Installing a ZeroSSL Certificate on GoDaddy Windows Shared Hosting

Step 1: Visit ZeroSSL and Start the Process

• Go to zerossl.com.
• Click on Get Free SSL at the top right.

Step 2: Create a New SSL Certificate

• Sign in (or create an account).
• Click on New Certificate.
• Enter your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com) in the Enter Domain box.
• (Optional: For multi-domain or wildcard, extra steps or a paid plan may be required.)
• Click Next Step.

Step 3: Complete Certificate Setup Steps

• Validity: Confirm the desired certificate duration.
• CSR & Contact: The system will generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) automatically.
• Follow the prompts to complete these sections.

Step 4: Validate Your Domain

• You will be asked to prove ownership of your domain, typically via:
  • Email validation,
  • Creating a DNS record,
  • Or uploading a verification file to your hosting.
• Complete the required validation as instructed by ZeroSSL.

Step 5: Download the Certificate

• Once validation is complete, your certificate will be issued.
• Go to your ZeroSSL dashboard and find the certificate under Issued certificates.
• Download the certificate files. When asked, select Plesk or the server type closest to GoDaddy Windows hosting.
• You will receive a ZIP file containing:
  • certificate.crt
  • ca_bundle.crt
  • private.key

Step 6: Install the SSL Certificate on GoDaddy Windows Hosting

• Log in to your GoDaddy hosting control panel (Plesk or cPanel for Windows hosting).
• Locate the SSL/TLS or Certificates section.
• Choose your domain and click on Upload Certificate or Install Certificate.
• When prompted, use the files you downloaded:
  • Certificate: Upload certificate.crt
  • CA Bundle/Intermediate: Upload ca_bundle.crt
  • Private Key: Upload private.key
• Complete the wizard and apply the certificate.

Step 7: Finalize and Test

• After installation, ensure that your website loads securely using https://.
• Use SSL Labs SSL Test or a similar tool to verify the installation.

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Files Provided by ZeroSSL

• certificate.crt – The SSL certificate for your domain.
• ca_bundle.crt – The intermediate certificate chain.
• private.key – Your private key (keep this secure).

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Summary Table

Step	Action
Get SSL	Start at zerossl.com, click “Get Free SSL”
Add Domain	Enter your domain and proceed
Validate	Complete domain validation via DNS, file, or email
Download Files	Download the issued certificate files
Upload to Host	Install certificate.crt, ca_bundle.crt, private.key in GoDaddy’s SSL panel
Verify	Check your site with https and SSL tools