What's the PFX File?

Writer:   |   Last Updated: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

PFX File Summary

There are two file types associated with the PFX File Extension, with the most widely-observed being the PKCS #12 Certificate File format. According to our database, three distinct software programs (conventionally, Adobe Acrobat DC developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated) will enable you to view these files. These files can be categorized as System Files or Text Files. In the majority of cases, these files will be System Files.

PFX files are found on both mobile and desktop platforms and can be opened using Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. These files have a Popularity Rating of "Low", meaning they are not very commonly observed on your average hard disk.

Although there is a lot more to know about PFX files, those are the most important details of these types of files. If you are having trouble opening these files, or would like more detailed information, please see our comprehensive information below.

Low
Popularity
464
Position

/ 11690

Active

Relevance

26

November

2018

Revised

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Kinds of PFX Files

  2 known file types use this extension

Dominant PFX File Type

.PFX
Formatting:.pfx
Group:PKCS #12 Certificate File

PKCS #12 Certificate File is an encrypted security file that allows one to store secure certificates, which are used to authenticate a person or device.

Created by: Various Developers
Function:System Files
Location: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.pfx

Software Programs That Open The PKCS #12 Certificate File:


Adobe Acrobat DC by Adobe Systems Incorporated

Windows
Mac
Linux

Certificate Manager Tool by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

More PFX Files

.PFX
Formatting:.pfx
Group:First Choice Word Processing Document

First Choice Word Processing Document is a text document that is created by the First Choice word processor. It can be converted into other formats.

Created by: SoftKey
Function:Text Files

Software Programs That Open First Choice Word Processing Document Files:


SoftKey PFS First Choice by SoftKey

Compatible with:

Windows

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PFX Usage


Primary Browsers

Chrome (58.80%)
Firefox (11.05%)
Internet Explorer (9.04%)
Edge (8.46%)
Safari (3.87%)


Understanding PFX Issues


Frequent PFX Opening Issues

Adobe Acrobat DC Disappeared

If you attempt to load your PFX file, you experience a message such as "Can't Open PFX Files". If so, it typically means that you don't have Adobe Acrobat DC installed for %%os%%. You won't be able to double-click to open your PFX because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.


Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your PFX, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").


Obsolete Version of Adobe Acrobat DC

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of Adobe Acrobat DC installed that's incompatible with your PKCS #12 Certificate File type. If you've got the wrong version of Adobe Acrobat DC installed, you'll need to install the correct version. This issue mainly occurs when your PKCS #12 Certificate File file was created by a newer version of Adobe Acrobat DC than you have on your PC.


Tip: If you right-click on your PFX file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.


Regardless, most of the PFX file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Adobe Acrobat DC installed.


More Causes of Problems Opening PFXs

Assuming you have the right Adobe Acrobat DC version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening PFX files. If you are continuing to have errors with loading PFX files, other external issues might be to blame. Other contributing causes:

  • File references in the Windows Registry for PFX are wrong
  • Deletion of the PFX file description from the Registry by mistake
  • Adobe Acrobat DC or another PFX application experienced a flawed installation
  • Something has caused file corruption of your PFX
  • Malware-tainted PFX file can't be opened
  • Device drivers of the hardware associated with your PFX file are corrupt or out-of-date
  • Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the PKCS #12 Certificate File format

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