SST File – What is .sst file and how to open it?

Definition of an SST File

A Serialized Certificate Store File (SST) file is a binary file format used by Microsoft products to store and manage digital certificates. It encapsulates a collection of certificates, certificate chains, and certificate revocation lists (CRLs) in a serialized format. SST files are employed to securely deploy and manage certificates in environments where centralized certificate management is required.

Key Features of SST Files

SST files offer several advantages over traditional certificate management methods. Firstly, they provide a centralized repository for certificates, simplifying management and reducing the risk of certificate loss or compromise. Secondly, they allow for offline management of certificates, enabling administrators to manage certificates even when the target system is offline or unavailable. Additionally, SST files utilize a binary format that optimizes storage space and enhances performance compared to XML-based certificate formats.

Opening SST Files Using Microsoft Software

Microsoft provides several software tools that can be used to open and manipulate SST files. One common tool is the Microsoft Certificate Manager, which is included in the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). To open an SST file in Certificate Manager, follow these steps:

• Click on the “File” menu and select “Import.”
• Navigate to the location of the SST file and select it.
• Click on the “Open” button.
• The certificates contained in the SST file will be imported into the Certificate Manager’s “Certificates” store.

Another Microsoft tool that can open SST files is the Certutil utility. Certutil is a command-line tool that can be used to perform various tasks related to certificates, including importing and exporting SST files. To import an SST file using Certutil, open a command prompt and type the following command:


certutil -importpfx <path_to_sst_file>


This command will import the certificates contained in the SST file into the local computer’s certificate store.

Opening SST Files Using Third-Party Software

In addition to Microsoft software, there are also several third-party software tools that can be used to open and manipulate SST files. One popular tool is OpenSSL, which is an open-source cryptography library. To open an SST file using OpenSSL, follow these steps:

• Download and install OpenSSL from the official website.
• Open a command prompt and navigate to the location of the SST file.
• Type the following command:


openssl pkcs12 -in <path_to_sst_file> -out <output_file_name>


This command will convert the SST file into a PKCS#12 file, which can be opened using a variety of software tools.

Serialized Certificate Store File (SST)

An SST file is a Microsoft-developed file extension that stores certificates and other cryptographic information in a serialized format. SST files are typically used to store certificates and keys associated with a particular user account or computer system. They are commonly used in enterprise environments where central management and distribution of certificates is required. SST files can also be used to backup and restore certificate stores, providing a convenient way to maintain and recover critical cryptographic assets.

Structure and Usage

SST files utilize a hierarchical structure to organize certificates and other related data. The file consists of a header section, followed by a series of sections for each type of data. Certificates are stored in a separate certificate section, while keys and other cryptographic information are stored in their respective sections. SST files are typically encrypted using a password or other security measures to protect the sensitive data they contain. They can be managed and manipulated using various tools provided by Microsoft, including the Certificate Manager and the SST utility.

Other Extensions