Close
Search
Choose language Languages Arrow

How to open PEM files on your device

If an error occurs when you try to open PEM file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate PEM files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.

  1. 1. PEM File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) PEM file?
  3. 3. How to open PEM file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports PEM files
      1. 3.1.1 Programs that can open PEM files
    2. 3.2 Associate given software with PEM files
    3. 3.3 Check whether no other errors related to PEM files occur
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

PEM File Extension

File
  • File type Privacy Enhanced Mail Certificate
  • File developer N/A
  • File category Web Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
Preview

What is a(n) PEM file?

An Internet file with the .PEM extension stores a certificate encoded in Base64. The file is automatically generated and downloaded from the Apache server and used to authenticate the website, so do not edit it, as this may damage the content.

Open

How to open PEM file?

There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .PEM files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.

Step 1. Install a program that supports PEM files

In order to open PEM file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with PEM extension.

Programs that can open PEM files

Windows programs
Windows
MAC OS programs
MAC OS
Linux programs
Linux

Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, PEM files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.

Remember!

Bulb

Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on PEM files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to PEM files.

Step 2. Associate given software with PEM files

A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting PEM files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with PEM files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open PEM files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open PEM files.

When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the PEM file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:

  1. File with PEM extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
  2. File data is corrupted
  3. Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the PEM file is stored
  4. File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the PEM file was saved and then deleted
  5. User account is not privileged to perform operations on PEM files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

Similar file extensions

Submit File

Browse A-Z