How to Create Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate on Windows (Step-by-Step Guide)

Complete beginner-friendly guide to generate and install a free SSL certificate on Windows server

If you’re running a website on Windows Server, securing it with HTTPS is no longer optional. Modern browsers flag unsecured websites as “Not Secure,” which can scare visitors away and negatively affect SEO rankings.

The good news? You can create an SSL certificate for free using Let’s Encrypt — and install it on your Windows Server in just a few steps.

In this detailed beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Create SSL certificate Let’s Encrypt on Windows

• Use Let’s Encrypt on Windows Server

• Install SSL certificate on Windows Server

• Use Win-ACME (recommended ACME client for Windows)

• Automatically renew your free SSL certificate

Let’s get started.

---

What Is Let’s Encrypt?

Let’s Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority (CA) provided by the Internet Security Research Group (ISRG). It allows you to generate trusted SSL/TLS certificates at no cost.

Unlike traditional SSL providers, Let’s Encrypt certificates:

• Are completely free

• Can be automated

• Renew automatically every 90 days

• Are trusted by all major browsers

It’s widely used by hosting providers and system administrators worldwide.

You may also like: Let’s Encrypt vs Paid SSL: Which One is Right for Your Website?

---

Why Use Let’s Encrypt on Windows Server?

If your website runs on Windows Server with IIS (Internet Information Services), you’ll need an ACME client compatible with Windows.

That’s where Win-ACME comes in.

Win-ACME (also known as WACS) is a popular Windows ACME client designed specifically to request and install Let’s Encrypt certificates on IIS automatically.

Benefits of using Win-ACME:

• Fully compatible with IIS

• Automatic certificate installation

• Auto-renewal support

• Simple command-line wizard

• Free and open-source

Do not miss- How to Create a .pfx/.p12 Certificate File Using OpenSSL

---

Prerequisites Before You Begin

Before you create SSL certificate Let’s Encrypt on Windows, make sure:

1. Your website is already hosted on Windows Server

2. IIS is installed and running

3. Your domain name points to your server’s public IP

4. Port 80 (HTTP) is open in firewall

5. You have administrator access to the server

Without these, the certificate validation will fail.

---

Step-by-Step Guide: Create Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate on Windows

Now let’s walk through the complete process.

---

Step 1: Download Win-ACME (Let’s Encrypt Windows Client)

1. Visit the official Win-ACME GitHub page.

2. Download the latest stable release ZIP file.

3. Extract it to a folder like:

C:\win-acme\

No installation is required — it runs directly from the folder.

---

Step 2: Run Win-ACME as Administrator

1. Open the extracted folder.

2. Right-click wacs.exe

3. Select Run as Administrator

You’ll see a command-line interface open with multiple options.

---

Step 3: Create SSL Certificate Using IIS (Recommended Method)

When prompted, choose:

N (Create new certificate)

Then select:

1 (Single binding of an IIS site)

Win-ACME will automatically detect IIS websites hosted on your server.

Select Your Website

• Choose the number corresponding to your domain.

• Confirm the domain name.

• Press Enter to continue.

Win-ACME will now:

• Perform domain validation

• Contact Let’s Encrypt servers

• Generate the certificate

• Install it automatically in IIS

If everything is configured correctly, you’ll see:

Certificate created successfully!

Congratulations — your free SSL Windows Server setup is complete.

You may also like - Extract PEM/CRT and KEY from PFX: Best Guide

---

Step 4: Verify SSL Installation

To confirm:

1. Open a browser

2. Visit:

https://yourdomain.com

You should see:

• A padlock icon

• No “Not Secure” warning

• HTTPS working properly

You can also test your SSL using online SSL checker tools.

---

How Let’s Encrypt Validation Works

Let’s Encrypt verifies domain ownership before issuing a certificate.

With IIS method, Win-ACME uses:

HTTP-01 challenge

This means:

• It places a validation file in your website folder

• Let’s Encrypt server checks it via port 80

• If accessible, certificate is issued

That’s why port 80 must be open.

You should also see this article for more troubleshooting with these steps - 

Create a Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate on Windows

---

Automatic SSL Renewal (Very Important)

Let’s Encrypt certificates expire every 90 days.

But don’t worry — Win-ACME automatically creates a scheduled task in Windows Task Scheduler.

To check:

1. Open Task Scheduler

2. Look for “win-acme renew task”

It runs daily and renews your certificate automatically before expiration.

No manual action required.

---

Alternative: Manual DNS Validation (Advanced Users)

If port 80 is blocked, you can use DNS validation instead.

