for ten of my domains (including in RU and RF zones) by following the sequence of actions described below.

To start with, I installed the Certbot program on my local computer with Windows 11 operating system. The installation file can be found on the official site. Once installed, I launched the Certbot program via PowerShell and used the "certbot certonly --authenticator manual" command to create the certificate. After entering my email and domain names, the program asked me to create a domain rights verification file, which I did using Filezilla Client. The successful creation of the certificate files was reported by the system, and they were found in the folder "C:\Certbot\archive \[domain name]". To install them on my hosting, I needed three files out of four from this folder.

Overall, this method of creating SSL certificates is easy to follow and provides a solution for those without extensive knowledge of web technologies. It is a good option for anyone who needs to issue or renew SSL certificates.

You can issue LetsEncrypt certificates using DNS verification, which can be done through clients like https://github.com/acmesh-official/acme.sh. This process can automatically work with multiple DNS services and issue wildcard certificates for your main domain and all its subdomains. While it may be possible to run it on Windows, it is easier to use the Windows subsystem Linux. If you need more information or have specific questions, it would be best to ask in a Q&A forum rather than searching for a manual on a profile portal.

I was disappointed that the article did not provide any non-trivial or alternative free SSL certificate providers. It simply discussed Let's Encrypt once again.

However, I have a meaningful question for which Let's Encrypt unfortunately is not suitable. I want to obtain a certificate for a "naked" IP address for my pet project, without the hassle of messing around with DNS and avoiding the warning message from browsers about an unsecured connection. Some SSL certificate providers allow this, but Let's Encrypt does not. It's important to note that some providers charge a fee for this service, while Let's Encrypt remains free.

I'm curious if it's possible to obtain a certificate for a bare IP through ACME. Has anyone confirmed this recently?

When I checked previously, it was clear in the logs that obtaining a certificate for a bare IP was not possible through ACME.

Additionally, the website now indicates that only three certificates can be obtained for free without any further explanation. During my previous check, there was a comment that three certificates could only be obtained through the web interface, but unlimited certificates could be obtained through ACME. The removal of this comment suggests that ACME is becoming less user-friendly and raises doubts about whether bare IP addresses were once banned but are now allowed.

The process of creating an SSL certificate involves several detailed steps to ensure the security and trustworthiness of your website. Here's a more detailed guide to creating an SSL certificate:

1. Research and Choose a Certificate Authority (CA): Start by researching different Certificate Authorities to find one that suits your website's needs. Consider factors such as compatibility with your web server, the level of customer support, and the type of SSL certificates offered. Compare the features, pricing, and reputation of various CAs before making your selection.

2. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR): Access your web server or hosting control panel to generate a CSR. This is typically done using a tool like OpenSSL or through the server's control panel interface. In the process of generating the CSR, you will need to provide specific information about your website, including the common name (domain name), organization name, organizational unit, city, state, and country. Take care to enter accurate information, as it will be used to create the SSL certificate.

3. Submit the CSR to the CA: Once the CSR is generated, submit it to the chosen CA for the SSL certificate creation process. The CA will use the information in the CSR to create a unique SSL certificate for your website. The submission process may vary depending on the CA, but it typically involves uploading the CSR file or pasting the CSR text into a form on the CA's website.

4. Complete the Verification Process: The CA will initiate a verification process to confirm that you have the authority to request an SSL certificate for the specified domain. This may involve email verification, requiring you to respond to an email sent to a domain-specific email address, or utilizing alternate methods for verification.

5. Receive and Install the SSL Certificate: After the verification process is completed, the CA will issue the SSL certificate. You will receive the SSL certificate file, which typically includes your domain's SSL certificate and any required intermediate certificate files. Install the SSL certificate on your web server based on the specific instructions provided by your server software or hosting provider.

6. Configure the Web Server to Use the SSL Certificate: Once the SSL certificate is installed, configure your web server to use the certificate for secure communication. This involves updating the server configuration to enable the use of SSL/TLS and specifying the installed SSL certificate for your domain.

7. Test and Verify the SSL Certificate: After the SSL certificate is installed and configured, thoroughly test and verify its functionality. Use online SSL checker tools or web browser to ensure that your website is now using the SSL certificate for secure connections. Test the SSL certificate across different web browsers and devices to confirm its compatibility and functionality.

By following these detailed steps, you can create and install an SSL certificate to establish a secure connection between your website and its visitors. A properly configured SSL certificate not only secures sensitive information but also enhances the trust and credibility of your website.

Quote from: Lechlak on Oct 18, 2022, 09:34 AMThis note provides a simple way to issue a basic SSL certificate Let's Encrypt in manual mode using the Certbot application on a local Windows computer, perfect for those who are not experts in web technologies. This method provides you with the SSL certificate files in a folder on your local computer that can be easily installed onto your web hosting.



If you need to renew expired SSL certificates, or if you are struggling to find a service to issue SSL certificates, then this note might be helpful to you. I faced the same problem and managed to create SSL certificates for ten of my domains (including in RU and RF zones) by following the sequence of actions described below.

To start with, I installed the Certbot program on my local computer with Windows 11 operating system. The installation file can be found on the official site. Once installed, I launched the Certbot program via PowerShell and used the "certbot certonly --authenticator manual" command to create the certificate. After entering my email and domain names, the program asked me to create a domain rights verification file, which I did using Filezilla Client. The successful creation of the certificate files was reported by the system, and they were found in the folder "C:\Certbot\archive \[domain name]". To install them on my hosting, I needed three files out of four from this folder.

Overall, this method of creating SSL certificates is easy to follow and provides a solution for those without extensive knowledge of web technologies. It is a good option for anyone who needs to issue or renew SSL certificates.

This guide explains how to get a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate manually on Windows using Certbot. It targets beginners who want to issue or renew SSL certificates without web tech expertise. Benefits include free certificates, renewal of expired certificates, and an easy process for basic certificate creation. The process involves installing Certbot, running Certbot, domain verification, creating a verification file, creating certificates, and uploading them to a web hosting provider. However, manual verification can be more complex and limited to local machines.