P12 File Extension

What is P12 file?

P12 filename suffix is mostly used for Personal Information Exchange Format files. Personal Information Exchange Format format was developed by RSA Laboratories. Files with P12 extension may be used by programs distributed for Mac OS, Windows platform. P12 file belongs to the Web Files category just like 303 other filename extensions listed in our database. Adobe Reader supports P12 files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 5 other tools may also be used. Software named Adobe Reader was created by Adobe Systems Incorporated. In order to find more detailed information on the software and P12 files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support P12 file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open P12 files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. P12 files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with P12 extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening P12 files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with P12 files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Adobe Reader software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening P12 files is that no program that can handle P12 files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe Reader or different compatible program, such as Adobe Acrobat, Apple Keychain Access, Microsoft Certificate Lifecycle Manager. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support P12 files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Adobe Reader installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Adobe Systems Incorporated website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Adobe Reader and update if needed

You still cannot access P12 files although Adobe Reader is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Adobe Reader cannot handle files with P12 may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Adobe Reader should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Adobe Reader to P12 files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate P12 files with latest version of Adobe Reader you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the P12 file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Adobe Reader installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open P12 files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with P12 extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with P12 extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the P12 for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper P12 file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The P12 may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the P12 is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. P12 file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with P12 extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic P12 file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with P12 extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Personal Information Exchange Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Adobe Reader

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support P12 files. Close all running programs and try opening the P12 file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Personal Information Exchange Format file. It may be the case that the P12 files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the P12 file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on P12 file.