How to import a valid copy of your electronic certificate

Windows - Import copy of certificate into Microsoft Edge

To import an electronic certificate to the browser, you will need to have a valid copy of the certificate.The icon for a valid copy is an open envelope with a green certificate sticking out and a key, with the file extension .pfx or .p12.If you can't see the extension, right click on the certificate icon and go to "Properties".

In Microsoft Edge, go to the “Settings and more” menu, at the end of the address bar, identified by three vertical dots. Then, go to “Settings”.

Click on "Privacy, search and services" in the left-hand margin, find "Security" and click on "Manage certificates".

In the "Personal" tab, press the "Import" button.Then, in the "Import Wizard", click on "Next".

Click "Search" to go to the route where the copy of your certificate was saved.

Select the pfx or p12 file and click "Open".It's important to choose the type of file from the dropdown menu "Exchange personal information" in order to locate the copy.Click on "Next" again.

If the copy was made with a password you must indicate it and it is very important to also tick the box "Mark this key as exportable...".so that if you need to obtain a backup copy of the certificate you can export the private key.Click "Next" again.

Tick "Automatically select certificate storage...".Click "Next again and then "Finish".

If the import has been completed correctly, the message "Import successful" will appear, and when the browser asks you to identify yourself, your certificate will appear on the selection window for authentication or signature.

Another option for importing certificates is to double click on the copy;this will directly open the "Import wizard".In the first step, you must tick "Current user".Then the certificate will install on the "Personal" tab, which is the proper location for the certificate to be correctly signed in an AEAT E-Office procedure. The rest of the options to be ticked or left by default are the same.

If the copy is invalid (the icon is a green certificate with no key;and the file extension is .cer) this is because when exporting it you did not tick the box "Export the private key", which is the personal information contained in the certificate and without which it is not enabled for signing.If the copy is invalid, it will be installed in the "Other people" tab instead of in the "Personal" tab and it will not be valid for accessing the procedures on the AEAT website.

If the certificates don't allow you to work as normal, you will not be able to make a proper copy or request a renewal online either.If you don't have a valid copy, you will have to request a new certificate.