What is a '.PVK backup' file and how is it used?

A '.PVK backup' file is a file format used to store private keys, typically in the context of digital certificates. PVK (Private Key) files are commonly used in Microsoft Windows environments.Private keys are a crucial component of asymmetric encryption systems like RSA. They are used to decrypt data that has been encrypted using the corresponding public key. Private keys are kept confidential and are not shared publicly.A .PVK backup file contains the private key associated with a digital certificate. It is used as a backup mechanism to securely store and protect the private key. The file is typically password-protected to ensure its confidentiality.PVK backup files are often used in scenarios where the private key needs to be transferred or stored securely, such as when moving a certificate from one server to another or when creating backups for disaster recovery purposes.To use a .PVK backup file, it is usually imported into a certificate store or key store using a specific software or tool provided by the certificate authority or the operating system. The private key stored in the .PVK backup file can then be associated with the corresponding digital certificate for various cryptographic operations, such as signing or decrypting data.

How can I create a '.PVK backup' file for my encrypted data?

A .PVK file contains a private key, usually used with Microsoft cryptographic tools. Although the format is largely outdated (replaced by .PFX / .P12), you can still create one for compatibility or backup purposes. Steps to create a .PVK file: Export your certificate and private key to a .PFX file: In Windows, open mmc.exe → File → Add/Remove Snap-in → Certificates → OK. Find your certificate under Personal → Certificates → right-click → All Tasks → Export → choose “Yes, export the private key” and save as cert.pfx. Extract the private key and certificate using OpenSSL: openssl pkcs12 -in cert.pfx -nocerts -nodes -out key.pem openssl pkcs12 -in cert.pfx -nokeys -out cert.pem openssl x509 -in cert.pem -outform DER -out cert.cer Convert PEM to PVK format: Use a conversion utility such as pem2pvk or a similar PVK tool available on GitHub. Example: pem2pvk key.pem -pvk privatekey.pvk -spc cert.cer -secure This will create a privatekey.pvk file protected with a password (depending on the utility options). Verify and store your backup safely: Make sure the .pvk file was created successfully and keep it in a secure location. Tip: If your goal is simply to back up your encryption keys, it is generally recommended to use the .PFX format instead. It supports modern encryption and password protection, while .PVK is mainly required for legacy systems.

Are there any specific tools or software that can be used to open and restore a '.PVK backup' file?

Yes. A .PVK file is a Microsoft private key file used to store encryption keys. While it’s an older format, there are still several tools that can open, convert, or restore data from it. The best choice depends on whether you need to inspect the key, convert it, or re-import it into Windows. Common tools and methods: Microsoft Certificate Manager (MMC) You can import a .PVK file back into Windows by converting it into a .PFX container first, then importing it through the Certificates snap-in (mmc.exe → File → Add/Remove Snap-in → Certificates). OpenSSL Although OpenSSL does not natively read .PVK files, you can first convert the file to PEM format using a utility such as pvk2pem or pem2pvk, and then open or inspect the key: pvk2pem -in privatekey.pvk -out key.pem Windows SDK tools (pvk2pfx.exe, makecert.exe, cert2spc.exe) These Microsoft utilities can create or merge .PVK and .SPC files into a .PFX container, which can then be imported or restored: pvk2pfx -pvk privatekey.pvk -spc certificate.spc -pfx output.pfx Third-party utilities and converters Several open-source tools are available on GitHub to convert .PVK into .PEM or .PFX for use with modern systems. Recommendation: If you need to restore data or re-import your encryption keys, convert your .PVK file to a .PFX container using pvk2pfx.exe or similar tools. The .PFX format is more secure, portable, and compatible with current Windows and SSL/TLS software. Note: Always keep your .PVK or .PFX files in a safe and encrypted location. Losing access to the private key means permanent loss of the ability to decrypt your data or authenticate your certificates.

Recover .PVK Files from iPhone Storage: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Name: 🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)
Uploaded: 2025-10-17T09:10:50+03:00
Description: 🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .PVK file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

Recover .PVK Files from iPhone Storage: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Data Recovery Tool

What is a .PVK file?

Private key file used by software developers for digitally signing applications; stores the key as a segment of encrypted data in a small file; allows the application bundle to be authenticated by end users; often used in conjunction with .SPC and .PFX files.

Contents

What Are Common Causes of .PVK Files Lost or Failure?
How to recover lost .PVK files?
Programs to recover .PVK files
How to open file with .PVK extension?
- Programs that open .PVK files
- Additional Information

What Are Common Causes of ".PVK" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes for ".PVK" files being lost or experiencing failure:

Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".PVK" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer systems.
File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or software glitches, can lead to the corruption or loss of ".PVK" files.
Hardware failure: If the storage device where the ".PVK" files are stored (such as a hard drive or USB drive) fails, it can result in the loss of data, including ".PVK" files.
Software or system crashes: Unexpected crashes of software applications or the operating system can cause ".PVK" files to become corrupted or lost.
Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage files, including ".PVK" files, leading to their loss or inaccessibility.
Improper file handling: Improper handling of ".PVK" files, such as forceful shutdowns or abrupt removal of storage devices, can result in file corruption or loss.
Software or system updates: Sometimes, updates to software or the operating system can interfere with ".PVK" files, causing them to become inaccessible or lost.
Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or improper file transfers, can lead to the loss of ".PVK" files.

