Windows 10 stores certificates in several certificate stores. The quickest way to inspect certificates belonging to your user account is the Certificate Manager.
- Press Windows+R.
- Enter
certmgr.mscand press Enter. - Expand a store such as Personal > Certificates or Trusted Root Certification Authorities > Certificates.
- Double-click a certificate to inspect its subject, issuer, dates, purposes, and certification path.
- Close the manager without changing anything if you only needed to identify a certificate.
Computer certificates are separate
Certificates for the whole computer can be viewed through the Certificates snap-in in Microsoft Management Console with the Local Computer target. Administrative permission may be required.
Do not delete unfamiliar certificates
Certificates can support Wi-Fi, VPNs, websites, encrypted files, code signing, and organization authentication. Removing one without understanding its purpose can break access.
Root certificates require caution
Importing an untrusted root can cause Windows and applications to trust certificates issued beneath it. Never install a root certificate simply to suppress a warning unless its source and purpose are verified.
Windows 10 status
Standard Windows 10 support ended in 2025. Certificate management remains relevant, but Internet-connected systems should move to a supported platform or an appropriate supported servicing path.
Search by purpose, not only name
When many certificates are present, compare issuer, expiration, enhanced key usage, and certification path. Two certificates can have similar friendly names while serving completely different authentication or encryption roles.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.