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# Certificate Settings

This section describes how to set your certificate preferences and how to use the Certificate Manager, Device Manager, and other dialog boxes related to certificates.

For step-by-step descriptions of various tasks related to certificates, see Using Certificates.

In this section:

- Certificate Preferences
- Certificate Manager
- Device Manager
- Certificate Information and Decisions

## Privacy & Security Preferences - Certificates

This section describes use the Certificates preferences panel. To view Certificates preferences, follow these steps:

1. Open the &brandShortName; Edit menu and choose Preferences.
2. Under the Privacy & Security category, click Certificates. (If no subcategories are visible, double-click Privacy & Security to expand the list.)

### Client Certificate Selection

Some websites require you to identify yourself with a certificate. The option you select here determines how the browser identifies the certificate to present among those you may have on file:

- Select Automatically: Click this option if you want the browser to select a certificate without asking you.
- Ask Every Time: Click this option if you want the browser to ask you which certificate to use each time a website requests one.

### Manage Certificates

Certificates are the digital equivalent of ID cards—they help other people identify you, and they help you identify other people, websites, and organizations.

To examine or configure the certificates you have on file, click Manage Certificates.

### Manage Security Devices

A security device is a hardware or software device that stores your certificates and keys. For example, a smart card is a security device. Your browser has its own built-in software security device, and you can use additional security devices, such as smart cards, at the same time.

To examine or configure your security devices, click Manage Security Devices.