Choose:

M (More options)

Then select DNS challenge.

This method:

• Requires access to DNS provider

• Requires manual TXT record entry

• Works even if port 80 is closed

This method is ideal for:

• Internal servers

• Cloud environments

• Servers behind strict firewalls

---

How to Install SSL Certificate Manually in IIS (If Needed)

If automatic installation fails, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open IIS Manager

1. Press Windows + R

2. Type inetmgr

3. Press Enter

Step 2: Bind HTTPS

1. Select your website

2. Click Bindings

3. Click Add

4. Choose:

   • Type: HTTPS

   • Port: 443

   • Select your certificate from dropdown

5. Click OK

Now HTTPS is manually configured.

---

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common problems when using Let’s Encrypt Windows:

---

Issue 1: Validation Failed

Reason: Port 80 blocked
Solution: Open port 80 in:

• Windows Firewall

• Hosting firewall

• Router firewall

---

Issue 2: Domain Not Pointing to Server

Reason: DNS not updated
Solution: Ensure your domain A record points to correct IP.

---

Issue 3: IIS Not Detected

Reason: Website not properly configured
Solution: Make sure site exists in IIS with correct binding.

---

Security Best Practices After Installing SSL

After installing SSL certificate on Windows:

1. Force HTTPS Redirect

Add URL Rewrite rule in IIS to redirect HTTP to HTTPS.

2. Disable Weak Protocols

Disable SSL 3.0 and old TLS versions.

3. Enable HSTS

Add HTTP Strict Transport Security header.

These steps improve security and SEO rankings.

---

Benefits of Free SSL on Windows Server

Using Let’s Encrypt offers:

• Zero cost SSL

• Improved SEO rankings

• Secure data encryption

• Increased user trust

• Automatic renewals

• No licensing fees

For small businesses, bloggers, and startups, this is the perfect solution.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Let’s Encrypt really free?

Yes, completely free forever.

---

Is it safe to use?

Yes. It’s trusted by all major browsers and widely used worldwide.

---

Does it work with Windows Server 2016/2019/2022?

Yes, Win-ACME supports modern Windows Server versions.

---

What happens after 90 days?

The certificate auto-renews via scheduled task.

---

Can I use it for multiple domains?

Yes. You can create multiple certificates for different domains or use SAN certificates.

---

Final Thoughts

Setting up HTTPS on Windows Server is no longer complicated or expensive. With Let’s Encrypt and Win-ACME, you can create SSL certificate Let’s Encrypt on Windows in just minutes.

To summarize:

1. Download Win-ACME

2. Run as administrator

3. Select IIS site

4. Let it generate and install automatically

5. Confirm HTTPS

6. Ensure auto-renewal works

That’s it!

Your website is now secure, SEO-friendly, and trusted by browsers — without paying a single dollar for SSL.



You may also like - 

Generate Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate on Windows 11 – Full Setup Guide

Learn how to configure Let’s Encrypt SSL on Windows 11 using Win-ACME and IIS.

Securing your website with HTTPS is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re hosting a personal blog, business site, or development project, installing an SSL certificate ensures encrypted communication between your server and visitors.

If you're running a web server on Windows, this guide will show you how to generate SSL certificate Let’s Encrypt Windows 11, configure it properly, and automate renewals using Win-ACME and IIS.

You may check my older article, right? - if not learn, How to Create Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate on Windows (Step-by-Step Guide)
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a fully functional free HTTPS Windows setup.

---

Why Use Let’s Encrypt on Windows 11?

Let's Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority (CA) that provides SSL/TLS certificates at no cost. It’s trusted by all major browsers and widely adopted worldwide.

Benefits include:

• 100% Free SSL certificates

• Automated issuance and renewal

• Trusted by browsers

• Secure HTTPS support

• Easy setup with tools like Win-ACME

For developers and small businesses running IIS on Windows 11, this is the easiest and most cost-effective solution.

---

Prerequisites Before You Start

Before you begin the Let’s Encrypt Windows 11 setup, make sure you have:

1. Windows 11 installed

2. IIS (Internet Information Services) enabled

3. A registered domain name pointing to your public IP

4. Port 80 (HTTP) open in firewall/router

5. Administrator access to your PC

---

Step 1: Install IIS on Windows 11

If IIS is not already installed:

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Click Turn Windows features on or off

3. Enable:

   • Internet Information Services

   • IIS Management Console

   • World Wide Web Services

4. Click OK and wait for installation.

After installation:

• Open browser

• Visit http://localhost

• You should see the IIS welcome page

Now IIS is ready for SSL for IIS configuration.

