How to Fix “Error Code: SSL_error_handshake_failure_alert”

Published 2022-02-21

Blog Summary – If you are getting an error message- SSL_error_handshake_failure_alert in Browsers, you must be confused. Here in this blog, we explain what it is and how to fix it on your Windows PC.

All operating systems can show up the error – SSL_error_handshake_failure_alert while accessing the web browsers. It is most commonly shown on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, but it can also be found in other browsers. This error can cause the user the distress of not being able to access the websites.

What is the SSL Handshake error?

In the literal meaning when the SSL protocols fail to get in contact with the servers, the web browsers. When over the network a browser and a server share the encryption algorithms or different details without interruptions it is called the SSL handshake. The failure of this task is referred to as an SSL handshake error. This occurs when the connection is not established properly due to disagreement between the exchanging data.

Also Read: How To Fix ‘Unable to Contact your DHCP server’ in Windows 10?

Methods to fix SSL_error handshake_failure_alert error –

So, to have a secure transaction between the servers, it is necessary to have the SSL handshake error fixed on your computer. Without wasting time, let’s get into the details to fix the error by the following steps –

1. Update Date & Time –

This might seem like a small task, but the wrong time and date on your computer can be the cause behind such blunders. If your set time is ahead of the actual clock, the SSL connection might be interrupted. As the connection is not established based on the discrepancy in the different times.

Go to the Taskbar, right-click on it, and then go to Adjust date/time. Here you can adjust the time and go on with checking if the error still exists. Sometimes, the wrong time can show up every time you boot your computer. It is due to some internal error with registry entries or possible malware.

To save yourself from such issues, we suggest you take help from Advanced System Optimizer. It is a power-packed software that will help you optimize your computer, fixes system errors, and protect you from malware threats. It can easily run a scan on the computer and detect the possible clutter, malware threats, registry errors, outdated drivers, and more.

It is available for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP and Vista (32 bit & 64 bit).

Once you have downloaded and installed it, run the application and click on the Start Smart PC Care.

Once the scan is performed, the results will appear and show you the different sections. The errors can be cleared out by clicking on the Optimize button.

This will fix all the possible issues caused by malicious elements or bad Registry entries on your computer.

However, if your problem isn’t solved by this method, move on to the next.

2. Whitelist a website –

To whitelist, a website might help you in accessing it on a particular web browser. An antivirus program on your computer might be interrupting your connection with the website deeming it potentially dangerous. So, to skip this part, one must follow these steps to add a website to the Exceptions.

Step 1: Go to the Devices and head to Chrome > Settings > Users & Browsers.

Step 2: Now go to the Blocked URL exceptions and enter the website you are trying to open.

Also read: How To Fix ”Your Connection Is Not Private” Error On Windows 10.

3. Update browser –

SSL handshake error might occur due to the outdated web browser. It is possible that the current web browser does not have the support for the needed connection. If there’s a protocol mismatch for the device and the server. Therefore, it is required that you keep your web browsers up to date for the latest versions available. Always update the web browsers from an authenticated link.

Must Read: Beware of The Ransomware Hiding In The Browser Updates

4. Check & Verify SSL Certificate –

Similar to the mismatched protocols, the mismatching Cipher Suites can cause the SSL handshake error. To check if the client and the server have mutual support for the same Cipher Suite or not.

Step 1: Go to SSL Labs which is a collection of documents and tools related to SSL. You can check the Projects> SSL Client Test. Here you can see the list where Cipher Suites support for your browser can be found.

Step 2: Next, go to the Projects> SSL Server Test. Type the domain name and search. Now look under the Configuration for the list of support for the Cipher Suites.

This will give you information about the browser and server using the Cipher Suites. If it’s not the same, that’s what is causing the problem.

5. Another Web browser –

If none of the methods work for you to fix SSL alert handshake failure error, it could be the browser thatis the root cause. Therefore, try to connect through another web browser. You can also try to reinstall the web browser or set it to its default settings.

Frequently Asked Questions –

Q1. What is SSL_error_handshake_failure_alert?

SSL_error_handshake_failure_alert shows up on your web browser when it fails to establish a connection which is secure for the device. It can be due to differences between the protocols of client and server or the older certificate or browser versions.

Q2. How do I fix a secure connection failed in Chrome?

To get rid of the SSL handshake failure error, you need to find the problem causing this error report. There are methods to fix a certain problem on Chrome, follow the aforementioned steps..

Q3. How do I fix security certificate errors in Firefox?

To fix the security certificate error in Firefox, you need to follow the instructions shown above. It can easily help you resolve the SSL handshake failure error.

Also read: New Google Updates To Help Users.

Conclusion –

If your web browser refuses to open a website and you get the error message – SSL handshake failure alert on the screen, these methods can help you solve the issue. Advanced System Optimizer is a versatile program and it fixes severalproblems on Windows PC. It is a must-have utility on your computer and we highly recommend it to keep your PC clean and optimized.

We hope this article will help you learn how to fix SSL_error_handshake_failure_alert on Windows PC. We would like to know your views on this post to make it more useful. Your suggestions and comments are welcome in the comment section below. Share the information with your friends and others by sharing the article on social media.

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