Tips to open PFX file

Can't open the PFX file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open PFX files as well as a list of programs that support PFX files.

PFX file extension

File Name PKCS #12 Certificate Format
File Category System Files

The PFX file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the PFX files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the PFX file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is PFX file?

The PFX file has been categorized as System Files. Additionally, the System Files category contains 323 of other files. PKCS #12 Certificate Format is supported by 2 operating systems. These systems consist of Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. It is recommended to use Adobe Acrobat to handle this file. This is a program created by Adobe Systems Incorporated. Alternatively, you can use 5 other programs. Microsoft Windows, Adobe Reader, Mac OS X will apply when it is not possible to use Adobe Acrobat.

How to open PFX file?

The main problem with PKCS #12 Certificate Format is that the PFX file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open PFX, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the PFX file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Adobe Acrobat

In this case, you should first verify that the Adobe Acrobat application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Adobe Acrobat in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file PFX.

Step 2. Create association of Adobe Acrobat with PFX files

If, despite the installed application, the PFX file does not start in the Adobe Acrobat application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the PFX file with the Adobe Acrobat application.

Step 3. Update Adobe Acrobat to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Adobe Acrobat program with the PKCS #12 Certificate Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Adobe Systems Incorporated website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the PFX file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the PFX file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our PFX file. However, remember that not every infected PFX file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of PFX file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair PFX file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting N/A, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file PFX except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the PFX file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the PFX file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.