How to fix “ERR_SSL_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION”. Free immediate support

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How to fix “ERR_SSL_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION”. Free immediate support






How to Fix ERR_SSL_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION Error

Learn how to resolve the ERR_SSL_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION error caused by outdated SSL/TLS protocols. This guide covers browser upgrades, server-side updates, enabling modern SSL/TLS protocols on older systems, and other essential steps for compatibility and security.

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Key Takeaways

  • The ERR_SSL_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION error typically arises when browsers or servers attempt to use outdated or deprecated SSL/TLS protocols.
  • Resolving this error involves upgrading software versions, enabling supported protocols, and ensuring compatibility between client and server systems.
  • If necessary, temporary workarounds such as downgrading or configuring legacy support can be applied, but they are not secure long-term solutions.
  • Tools like NordVPN and Malwarebytes may help ensure secure network communications after resolving the issue—useful for maintaining a safer browsing experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the ERR_SSL_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION Error

✨ Introduction

The ERR_SSL_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION error is common when accessing websites that use deprecated SSL/TLS protocols like TLS 1.0 or 1.1, which modern browsers no longer support. Below is a detailed guide to fixing this issue, ensuring that your system supports current SSL/TLS configurations while maintaining browser-server compatibility.

1. Upgrade Your Browser

Outdated browsers often lack support for modern TLS (1.2 or 1.3).

Steps:

  1. Identify your browser version:
    • Chrome: Settings > About Chrome
    • Firefox: Help > About Firefox
  2. Update your browser:
    • For Chrome: Navigate to Settings > About Chrome, and it will automatically check for updates.
    • For Firefox: Navigate to Help > About Firefox > Update Firefox.

Pro Tip: Switch to a security-first browser like Brave or the latest version of Chrome for better compatibility with SSL/TLS standards.

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2. Verify Server-Side SSL/TLS Configurations

If you own or host the website, outdated SSL/TLS protocols on servers may trigger the error. Here's how to fix it:

  1. Log into your hosting provider or server.
  2. Check SSL/TLS version using diagnostic tools:
    • Use SSL Labs' Server Test: https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/
    • Install OpenSSL locally and run: 
      openssl s_client -connect YOUR_DOMAIN:443 -tls1_3

      Replace -tls1_3 with the desired protocol level.

  3. Update your SSL/TLS configuration in your server's file (nginx.conf or httpd.conf): 
    ssl_protocols TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3; 
ssl_prefer_server_ciphers on;
ssl_ciphers HIGH:!aNULL:!MD5;
  4. Restart the server: 
    sudo systemctl restart nginx

    or

    sudo systemctl restart apache2

Pro Tip: Always prioritize TLS 1.3 for better performance and security.

💡 Use Tools to Debug DNS or SSL Issues

Tools like Malwarebytes offer additional features to check for SSL vulnerabilities: Download Malwarebytes.

3. Enable Modern SSL/TLS Protocols on Older Operating Systems

Older operating systems (e.g., Windows 7, Windows Server 2008) lack TLS 1.2 or 1.3 settings enabled by default.

Steps to Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows:

  1. Open Registry Editor: Win + R, then type regedit.
  2. Navigate to: 
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols
  3. Add keys for TLS 1.2 if not already present: 
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols\TLS 1.2\Client]
"DisabledByDefault"=dword:00000000
"Enabled"=dword:00000001
  4. Restart your system.

4. Check and Update Your Local SSL/TLS Libraries

For developers or servers using OpenSSL, ensure your local SSL library is up-to-date:

Upgrade OpenSSL Library:

  1. Check your current version: 
    openssl version
  2. Upgrade to the latest version: 
    sudo apt update
sudo apt install openssl
  3. Verify the updated version: 
    openssl version

5. Temporary Workarounds (If Necessary)

If you need to access a legacy website using older SSL/TLS protocols, consider the following (only temporarily!):

Enable Legacy TLS Support:

  • For Chrome:

    1. Open Chrome flags: chrome://flags/
    2. Search for TLS 1.0/1.1 and enable it.
    3. Relaunch Chrome.

  • For Firefox:

    1. Type about:config into the address bar.
    2. Search security.tls.version.min, and set the value to 1.
    3. Restart Firefox.

6. Test the Fix

Once you've implemented all the changes:

  1. Clear your browser cache.
  2. Revisit the website triggering the ERR_SSL_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION error.
  3. You can also re-check SSL compliance using SSL Labs or other tools.

Pro Tip: Use EaseUS Todo PCTrans (download here) if migrating SSL/TLS settings or files between systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Why is my browser triggering this error?

Modern browsers reject outdated SSL/TLS protocols (e.g., TLS 1.0, 1.1) to maintain a secure connection.

❓ Should I enable legacy support permanently?

No, deprecated protocols like TLS 1.0 are not secure and leave your system vulnerable to attacks.

❓ How can I check SSL/TLS versions on a website?

Use tools like SSL Labs or OpenSSL commands.

❓ Are there risks associated with temporary workarounds?

Yes. Enabling legacy protocols exposes your device to potential threats. Always use them sparingly.

While VPNs like NordVPN cannot "fix" SSL errors, they can protect your data through encryption once compatibility is restored.

By following these steps, you'll fix the ERR_SSL_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION error efficiently while avoiding potential vulnerabilities. Remember, staying updated is always the best practice for security and performance.

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