File Extension Database

Open PVK File

PVK files represent a type of data file format associated with Microsoft's Private Key Files. These files are used to store private keys for various applications, such as code signing, for example. To deal with PVK files, one might need to understand how they are formatted and the methods to open or utilize them appropriately. This article aims to provide an understanding of different formats and strategies to open and work with PVK files.

Using PVK Files for Code Signing

Microsoft uses SignTool, a command-line tool, to help digitally sign files, verify signatures in files, or timestamp files. For code signing, you need a personal information exchange (.PFX) file, but if you only have a .PVK and .SPC file, you can combine these files to create a .PFX file. Microsoft provides another tool, pvk2pfx, to perform this conversion. Hence, specifically for code signing, PVK files find their use in this particular scenario.

PVK Files and SQL Server

PVK files are also found in Microsoft SQL Server software. To export a certificate and private key from a PKCS #12 file (.PFX) into a PVK file and a certificate file, Microsoft Support suggests using the Pvk2Pfx tool. Later on, these PVK files can be imported into SQL Server using the create certificate Transact-SQL (T-SQL) statement, enabling use within the SQL Server space.

Opening and Converting PVK Files

Tools like OpenSSL are often used to handle and manage PVK files. Among the many functionalities it offers, you can convert PVK files to PEM files and vice versa, which helps to enhance the interoperability of various servers and systems. The OpenSSL documents offer complete details on how to use these tools effectively.

PVK File Important Information

Understanding PVK files and how to use them effectively can significantly enhance your managerial capabilities over private keys, whether for code signing or importing to SQL server. Always be aware that these files contain sensitive information, and hence, should be handled with care. Also, note that various useful tools such as SignTool, pvk2pfx, and OpenSSL exist, which you can utilize while working with such files.

How Can I Open PVK File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PVK file is to find a PVK file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PVK file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PVK file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PVK file opener then try to search online for "PVK viewer", "application to open PVK file" or "open PVK file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PVK file

How Can I Open PVK File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PVK file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PVK file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PVK file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PVK file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PVK file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PVK file then try to search for "PVK viewer", "application to open PVK file" or "read PVK file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PVK file

How Can I Open PVK File on Android

If you downloaded a PVK file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PVK file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PVK".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PVK viewer", "PVK file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PVK File on iPhone or iPad

To open PVK File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PVK file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PVK". This way you can find apps which can open PVK files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PVK viewer" or "PVK file" online in your favorite search engine.

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