“Your connection to this site is not secure” usually means the website uses plain HTTP instead of encrypted HTTPS, so your browser labels it Not secure. That’s a problem with the site, not your Windows 10 PC. Try typing https:// before the address, and don’t enter passwords or card numbers on the page. If you see the warning on sites that normally work, like your bank or Google, the cause is usually on your side: a wrong date and time, antivirus HTTPS scanning, a public Wi-Fi login page, or an outdated browser.
Here’s how to tell which situation you’re in and fix it.
What the warning means
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| “Not secure” on one or a few smaller sites | The site uses HTTP only | Try https://, avoid entering private info, or contact the site owner |
| Warning on many well-known sites | Wrong clock, antivirus, network, or browser problem | Follow the fixes below |
| Full-page error like “Your connection isn’t private” with NET::ERR_CERT | Certificate problem | Check your clock; don’t bypass it on sites where you log in |
| Warning only on public Wi-Fi | Captive portal or network interception | Sign in to the Wi-Fi page first, or use your phone’s hotspot |
Fix 1: Try the HTTPS version of the site
Click the address bar and change http:// to https://. Many sites support HTTPS but don’t redirect automatically. To make this automatic, turn on Always use secure connections in Chrome (Settings > Privacy and security > Security) or Automatically switch to more secure connections in Edge (Settings > Privacy, search, and services).
Fix 2: Correct your date and time
- Right-click the clock on the taskbar and choose Adjust date/time.
- Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
- Click Sync now.
Security certificates are only valid for certain dates, so a wrong clock makes every secure site look unsafe.
Fix 3: Check your antivirus or VPN
Some antivirus programs scan encrypted traffic with a feature called HTTPS scanning, SSL scanning, or Web Shield. If it’s misconfigured, sites can show warnings. Update the antivirus first. If that doesn’t help, temporarily turn off its web or HTTPS scanning to test, then turn it back on. Also try disconnecting from any VPN or proxy. See how to use a VPN on Windows.
Fix 4: Sign in to public Wi-Fi
Hotels, airports, and cafés often intercept your first page to show a login screen. Open a plain site like http://neverssl.com to trigger the login page, accept the terms, then try again. If warnings continue on public Wi-Fi, avoid logging in to accounts or use your phone’s hotspot.
Fix 5: Update your browser and Windows
- Chrome: Menu > Help > About Google Chrome.
- Edge: Menu > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
- Windows: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Updates include new root certificates.
Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025. Browsers may continue to update for a while, but an unsupported system can eventually cause certificate problems.
Fix 6: Clear browser data and check extensions
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, choose Cached images and files and Cookies, and clear them. See how to clear cookies and cache on Windows 10.
- Open a private window (Ctrl + Shift + N in Chrome or Edge). If the warning goes away, an extension may be the cause. Turn extensions off one at a time.
Fix 7: Clear the SSL state and reset network settings
- Search for Internet Options in Start and open it.
- On the Content tab, click Clear SSL state, then OK.
- If problems continue, reset your network: Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. See how to reset the network adapter in Windows 10.
Is it safe to continue to a “Not secure” site?
Reading public information on an HTTP site is generally low risk. Don’t enter passwords, payment details, or personal information, because anyone on the same network could potentially see it. Never click “Proceed” past a certificate error on a site where you’d sign in, such as your bank or email.
Frequently asked questions
How do I fix “Not secure” on my own website?
Install an SSL/TLS certificate (many hosts offer free ones through Let’s Encrypt) and redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS.
Why does the warning appear only in one browser?
That browser may be outdated, have a problem extension, or use different security settings. Update or reset it.
Does this happen on Windows 11 too?
Yes. The same causes and fixes apply.
Matthew Burleigh is the head writer at solveyourtech.com, where he covers topics like the iPhone, Microsoft Office, and Google apps. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has over 15 years of IT experience.
He has been writing online since 2008 and has published thousands of articles that have been read millions of times.