It is important to regularly back up ".PVK" files to prevent permanent loss and consider using data recovery tools or services if files are accidentally deleted or lost.

How to recover lost ".PVK" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".PVK" file may be deleted.

Go to view

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".PVK" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".PVK" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".PVK" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 5.1

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

Download

Follow the directions below:

Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.
The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.
Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".PVK" files, and select analysis type.
When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.
To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.
Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".
Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

How to open file with ".PVK" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo private Key File image file file?

Programs that open ".PVK" files

Windows
Microsoft File Signing Tool
OpenSSL
Pvktool
Mac
OpenSSL
Linux
OpenSSL

Additional Information

File type: Private Key File
File extension: .PVK
Developer: Microsoft
Category: Misc Files
Format: Text

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:50 #

Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PVK files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!

Reply

Post comment

Updated:
17.10.2025 9:10

Evaluations:
5
/
Rating:

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

Questions and answers

What is a ".PVK backup" file and how is it used?

A ".PVK backup" file is a file format used to store private keys, typically in the context of digital certificates. PVK (Private Key) files are commonly used in Microsoft Windows environments.
Private keys are a crucial component of asymmetric encryption systems like RSA. They are used to decrypt data that has been encrypted using the corresponding public key. Private keys are kept confidential and are not shared publicly.
A .PVK backup file contains the private key associated with a digital certificate. It is used as a backup mechanism to securely store and protect the private key. The file is typically password-protected to ensure its confidentiality.
PVK backup files are often used in scenarios where the private key needs to be transferred or stored securely, such as when moving a certificate from one server to another or when creating backups for disaster recovery purposes.
To use a .PVK backup file, it is usually imported into a certificate store or key store using a specific software or tool provided by the certificate authority or the operating system. The private key stored in the .PVK backup file can then be associated with the corresponding digital certificate for various cryptographic operations, such as signing or decrypting data.
How can I create a ".PVK backup" file for my encrypted data?
A .PVK file contains a private key, usually used with Microsoft cryptographic tools. Although the format is largely outdated (replaced by .PFX / .P12), you can still create one for compatibility or backup purposes.

Steps to create a .PVK file:
1. Export your certificate and private key to a .PFX file:
  In Windows, open mmc.exe → File → Add/Remove Snap-in → Certificates → OK.
  Find your certificate under Personal → Certificates → right-click → All Tasks → Export → choose “Yes, export the private key” and save as cert.pfx.
2. Extract the private key and certificate using OpenSSL:
```
openssl pkcs12 -in cert.pfx -nocerts -nodes -out key.pem
openssl pkcs12 -in cert.pfx -nokeys -out cert.pem
openssl x509 -in cert.pem -outform DER -out cert.cer
```
3. Convert PEM to PVK format:
  Use a conversion utility such as pem2pvk or a similar PVK tool available on GitHub. Example:
```
pem2pvk key.pem -pvk privatekey.pvk -spc cert.cer -secure
```
  This will create a privatekey.pvk file protected with a password (depending on the utility options).
4. Verify and store your backup safely:
  Make sure the .pvk file was created successfully and keep it in a secure location.
Tip:

If your goal is simply to back up your encryption keys, it is generally recommended to use the .PFX format instead. It supports modern encryption and password protection, while .PVK is mainly required for legacy systems.
Are there any specific tools or software that can be used to open and restore a ".PVK backup" file?
Yes. A .PVK file is a Microsoft private key file used to store encryption keys. While it’s an older format, there are still several tools that can open, convert, or restore data from it. The best choice depends on whether you need to inspect the key, convert it, or re-import it into Windows.

Common tools and methods:
- Microsoft Certificate Manager (MMC)
  You can import a .PVK file back into Windows by converting it into a .PFX container first, then importing it through the Certificates snap-in (mmc.exe → File → Add/Remove Snap-in → Certificates).
- OpenSSL
  Although OpenSSL does not natively read .PVK files, you can first convert the file to PEM format using a utility such as pvk2pem or pem2pvk, and then open or inspect the key:
```
pvk2pem -in privatekey.pvk -out key.pem
```
- Windows SDK tools (pvk2pfx.exe, makecert.exe, cert2spc.exe)
  These Microsoft utilities can create or merge .PVK and .SPC files into a .PFX container, which can then be imported or restored:
```
pvk2pfx -pvk privatekey.pvk -spc certificate.spc -pfx output.pfx
```
- Third-party utilities and converters
  Several open-source tools are available on GitHub to convert .PVK into .PEM or .PFX for use with modern systems.
Recommendation:

If you need to restore data or re-import your encryption keys, convert your .PVK file to a .PFX container using pvk2pfx.exe or similar tools. The .PFX format is more secure, portable, and compatible with current Windows and SSL/TLS software.

Note:

Always keep your .PVK or .PFX files in a safe and encrypted location. Losing access to the private key means permanent loss of the ability to decrypt your data or authenticate your certificates.