How to Generate a PGP Key Pair on Windows

Generating a PGP key pair on Windows is straightforward using either the command line or Kleopatra. Follow these concise steps to get started.

Method 1: Using GPG Command Line

• Step 1: Install Gpg4win/ Git cli
• Step 2: Open Command Prompt/ Git cli.
• Step 3: Run gpg --full-generate-key.
• Step 4: Choose:
  • 1 for RSA and RSA.
  • 4096 for key size.
  • Expiration: set or choose 0 for none.
• Step 5: Enter your name and email.
• Step 6: Set a passphrase.
• Step 7: Export keys:
  • Public key: gpg --armor --export your_email@example.com > publickey.asc
  • Private key: gpg --armor --export-secret-keys your_email@example.com > privatekey.asc

Method 2: Using Kleopatra

• Step 1: Install Gpg4win (includes Kleopatra).
• Step 2: Open Kleopatra.
• Step 3: Click New Key Pair.
• Step 4: Enter your name and email.
• Step 5: Set a passphrase.
• Step 6: Export keys:
  • Public key: Right-click, Export.
  • Private key: Right-click, Export Secret Keys.

Following these steps, you’ll have your PGP key pair ready for encrypting and signing data on Windows!