OpenSSL is a full-featured toolkit for the Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols. It is licensed under an Apache-style license. This tutorial will help you to install OpenSSL on Windows operating systems.
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Openssl Tool Github
Step 1 – Download OpenSSL Binary
Download the latest OpenSSL windows installer file from the following download page. Click the below link to visit OpenSSL download page:
Step 2 – Run OpenSSL Installer
Now run the OpenSSL installer on your system. The OpenSSL required Microsoft Visual C++ to be installed on your system. If your system doesn’t have Microsoft Visual C++ installed, the installer will show your message like:
Click Yes to download and install required Microsoft Visual C++ package on your system.
Then again run the OpenSSL installer and follow the wizard.
Step 3 – Setup Environment Variables
Now set the environment variables to function OpenSSL properly on your system. You are required to set OPENSSL_CONF and Path environment variables.
Use the following commands to set environment for current session only:
Set Variables Permanently – You can also se the OPENSSL_CONF and Path environment variables in system permanently. To set the environment variable follow:
Press Windows + R keys together to open run window, Then type “sysdm.cpl” in the Run dialog box and hit Enter. Alternatively, you can open Command Prompt and type the same command to open System Properties
Openssl Tools
Go to “Advanced” tab and click on “Environment variables”.
Set OPENSSL_CONF Variable:
Set Path Variable:
Step 4 – Run OpenSSL Binary
Open a command prompt on your system and type openssl to open OpenSSL prompt. After that type version to get the installed OpenSSL version on your system.
Deciding on Key Generation Options
When generating a key, you have to decide three things: the key algorithm, the key size, and whether to use a passphrase.
Key Algorithm
For the key algorithm, you need to take into account its compatibility. For this reason, we recommend you use RSA. However, if you have a specific need to use another algorithm (such as ECDSA), you can use that too, but be aware of the compatibility issues you might run into.
Note: This guide only covers generating keys using the RSA algorithm.
Openssl Toolkit
Key Size
For the key size, you need to select a bit length of at least 2048 when using RSA and 256 when using ECDSA; these are the smallest key sizes allowed for SSL certificates. Unless you need to use a larger key size, we recommend sticking with 2048 with RSA and 256 with ECDSA.
Note: In older versions of OpenSSL, if no key size is specified, the default key size of 512 is used. Any key size lower than 2048 is considered unsecure and should never be used.
Passphrase
For the passphrase, you need to decide whether you want to use one. If used, the private key will be encrypted using the specified encryption method, and it will be impossible to use without the passphrase. Because there are pros and cons with both options, it's important you understand the implications of using or not using a passphrase. In this guide, we will not be using a passphrase in our examples.