SSL Certificate Flow Chart - Quick Flow

Winhost > SSL

Ordering an SSL Certificate on Winhost — Quick Flow

Winhost > SSL

The short version: getting an SSL on your site is now just two choices - order an SSL Cert from us, or upload a PFX you already own. Either way, the certificate should be issued within 10 minutes. No CSR to generate, no files to copy, no back-and-forth.

The flow at a glance

Green = automatic / YES Yellow = you do it Red = NO / stop & read Blue = decision
START: I need an SSL

Go to SSL Manager. Pick one:
These are the only two options. Choose whichever fits.
A — Order from Winhost

1. Click Order SSL Certificate
2. Pick a type (RapidSSL, Wildcard, etc.)
3. Click Order SSL Certificate to submit
Note: We will use HTTP validation by default and fall back to DNS validation.

DigiCert verifies your domain
It's automatic. Should issue within 10 minutes.
You do nothing.

Cert installed automatically
Confirmation email sent.
If verification fails: that means we can't reach your domain (rare). You'll need to add a DNS TXT record yourself to finish. *
B — Upload my own PFX

1. Click Upload SSL PFX File
2. Choose your .pfx file
3. Enter the PFX password
4. Click Upload

Cert installed
Takes a few moments. Confirmation email sent.
(No domain verification needed — the PFX is already a valid cert.)
both paths merge here

Final step — Turn on the HTTPS redirect
So no one lands on the old http:// version and sees “Not Secure” message

* Reissue / DNS note: if you handle DNS validation yourself, or if you reissue the certificate later, you will need to redo this verification step.

Want the full step-by-step with screenshots? See the detailed article: Order an SSL Certificate Through Winhost.

Quick answers

QuestionAnswer
Do I need to do anything for domain validation?If the site is currently hosted with us, OR if the DNS is pointing to our name servers, you don't need to do anything — validation happens automatically.
Do I need to generate a CSR?No. Winhost handles the CSR for you behind the scenes.
How fast?DV certs should issue within 10 minutes. OV/EV take 1–3 business days because DigiCert has to verify your organization.
I already have a cert from someone else — can I use it?Yes. Use Option B and upload your .pfx file.
Does my site go down?No. It stays online the whole time.
What is a PFX file?A PFX file is a password-protected file that bundles a digital certificate, its private key, and any intermediate certificates into one package. It’s commonly used on Windows systems to secure SSL/TLS connections, sign code, and verify identities.
Article ID: 1778, , Modified: 5/6/2026 at 9:23 AM

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