SSL Certificate Installation Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions

Installing an SSL certificate transforms your website from vulnerable HTTP to secure HTTPS, but the process varies significantly depending on your server environment, hosting setup, and technical infrastructure. This comprehensive installation guide provides detailed instructions for the most common platforms while explaining the underlying concepts that apply universally. Whether you're securing your first website or managing enterprise deployments, understanding both the specific steps and general principles ensures successful implementation.

The installation process typically involves three main phases: generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), obtaining the certificate from a Certificate Authority, and configuring your server to use the certificate. While modern hosting platforms often automate these steps, understanding the manual process helps troubleshoot issues and optimize configurations. This knowledge becomes invaluable when dealing with complex deployments or when automation fails.