{"id":608,"date":"2022-10-24T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-24T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/signmycode.com\/resources\/?p=608"},"modified":"2024-09-16T11:17:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T11:17:44","slug":"convert-exported-pfx-file-to-pvk-and-spc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/signmycode.com\/resources\/convert-exported-pfx-file-to-pvk-and-spc","title":{"rendered":"How to Convert an Exported PFX File to PVK & SPC Files [A Detailed Guide]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Note: Due to the New CA\/B Guideline, the Code Signing Certificate is now not exported; private keys must be marked as non-exportable!<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A single code signing certificate can work on various machines. However, you need to convert it into the respective format. Here we will see how to convert an exported PFX File to PVK and SPC Files on Windows!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no need to worry if the names of the files listed in the title perplexe you. They are related to code signing and have a critical role to play. Code signing is a process in which developers use a digital code signing certificate to sign the code or software they make. This certificate is provided to them by an authenticated certificate authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Instead Buy Token Based Code Signing Certificate Based on New CA\/B Requirement that can store on FIPS 140-2 Level 2 or Common Criteria Level EAL4+ certified device.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get Code Signing Certificates at $215.99\/yr<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

However, it is not that easy to get the code signing certificate. You have to prove your identity to the certificate authority to get the certificate. And there is a strict vetting process if you apply for an EV certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are clear about code signing, but what are these PFX, SPC, and PVK files? You must be so keen to find out, right? Let\u2019s move ahead and learn about them and how you can use them for your benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are PFX, PVK, and SPC Files?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, what are these files with strange names? Let\u2019s find out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PFX File: <\/strong>Number one on the list is the PFX file. The PFX file is the PKCS#12 format file containing the SSL certificate, certificate chains, root authority certificates, private keys, and the intermediate certificate authority to prove the certificate’s legitimacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This file is primarily in the encrypted format and used by browsers or the PC for checking the authenticity of the software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PVK File: <\/strong>PVK is a proprietary format of the file that is used to store private keys for code signing for various Microsoft products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SPC File: <\/strong>An SPC file is a digital certificate file made in PKCS # 7 format. Like files like .ssp, .cer, and .p7c, the SPC file stores the public key information, which is encrypted with a private key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, this is a brief overview of the files used behind the scenes in the code signing process<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do you need to Convert the PFX file?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many of you might have this question popped up in your mind, why do you need to convert the PFX file? Well, there are some reasons for that! Here is the most important one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PFX file is encrypted when it is fetched from the CA. However, if you want to use the same PFX file on another system or PC, you won\u2019t download a new one, right? Hence, it is best to export and convert it into an unencrypted form for another system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Convert PFX to PVK and SPC files?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, if you want to convert the PFX file to PVK and SPC-based for a browser, here is the detailed process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1. Export the code signing certificate from Internet Explorer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you convert the PFX file to PVK or any other forms, it is necessary to export the PFX file from the previous browser, or should we say the default browser? The code signing certificate on your device is permanently installed on the default browser. Hence, if you use a different browser like Firefox or Google Chrome, you may have to export it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Internet Explorer is the default Microsoft browser, you must export it to use it in another browser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the steps to export the certificate from Internet Explorer!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n