9 Steps to Install SSL for Xampp in Most Detail

 Installing SSL for Xampp is an important task to protect information and data during web development. Let's  go through each detailed step with TipsMake  to perform this installation process easily and effectively.

Step 1: Download the 'cert.conf' and 'make-cert.bat' files

Download the two files cert.conf and make-cert.bat needed for creating the SSL certificate.

The cert.conf file contains the configuration needed to create an SSL certificate. It defines information about the organization, address, and other information related to the certificate.

The make-cert.bat file is used to run the command to create a certificate on your computer.

When downloading, make sure that this file has not been changed or edited by any malware. After downloading both files, you should save them to a memorable folder on your computer.

Install SSL for Xampp

Step 2: Create a new folder inside the Apache folder

Create a new folder inside XAMPP's Apache folder to store the SSL certificates.

The Apache folder is usually located in the C:xamppapache path. You need to open File Explorer and navigate to this location. You can then create a new folder to contain the files you just downloaded.

For example, the new folder name could be ssl_certificate. A clear name will help you avoid confusing it with other folders in Xampp.

Step 3: Upload the cert.conf and make-cert.bat files to the newly created folder

Copy the two files cert.conf and make-cert.bat into the newly created directory.

You can simply drag and drop these files from their original location into the new folder. Make sure you don't change the file names when moving them, as this may cause errors during the SSL installation for Xampp.

Once uploaded, check the contents of the ssl_certificate folder again to confirm that both files were moved successfully.

Step 4: Edit the cert.conf file

The next step in the SSL installation process for Xampp is to modify the cert.conf file. 

You need to use a text editor like Notepad or Sublime Text to open the cert.conf file. 

In the cert.conf file, you will see fields to fill in including: organization name, domain name, email address,. You need to replace the default values ​​with your information.

Once you're done editing, remember to save the cert.conf file.

Step 5: Run the make-cert.bat file

Run the make-cert.bat file to create an SSL certificate. You can do this by double-clicking make-cert.bat, entering the domain name when prompted, and following the default settings.

When you run this file, a CMD window will appear and show the execution process. Wait for the process to complete. If everything goes well, you will see a success message.

Step 6: Run the server.crt file

Once you have successfully created the SSL certificate, the next step is to run the server.crt file. 

First, you need to move the server.crt file into the directory containing the Apache configuration files. Usually, this directory is in the C:xamppapachebin path.

Next, you need to configure Apache to use the certificate. This is usually done in the httpd-ssl.conf file. You may need to add the paths to your server.crt and server.key files to this configuration file.

Step 7: Add website in Windows server

You open Command Prompt with admin rights and enter the command:

C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts

In the hosts file, add the following line: 127.0.0.1 testssl.com

Finally, restart Apache from the Xampp control panel to apply the changes you just made.

Step 8: Add domain name to httpd-xampp.conf file

Configure SSL in XAMPP by editing the httpd-xampp.conf file.

You can do this by opening the file C:xamppapacheconfextrahttpd-xampp.conf, adding the SSL configuration code for your domain name, and saving.

Step 9: Check the results

Finally, after completing the above steps, you need to check if the SSL installation for Xampp is successful or not by restarting Apache and checking the result by accessing your domain name via HTTPS.

To do: Restart Apache in XAMPP Control Panel, open a browser, and access your domain name. If the green lock icon appears, it means you have successfully installed it.

If you encounter any errors, go through each step again to determine the problem. Sometimes errors can be caused by incorrect configuration or the certificate file is not recognized correctly.

Conclude

Installing SSL for Xampp not only helps secure data but also improves user experience. Through the detailed instructions above that TipsMake shares, hopefully you can easily perform this process. 

Marvin Fry

Update 01 April 2025