---

Step 2: Download Win-ACME Client

To request certificates from Let’s Encrypt on Windows, you’ll use:

Win-ACME

Win-ACME (WACS) is an ACME client built specifically for Windows servers. It automates certificate issuance and renewal.

Download Steps:

1. Visit the official Win-ACME GitHub page

2. Download the latest stable release ZIP

3. Extract it to a folder like:

C:\win-acme

---

Step 3: Run Win-ACME to Generate SSL Certificate

Now comes the important part — generating the certificate.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

2. Navigate to:

cd C:\win-acme

3. Run:

wacs.exe

You’ll see a menu like:

N: Create certificate (default settings)
M: Create certificate (full options)

Choose:

N

Win-ACME will:

• Detect IIS sites automatically

• List all hosted domains

• Ask which site you want to secure

Select your domain from the list.

---

Step 4: Domain Validation (HTTP-01 Challenge)

Let’s Encrypt verifies domain ownership using HTTP validation.

Win-ACME will:

• Create temporary validation files

• Place them in your IIS web root

• Let Let’s Encrypt verify your server

If your domain is correctly pointed and port 80 is open, validation will succeed automatically.

After verification, the certificate is issued instantly.

---

Step 5: Automatic SSL Installation for IIS

One of the best parts of Win-ACME Windows setup is that it automatically:

• Installs certificate in Windows Certificate Store

• Binds HTTPS to your IIS site

• Configures port 443

• Sets correct SSL binding

To confirm:

1. Open IIS Manager

2. Select your website

3. Click Bindings

4. You should see:

Type: https
Port: 443
Certificate: Your Domain

Now your site should load securely:

https://yourdomain.com

---

Step 6: Force HTTPS Redirection

To complete your free HTTPS Windows setup, redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS.

Method 1: Using URL Rewrite (Recommended)

1. Install URL Rewrite module (if not installed)

2. Open IIS Manager

3. Select your website

4. Open URL Rewrite

5. Click Add Rule(s)

6. Choose Blank Rule

Configure:

• Condition: {HTTPS} off

• Action: Redirect

• Redirect URL: https://{HTTP_HOST}/{R:1}

• Redirect Type: Permanent (301)

Now all visitors will be automatically redirected to HTTPS.

---

Step 7: Automatic Renewal Configuration

Let’s Encrypt certificates expire every 90 days.

Luckily, Win-ACME sets up:

• Windows Scheduled Task

• Automatic renewal check

• Silent renewal process

To verify:

1. Open Task Scheduler

2. Look for Win-ACME task

3. Confirm it runs daily

You don’t need to manually renew your certificate.

---

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Validation Failed

Check:

• Domain DNS is correct

• Port 80 is open

• No firewall blocking traffic

2. HTTPS Not Working

Verify:

• SSL binding exists in IIS

• Port 443 open

• Certificate installed correctly

3. Mixed Content Warning

If browser shows insecure warning:

• Update internal links to HTTPS

• Check images, scripts, CSS

• Fix hardcoded HTTP URLs

---

Why HTTPS Is Important for SEO

Google prioritizes HTTPS websites in search rankings.

SSL provides:

• Data encryption

• Improved trust

• Better SEO ranking

• Secure login forms

• Protection from MITM attacks

For deeper understanding of SSL and encryption concepts, you can explore helpful technical breakdowns on platforms like Medium’s BeingCoders section, especially discussions around SSL implementation available at https://medium.com/beingcoders/search?q=ssl. (these are the best articles to refer)

Additionally, if you're exploring broader Windows hosting optimizations, server tuning, or web security practices, resources on platforms like 9mood.com provide valuable technical insights for developers and system administrators.

---

Security Best Practices After Installation

Once SSL is installed:

1. Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)

2. Disable old TLS versions (TLS 1.0, 1.1)

3. Enable TLS 1.2 / 1.3 only

4. Keep Windows updated

5. Monitor certificate expiry logs

---

Advanced: Multiple Domains (SAN Certificate)

If your IIS hosts multiple domains:

Win-ACME allows:

• SAN (Subject Alternative Name) certificates

• Wildcard certificates (DNS validation required)

• Manual or advanced configurations

For wildcard certificates, DNS-01 challenge is needed.

