Keys and operations — Keyserver and WKD lookup

Where: Tools → Lookup (keyserver / WKD).

This finds public keys on the network. It does not upload your secret key.

Servers

The Lookup window can query:

  • WKD (Web Key Directory) for an email’s domain
  • keys.openpgp.org
  • keyserver.ubuntu.com
  • pgp.mit.edu
  • keys.mailvelope.com

One server may miss a key another has. Try a second server if the first returns nothing.

Steps

  1. Open Lookup.
  2. Enter an email or key id as the form requires.
  3. Choose a server (or WKD).
  4. Choose Lookup. The program checks Internet first (ping to 8.8.8.8 / Google).
  5. If there is no network, you are told to connect and try again.
  6. If keys are listed, select one, inspect the fingerprint, then import.
  7. Compare the fingerprint again in Properties. Set Verified only after that.

If it fails

  • No Internet — connect, then Lookup again.
  • No result on keys.openpgp.org — try Ubuntu or MIT.
  • WKD empty — that domain does not publish WKD, or the address is wrong.
  • Imported a key you have not checked — treat it as unverified.

Next

Trust, fingerprint, and QR. Import a key if you already have a file and do not need a server.