Data Protection Issues

How to Fix Microsoft Conditional Access Digital ID Not Detected in Word

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to digitally sign a document on a new computer, but Word fails to recognize their existing Microsoft Conditional Access digital ID.

How to Fix Microsoft Conditional Access Digital ID Not Detected in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Transferring a digital workflow to a new computer and attempting to digitally sign a Word document using a Conditional Access Digital ID.
Observed behavior: Word displays a prompt stating 'To sign a Microsoft Office document you need a digital ID. Would you like to get one from a Microsoft Partner now?' instead of detecting the existing certificate.

Before you start

Verify that your Windows account has the necessary permissions to access the Certificate Manager and export private keys on the original computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Export and Import the Digital Certificate

Transfer your digital certificate from the computer where it currently works to the new device so Word can recognize your digital ID.

A digital ID must reside in the local user certificate store of the device you are currently using. If you switch computers, you need to manually transfer the certificate along with its private key so Microsoft Word can access it during the signing process.

Open Certificate Manager on the Original PC

Press Windows + R, type 'certmgr.msc', and press Enter to open the Windows Certificate Manager on the device where your digital signature currently works.

Export the Digital ID

Navigate to 'Personal' > 'Certificates'. Right-click your specific digital certificate, select 'All Tasks', and click 'Export'. Follow the wizard and ensure you select 'Yes, export the private key'.

Save and Transfer the Certificate

Set a secure password for the exported file, save it (typically as a .pfx file) to a portable USB drive, and transfer it to your new computer.

Import the Certificate on the New PC

Double-click the transferred certificate file on the new computer. Select 'Current User', enter your password, and choose the 'Personal' certificate store location.

Restart Word and Sign

Close and reopen Microsoft Word, then attempt to insert your signature line again. The digital ID should now appear in the available certificates list.

Export and Import the Digital Certificate

Export Restrictions: If the 'Yes, export the private key' option is grayed out, your organization's IT policy has marked the certificate as non-exportable. You will need to request a new certificate for the second computer.

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word ask me to get a digital ID from a Microsoft Partner?

This prompt appears when Microsoft Word cannot find a valid personal certificate in your Windows user certificate store. Importing your exported certificate into the local machine's store will resolve this issue.

Can I use the same digital ID on multiple devices?

Yes, provided the certificate's private key allows exportation. You must export it from the original device and import it into the local 'Personal' certificate store of each additional device you use.

What should I do if the 'export private key' option is grayed out?

The certificate issuer or your IT department may have marked the private key as non-exportable for security reasons. If this happens, you cannot manually transfer it and will need to request a new certificate or smart card from your IT administrator.

Microsoft Office Security Issues