Create a Code Signing Certificate

Ok, this post is shameless plagiarism from this post.  But I couldn’t risk losing sight of good content.  Thanks (and apologies) go to David Barrett!  Here we discuss how to create a code signing certificate using Active Directory certificate services.

Enable the Code Signing Certificate Template

1. On the appropriate server (e.g. the CA root), open Certificate Services Manager.
2. In the left pane, select Certificate Templates.
3. Check for a Code Signing template – by default, this isn’t available.  If it isn’t, add it:
   1. From Action menu, select New -> Certificate Template to Issue.
   2. Select Code Signing, then click OK.

 Grant Permissions for User(s)

1. From the Certificate Services Manager, right click Certificate Templates and select Manage.
2. From the list of templates, right-click Code Signing and select Properties.
3. Select the Security tab.
4. Any users that should be allowed to create code signing certificates need to be granted Read and Enroll permissions, so add users and permissions as necessary.
5. Apply changes.

Create a Code Signing Certificate

1. On the development machine (logged in as a user who has been granted permissions to create a code signing certificate), open Microsoft Management Console.
2. From File menu, select Add/Remove Snap-in…
3. From Available snap-ins, select Certificates and then click Add.
4. Select My user account, and then click Finish.
5. OK out of the Add/Remove snap-in window.
6. You will now see Certificates listed in the console view on the left.  Right-click Personal, select All Tasks, then Request New Certificate.
7. Click Next on the first screen (Before You Begin).
8. Click Next on the Select Certificate Enrolment Policy screen (Active Directory Enrolment Policy will be applied).
9. In the Request Certificates screen, tick Code Signing, and then click Enrol.  A certificate will be created and placed in the user’s Personal store.