How to Fix This Site is Not Secure Error in Edge

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

While you're surfing the web, your browser does many things behind the scenes to make sure the websites you're accessing aren't putting you at risk. Granted, while there is only so much your browser can do to keep you safe, it's a good idea to pay attention to any warnings it sends your way.

One of the errors you may encounter while using Microsoft Edge on a Windows PC or a Mac is a "Not Secure" or "Not Private" warning. Initially, this may seem concerning as its wording implies that your security is at risk. However, this error can appear even on websites we know to be 100% secure and are confident in. This is due to an issue with security certificates, and many times is not the fault of your computer or your web browser at all. These certificates are what websites use to prove they are who they say they are on the internet, and if your browser detects an issue with a certificate, it will issue a warning.

This guide will help you determine whether this warning is being triggered by incorrect settings on your computer or web browser, or if the issue is with the website itself.

2. Make Sure the Date and Time are Correct

Security certificates are used by our web browsers and computers to make sure a particular site is safe. Think of it as a form of ID. A website having a valid security certificate lets your browser know that the website claiming to be your bank is actually your bank, and so on. Just like our own government issued IDs have expiration dates, so do security certificates. If your computer has the wrong date and time set, this can cause certificates to appear invalid & your web browser will begin to issue security warnings.

If you notice that the Date and Time is continually incorrect even after manual adjustment, your machine may need to be serviced to replace its CMOS battery.

Windows

Windows shows the current date and time in the System Tray, usually in the bottom-right corner of your screen.

macOS

macOS shows the current date and time in the top-right corner of your screen, on the menu bar. Clicking on the time will show the date.

Each operating system is a little different when it comes to how the date and time are set. Expand the section below for the system you have.

Windows

1. Using your right mouse button, Right Click on the Date & Time, then select Adjust date/time.
   

1. Make sure Set time automatically is On. Make sure the Time zone is set to your time zone. Finally make sure Adjust for daylight saving time automatically is turned On.
   

Apple macOS

1. Select the time display in the top-right corner of your screen and select Open Date & Time Preferences.
   

1. Select the Lock in the bottom-right corner.
   

1. Enter your macOS password, and select Unlock.
   

1. Make sure Set date and time automatically is selected.
   

1. Select Time zone at the top.
   

1. On the world map, click close to where you live to set the Time Zone.
   

3. Clear Cache and History on Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge, select the menu in the top right, and select Settings.
   

1. Select Privacy & security on the left, then select Choose what to clear on the right.
   

1. 
   
2. Select the item categories you wish to clear, then select Clear.
   

1. 
   
   SettingCheckboxBrowsing HistoryCheckedWhile you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.Cookies and saved website dataCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.
   
2. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
3. Cached data and filesCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.Tabs I've set aside or recently closedCheckedThis clears tabs that you have set aside, as well as tabs that you've recently closed.Download HistoryPersonal ChoiceThese are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.Autofill dataUncheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.PasswordsUncheckedYour browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.Media LicensesUncheckedClears any saved media licenses. These are typically used for streaming sites that you may have purchased content from.Website PermissionsUncheckedClears any permission granted to web sites. These permissions include permissions to access your audio devices such as your mic, and location services.

4. Try Again or Carefully Bypass Warnings

You have made sure the date and time settings are correct on your computer, and cleared your cache. Try browsing the page you were having problems with again.

If you continue to have difficulties, it means there is a problem with the way the website itself is configured, not with your computer. This is not a problem you can fix with settings or options, but rather will require the people who made the website to change how it functions.

Carefully Bypass Certain Warnings

Sometimes it is possible to bypass the "Your connection isn't private" warning and view the page in some situations.

If the Edge browser is warning you about the security on a page, it is doing so for a good reason. There is a high chance of someone snooping or watching what you are doing on the site.

Because of this, should you choose to continue, do not input any secure information into the site. Including:

• Do not put in usernames or passwords
• Do not put in any personal information such as name or address
• Do not put in your email address

A common exception to this is local tools. Some routers and other networking hardware use a self-signed certificate, meaning the router or device itself is the 'authority' that vouches for the content. On a local network, this is fine and understandable (you don't have a separate computer on your network just to certify your router's control website) and it is safe to bypass this warning and log into your router or device.

1. On the warning screen, select Advanced.
   

1. Select Continue To at the bottom.