How to Install a Free Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate in Plesk (Windows)
Plesk for Windows allows you to secure your domain with a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt. This ensures your website uses HTTPS, improving security and trust with visitors.
Note: Before securing a domain, make sure the domain name resolves to the public IP address of the Plesk server.
If in doubt, check DNS availability using MxToolBox DNS Lookup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Log in to your Plesk Control Panel.
- Install the extensions SSL It! and Let’s Encrypt (if not already installed).
- Go to Domains → example.com → Hosting & DNS → Hosting Settings.
- Enable the option SSL/TLS support if it is disabled, then click OK or Apply.
- Return to Domains → example.com and click SSL/TLS Certificates.
- At the bottom of the page, click Install under More options → Install a free basic certificate provided by Let’s Encrypt.
- Select the desired options for the certificate:
- Secure the domain name
- Include the
wwwsubdomain and aliases - Secure webmail on this domain
- Assign the certificate to the mail domain
- Confirm the email address (used for important notifications from Let’s Encrypt).
- Click Get it free to issue and install the certificate.
Best Practices
- Always ensure your domain resolves correctly before issuing an SSL certificate.
- Enable options to secure www and webmail for complete coverage.
- Certificates from Let’s Encrypt are valid for 90 days but Plesk will auto-renew them.
- Check your site after installation to confirm HTTPS is active and padlock appears in the browser.
✔ Tip: Using Let’s Encrypt in Plesk is free, fast, and automatically renewable — ensuring your website stays secure without extra cost.