---

Summary: Complete Let’s Encrypt Windows 11 Setup

You’ve successfully learned how to:

✔ Install IIS
✔ Download Win-ACME
✔ Generate SSL certificate Let’s Encrypt Windows
✔ Configure SSL for IIS
✔ Enable automatic renewal
✔ Force HTTPS redirect

This method is:

• Free

• Secure

• Automated

• SEO friendly

• Production ready

---

Final Thoughts

Setting up Let’s Encrypt Windows 11 with Win-ACME is one of the easiest ways to secure your IIS website without spending money on commercial certificates.

In today’s digital world, HTTPS is mandatory—not optional. Whether you're hosting a blog, business site, or internal application, implementing SSL ensures encrypted, trusted communication.

With this complete Win-ACME Windows setup guide, you now have everything needed to secure your Windows 11 web server professionally and efficiently.

If you’re planning to deploy more production-ready Windows servers, consider automating security practices and regularly reviewing best SSL configurations to maintain long-term reliability.

India’s Own Marketplace for Small Online Jobs

India’s Own Marketplace for Small Online Jobs: Empowering Freelancers and Small Businesses

In recent years, India has seen a huge shift in the job market, especially for freelancers and micro-entrepreneurs. With the rise of digital platforms, people across the country are finding new ways to earn money and build careers without leaving their homes. One of the biggest changes is the growing popularity of small online jobs in India. These jobs are ideal for individuals who want to earn money on their own terms, whether they’re students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone looking for flexible work.

But how exactly does the growing trend of small online jobs work in India, and why is it so popular?

The Rise of Freelance Job Platforms in India

Traditionally, India’s job market has been centered around full-time positions with big corporations or government roles. However, as technology has advanced, more and more people are turning to freelance work. This shift has been fueled by the growing number of freelance job platforms that cater to a wide range of skills—from digital marketing to content writing, graphic design, web development, and much more.

Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr have long been popular globally, but recently, India has also seen homegrown job platforms taking center stage. These platforms are designed specifically for Indian workers, making it easier for them to find online jobs for freelancers in a language they understand and at pay rates that suit local expectations.

How India’s Job Marketplace is Different

Unlike traditional job markets that often require long-term commitments or in-office work, the Indian job marketplace for small online jobs is flexible. Many of these jobs allow people to work from home, choose their hours, and take on projects based on their skill set. This flexibility is a big draw for those looking for additional income, a career change, or a more balanced work-life schedule.

This shift is particularly important for Indian women and rural populations who may not have the opportunity to commute to a traditional job. By embracing online work, they can access opportunities that were once unavailable to them.

A Booming Opportunity for Freelancers

The beauty of work from home opportunities in India is that they cater to all kinds of skills. Whether you are a writer, a designer, a developer, or even a customer service professional, there’s a platform for you. And it’s not just about picking up a few tasks here and there—it’s about building a long-term, sustainable freelance career. As the demand for digital skills continues to grow, the opportunities for online jobs expand.

For freelancers, India offers an ecosystem of resources to help build a successful career. From professional networking groups to specialized online training courses, the resources available can help anyone refine their skills and stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Challenges of the Indian Online Job Market

While the opportunities are vast, the Indian online job marketplace is not without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of awareness among small businesses or individuals about the potential of hiring freelancers. Many still rely on traditional methods of recruitment, often overlooking the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of hiring freelancers for short-term or project-based work.

Another challenge is the competition. As more people look to tap into the growing market of small online jobs in India, the competition becomes tougher. It’s essential to build a strong portfolio, maintain a good reputation, and continuously upgrade skills to stay ahead.

Why Small Online Jobs are Here to Stay

The growth of India’s digital economy, coupled with the increasing number of freelancers and small business owners, indicates that small online jobs are not just a passing trend. They are transforming how people view work and what they consider a “real job.” The flexibility, ease of access, and variety of opportunities make these jobs an attractive option for a growing number of Indians.

Moreover, with the rise of India’s middle class and a younger, tech-savvy population, the demand for online services and freelance work will only continue to increase. As long as platforms continue to innovate and make it easier for people to connect with clients, the future of India’s job marketplace looks bright.

Conclusion

India’s own marketplace for small online jobs is more than just a trend—it’s a game-changer. Whether you are a freelancer looking for new projects or a small business owner seeking cost-effective talent, these platforms offer a wealth of opportunities. As the country continues to embrace digital transformation, the landscape for online jobs for freelancers will keep evolving, giving everyone the chance to shape their future on their own terms.

By tapping into this market, India is not only boosting its economy but also empowering individuals to take control of their careers, creating a thriving digital workforce that is setting global standards.

Country State City Database - MySQL / JSON Download

World Data Bundle — Full Continent, Country, State, City & Currency Dataset

This article provides an overview of the World Geo Data digital product.

