ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR on fresh Windows 10 installation

Question

Hi there,

On Sunday (22 Nov 2020) my Windows 10 PC began failing to connect to websites with Chrome. I tried with Microsoft Edge too and got the same error. ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR. I am able to ping websites from a cmd.exe console perfectly fine.

I followed every step I could find online including checking that the system time was correct, clearing SSL state, clearing browsing history/cookies etc.

In desperation I repartitioned and formatted my hard drive and reinstalled Windows. Straight after installation I open Edge and attempt to open a website, same issue ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR, only a 100% fresh installation, no third party software installed whatsoever. I've since reinstalled Windows a number of times. I tried installing Windows on a different hard drive. I've also flashed my motherboard BIOS to the latest available version.

I should note that it appears that Windows updates are able to download and install.

I've rebooted my router and even switched LAN ports with another PC that is working fine. Every other PC and device in my home works correctly.

I'm really desperate now, can you help please?

Regards,

 Brad

PC hardware as follows:

Intel i5-4590

Gigabyte GA-B85M-HD3 (v2.0)

16 GB RAM

Windows 10 PRO N (20H2, 19042.572)

Answer 1

Hello, how are you?

Welcome to the Microsoft community!

My name is Paloma B., I'm an independent advisor, I'm here to help you in the best possible way.

Analyzing the information presented, I recommend that you follow the guidelines below, please, to try to solve this problem.

First, I recommend downloading and running the tool on the link below, please, for a system check and update:

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=799445

Verify that the problem is resolved.

If it persists, based on your equipment model, go to the manufacturer's website and download compatible and updated drivers, and reinstall them. Follow the guidelines on the link below, please.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/402844...

Verify that the problem is resolved.

If the problem persists, please follow the next guidelines.

Important: at the end of each method, check if the problem has been solved. If it persists, proceed to the next one.

Check if the SSL options are set in your internet options.

1. Press Windows, type control panel and press OK;
2. In the upper right corner on Display by: Change to Large icons;
3. Select the Internet Options option;
4. Navigate to the Advanced option, in the settings activate the SSL 2.0 and 3.0 options, click Apply;
5. Still in the Internet Options, click on the Content tab, and click on the "Clear SSL status" button;
6. Restart your computer and check if the error still occurs.

I await news.

If these procedures helped you in any way, please click on "I solved my problem" and also mark as an answer, so you can help others users.

We will always be available for whatever you need!

Answer 2

Hi Paloma,

Thank you for your reply. I followed each of your steps except for activate "SSL 2.0" in the Advanced section of "Internet Options". That option wasn't available to me.

Unfortunately the problem persists after trying your suggestions.

Kind regards,

 Brad

Answer 3

I have the same issue, not able to login to ESXI 7 and 6.7, tried with Edge, Chrome and Firefox.

I can login using my mobile phone just fine.

Another test i did is to connect my Firefox via proxy (squid) server and able to login just fine, disable proxy and get the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in console.

Connecting with Vmware workstation to ESXi server also failed without using proxy.

Checking the SSL certificate it is the same with or without proxy, no AV installed and nothing intercept the web request.

Answer 4

I ended up having to ditch the motherboard/CPU. As crazy as it sounds I think there was somehow some damage on the CPU the specifically broke encryption/decryption operations required for SSL.

Answer 5

Hello,

sometimes ago I got the same error on my browser "ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR"

But I found the solution on Google, so I suggest you read the blog

here is the article link https://www.cheapsslshop.com/blog/fix-err-ssl-protocol-error/

I hope you get the solution

Have a Great Day