Fix Browser Certificate Errors: Timezone & Renewal

TL;DR

Browser certificate errors often happen because of incorrect system time/timezone or an expired/incorrectly installed certificate. This guide shows you how to fix both.

Checking System Time and Timezone

1. Verify the Date and Time: Make sure your computer’s date and time are correct. Even a small difference can cause problems with security certificates.
   On Windows, right-click the clock in the taskbar and select ‘Adjust date/time’. Ensure ‘Set time automatically’ is turned on. If not, set it manually.

   Control Panel > Date and Time > Change date and time

2. Check Your Timezone: An incorrect timezone can also cause issues.
   On Windows, in the ‘Date and Time’ settings, check that your timezone is correct. If not, change it to your current location.

   Control Panel > Date and Time > Change time zone

3. Restart Your Browser: After correcting the date/time or timezone, restart your browser completely (close all windows and reopen).

Renewing Security Certificates

Certificates expire. When they do, browsers will show errors. Here’s how to handle renewal.

For Websites You Visit

1. Clear Browser Cache: Sometimes an old cached certificate is the problem.
   In Chrome/Edge: Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete, select ‘Cached images and files’, then click ‘Clear data’.
2. Check Certificate Validity (Website Owner): If you’re seeing errors on a website you trust, contact the website owner to confirm they have renewed their certificate.

For Certificates You Manage (e.g., for your own server)

1. Check Expiry Date: Use an SSL checker tool online or your server’s control panel to see when the certificate expires.
   • Example SSL Checker: SSL Shopper
2. Renew Your Certificate: Follow your certificate provider’s instructions to renew the certificate. This usually involves generating a new Certificate Signing Request (CSR) and submitting it to them.
3. Install the New Certificate: Once you receive the renewed certificate, install it on your server.
   The installation process varies depending on your web server software (e.g., Apache, Nginx, IIS). Consult your server’s documentation or hosting provider for specific instructions.

Troubleshooting Further

1. Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions can interfere with certificate validation. Try disabling extensions one by one to see if that resolves the issue.
2. Antivirus/Firewall Software: Occasionally, antivirus or firewall software might block certificate checks.
   Temporarily disable your security software (with caution!) to test if it’s causing the problem. If so, configure it to allow connections to the website or server in question.
3. Root Certificates: Ensure your operating system has up-to-date root certificates.
   Windows usually updates these automatically through Windows Update.