10 Ways to Fix Your Connection is Not Private in Windows

'' Your connection is not private '' is an error which appears when a user tries to visit a certain website. What this error means is that the browser cannot make a connection between the website and the system. 

Most often this error is encountered when there is any problems in the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). The SSL certificate makes sure that the website you are trying to visit is secure. If the certificate gets invalid, it can lead to various crimes and thefts. Thus, to prevent this your browser may present you this error. Under this condition, the issue cannot be rectified unless the owner of the website fixes it. 

However, before moving onto a conclusion you should be aware that this problem could occur due to issues in the visitors side too. From the visitors side there are various other reasons like problematic Wifi network, browser and operating system may also contribute to this error. Whatever it is, still there are many ways a visitor can fix this error themselves.

In this article, I will be demonstrating about 10 Ways to Fix Your Connection is Not Private in Windows. The error message may vary depending on the browser. But the solutions will be the same.

Let's get started,

1. Refresh Page

Similar to other web browser errors in this too you must try refreshing the webpage. Either you can reopen the browser or refresh the page forcefully. Once the page is refreshed, there is a chance for the SSL certificate to get reissued or the site to get reestablish connections with the web server. 

2. Avoid Public Networks

You are most likely to encounter this error when using public networks such as in Internet cafes, Airports and Restaurants. Those kind of public networks are known to use HTTP rather than HTTPS. 

Generally, HTTP connections are less secure than HTTPS. Therefore, whatever data you put at HTTP is usually at risk. That can be the reason for the browser to show this error. For this it is best to use Private networks like homes or offices when connected to the internet.

3. Toggle to Incognito Mode

Sometimes the issue can be resolved just by opening the page in incognito mode. When the page is loaded in Incognito mode it prevents the browser from using any cookies, caches or other stored data. Thus, the page is loaded fresh. This way you can identify if truly stored data is behind this error.

4. Use Proxy

A proxy is an intermediate between the users and the internet. It works by forwarding HTTPS requests through a web server. The proxy can be used to create a network connection different from the one you currently use. 

Moreover, there are numerous free web proxy sites that allows you to test different URLs. One of those can be used to test this particular case as well. Through this you can ensure that this error is not unique to your network.

5. Check Antivirus

The computer's protective application like Firewall and Antivirus is meant to protect your computer from internet threats. The Antivirus software uses scanning feature to identify malicious sites. Sometimes these could also block SSL connections mistakenly. In such a case, you must find the SSL scanning option manually inside the Antivirus suite and disable them. If that option doesn't exist, disable Antivirus program entirely.

6. Disable VPN

Just like an Antivirus software, your VPN too can restrict access to certain sites. VPNs are softwares which provide duplicate IP address to the computer. This becomes a problem if the current IP address used is unregistered. Most often these unregistered IP address are recognized as a threat by the servers. As a result, the users will be denied access to that particular site. So you have to simply disable the VPN and see if the issue persists.

7. Change Data and Time Settings

A wrongly configured clock settings will always create problems establishing connection. Computers those are new or connected to the Wifi recently has the tendency to experience this error more since their data and time settings are most likely to be configured incorrectly. 

A part of SSL certificate validity depends on the data and time settings of your computer. If for any reason the settings goes wrong it can create problems in the validation process. Therefore, make sure that data and time settings are correctly synced up to fix this error.

8. Clear Stored Data

Corrupted browsing history is known to cause various certification errors including your connection is not private. Clearing them is one way to remove all of those corrupted files. Hence, make sure that all browsing data such as cookies and caches are completely deleted from your web browser. Whenever required your browser automatically creates new ones allowing the website to open freshly.

9. Skip Warning

Always remember that this message is given as a warning and temporarily can be skipped. If you trust the website you are visiting, you may skip this message temporarily and proceed with the site. 

Even after visiting, avoid providing any confidential information like credit card and bank account details to such sites. The option to skip this warning is usually available at the bottom screen.

10. Reset Router

Despite trying all of the above mentioned steps and still none of those work then you should consider resetting the router. Similar to a PC, a router has its own set of hardware components which can undergo failure. 

Sometimes the underlaying cause of the problem can be the router itself and not the browser. In this case, a simple restart should work like for other devices.