Free SSL on Windows hosting: secure your domain with HTTPS
Secure your site on HyperDC Windows hosting: point the domain to the server, issue the free SSL certificate in the client area, or upload a certificate you own.
- Beginner
- 10 min read
- Updated
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On this page
Your site should load over HTTPS, and every Windows hosting plan includes a free certificate for it. You manage certificates in the SSL tab of your service page.
Before you start
The A records of example.com and www.example.com point to the Server IP address shown on Overview; see point a domain to your server.
Step 1: Issue the free certificate
- Open SSL. The list shows each of your domains with its State, its Expires date and the Names its certificate covers.
- Select Issue Free next to the domain.
- It can take a moment. Open the tab again to see the result: the State becomes Free Certificate, and Names lists the domain and its
wwwname.
Verify: https://example.com and https://www.example.com load with a padlock.
Step 2: Upload your own certificate (optional)
If you bought a certificate, use it instead of the free one:
- In the domain's menu, select Upload Certificate.
- Leave Format on PFX File, choose the PFX file and enter the PFX password.
- Select Upload Certificate. It takes the place of the current certificate.
Verify: https://example.com shows your certificate when you open its details in the browser.
To take a certificate away, select Remove Certificate in the same menu. The site stops answering over HTTPS until a new certificate is installed.
Troubleshooting
An error appears under the domain. The domain or its www name does not point to the server yet, or the change has not reached the whole internet. Check the A records, wait a while and select Issue Free again.
The padlock is missing on some pages. Those pages still load images or scripts over http://. Change those addresses to https:// in your site.
Next steps
- Your site's files: upload files on Windows hosting.
- An application on the secured site: deploy an ASP.NET site.
Frequently asked questions
Is the certificate really free?
Yes. Every Windows hosting plan includes a free SSL certificate, at no extra cost.
Does it cover www as well?
Yes. The certificate covers the domain and its www name, so point both to the server first.
Can I use a certificate I bought?
Yes. Upload it as a PFX file with its password. It takes the place of the current certificate.
Why does Issue Free fail?
Usually the domain or its www name does not point to the server yet. The SSL tab shows the reason under the domain. Check the A records and try again.