protocol unsupported

Hi Paul Dawson,

I’m sorry to hear that common sites like Facebook or lottery pages suddenly stop opening for you. The Q&A Assist has suggested something for you to try, so I’ll only add other options in case those don’t work:

1 - Check date and time

• Right‑click the clock in the taskbar
• Select Adjust date and time > turn ON
  • Set time automatically
  • Set time zone automatically
• If they’re already on, turn OFF > choose another time/region.
• Restart your PC > go back and turn ON both options > check again.

2 - Temporarily disable antivirus / web protection

• Temporarily turn off HTTPS scanning or/and Web shield (if any)
• Open Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > turn off.

Disclaimer: Temporarily turning off real-time protection may make your device vulnerable to threats. So please turn it on immediately once the issue is fixed or if it’s unrelated to the issue.

3 - Reset network security settings

• Press Win + R > type inetcpl.cpl > press Enter
• Go to Advanced tab > Click Reset…
• Enable Delete personal settings > Restart the PC.

If the problem still happens, let me know which browser you are using and whether the issue happens on different browsers. If possible, test with another network to see if it’s the same.

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The error indicates that the browser and the website cannot agree on a common, secure protocol or cipher. On modern Windows 11 systems this is usually caused by:

• The website using very old, insecure protocols (SSL 3.0 / RC4 / weak keys) that are now blocked
• Or the system/browser being configured to only allow newer protocols while the site is misconfigured

Steps to try:

1. Test other HTTPS sites
   • Open the browser and visit several well‑known secure sites (for example, a bank or major news site over HTTPS).
   • If those work but the lottery or Facebook pages do not, the issue is likely with those specific sites (for example, using outdated ciphers or certificates). In that case, contact the site owner; do not weaken Windows security.
2. Check for weak certificates on the site
   • If the site uses an RSA certificate with a key length under 1024 bits, modern Windows and browsers will refuse the connection after security updates (KB2661254). The fix must be done by the website administrator by installing a new certificate with a key length that meets current requirements.
3. Avoid re‑enabling obsolete protocols or ciphers
   • RC4 and SSL 3.0 are deprecated and disabled in current Microsoft browsers because they are insecure.
   • It is technically possible to re‑enable SSL 3.0 via Internet Options or registry changes, but this significantly weakens security and is not recommended, especially on a Windows 11 home system.
4. If this happens only in one browser
   • Install all Windows Updates.
   • Update the browser to the latest version.
   • Clear the browser cache and cookies.
   • If using Microsoft Edge, test the same sites in another browser (for example, a fully updated alternative) to confirm whether the problem is browser‑specific.
5. If the problem persists across all browsers and only for those sites
   • The sites are likely using protocols or certificates that no longer meet current security standards. The only safe resolution is for the site owners to update their servers (protocols, ciphers, and certificate key lengths) to modern TLS and key sizes.

Do not lower system security by enabling old protocols or ciphers just to reach a small number of sites, especially for sensitive services like Facebook or payment/lottery pages.

References:

• Web browsers can't connect to a website by using SSL with KB2661254 installed
• RC4 cipher is no longer supported in Internet Explorer 11 or Microsoft Edge