World data bundle — download mysql, csv, json and svg country flag icons to boost your app progress faster | Image by author

You can definitely try out this game-changing, developer-ready solution to use the dataset bundle for your application. Using this bundle kit, you can boost your development progress much faster. This bundle kit is really useful, as it contains files according to your development needs. See below for more information.

Use this friend link, if you don't have full article read access.

🌍 World Geo Data — Get the Full Country, State, City & Currency Dataset

Checkout country list, continent list, states, currencies and cities | Image by Author

A ready-to-use dataset bundle includes all geographic and administrative information, including continents, countries, states, cities, and currencies in MySQL, CSV, JSON, and SVG Country Flag icons as Images for all countries.

👉 Buy on Gumroad (for $5)

This dataset includes structured lists of:

• Countries
• States/Provinces
• Cities
• Continents
• Currency

Each dataset is provided in:

• MySQL (.sql)
• CSV format
• JSON data format
• SVG Flag icons for all Countries
• Sample SQL queries

🫰 Usage

✅ Ready to import into any MySQL or PostgreSQL DB
📦 Useful for developers, SaaS founders, UI designers, data analysts & educators.

📜 License & Permits

Licensed under MIT, it can be used freely in personal and commercial projects.

✨ Use Cases

• Create country/state dropdowns
• Add region filters to your SaaS
• Power location-based dashboards
• Academic & data analysis projects
• You can make your own scenarios and use cases…
• 👉 Buy on Gumroad (for $5)

For example, in your signup form, you want to show a dropdown of country lists along with country flag icons and their respective phone code numbers. You cannot put every country's information in the dropdown, because writing ul li tags for 195 countries is a real headache, and to resolve this, I brought up a unique approach using CSS where you just need to add the standard ISO 2-letter country code in lower case, as shown below.

<h3>India <span class="fi fi-in"></span></h3>

Best Way To Add Country Flag Icons In Angular

Learn the best way to add country flag icons in Angular, React or vue.js with this comprehensive guide. Easy methods…

www.9mood.com

You can also check out the stackblitz code below for setting up the country flag icons demo. See the output preview directly here.

📦 What’s Included?

├───1. Continents
│       continents.csv
│       continents.json
│       continents.sql
│       LICENSE.md
│
├───2. Countries
│   │   countries.csv
│   │   countries.json
│   │   countries.sql
│   │   LICENSE.md
│   │   Readme-svg-country-flag-icons.txt
│   │
│   └───svg-country-flag-icons
│     
│
├───3. States
│       LICENSE.md
│       states-with-countryid-mapping.csv
│       states.csv
│       states.json
│       states.sql
│
├───4. Cities
│       cities-with-state-and-country-mapping.csv
│       cities.csv
│       cities.json
│       cities.sql
│       LICENSE.md
│
└───5. Currencies
        currencies.sql
        currency.csv
        currency.json
        LICENSE.md

Each file is cleanly structured and ready for integration into your apps, databases, analytics platforms, or localization projects.

📂 File Format Support

All major formats are included:

• .csv — for spreadsheets and tabular data tools
• .json — for developers and APIs
• .sql — for direct database import (MySQL, PostgreSQL compatible)
• .svg — for showing flag icons for country-wise, for better readability.

🔐 Licensing

Each folder includes a separate LICENSE.md file detailing usage rights. Please review them before using them in commercial or open-source projects. Licensed under MIT, it can be used freely in personal and commercial projects.

🙌 Contribution / Suggestion

This repo is for documentation purposes only. If you have suggestions or questions about the dataset, feel free to reach out via email.

👉 Buy on Gumroad (for $5)

⭐ Why Use This?

• ✅ Clean, consistent, and standardized
• 🌐 Global coverage
• 🛠️ Ready for production
• 📊 Ideal for developers, UI designers, analysts, and entrepreneurs

🫰Sample Queries:

For the continents table:

CREATE TABLE `continent_master` (
  `id` int NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
  `code` varchar(3) NOT NULL,
  `name` varchar(150) NOT NULL,
  PRIMARY KEY (`id`),
  UNIQUE KEY `code` (`code`,`name`)
);

Insert Queries:

INSERT INTO `continent_master` VALUES (1,'AF','AFRICA');

🛒 Buy Now

Get instant access to the full dataset:

👉 Buy on Gumroad (for $5)

Thanks for reading the article, and don’t forget to ⭐️ this article if you found it helpful! 👏 are most welcome.

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