How to Fix ERR_SSL_KEY_USAGE_INCOMPATIBLE Error
Resolve the ERR_SSL_KEY_USAGE_INCOMPATIBLE SSL error by addressing common causes like outdated browsers, operating systems, or certificate misconfigurations. Learn step-by-step fixes including clearing cache, switching browsers, and advanced solutions like reissuing certificates or modifying server settings. Avoid bypassing security warnings unless absolutely required.
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Key Takeaways
- ERR_SSL_KEY_USAGE_INCOMPATIBLE is an SSL-related browser error, often caused by misconfigurations or outdated software.
- Common fixes include updating your operating system, browsers, and clearing cache.
- Advanced troubleshooting may require modifying certificates, browser settings, or server configurations.
- Avoid proceeding with unsafe connections unless absolutely necessary.
- Steps to solve this problem vary depending on the cause, and solutions are provided below for both beginner and advanced users.
Step-by-Step Guide to Solving ERR_SSL_KEY_USAGE_INCOMPATIBLE
This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach to fixing the ERR_SSL_KEY_USAGE_INCOMPATIBLE error. Follow these methods in sequence to identify and resolve the issue efficiently.
1. Update Your Operating System and Browser
Outdated operating systems or browsers often lack the necessary protocols to validate SSL certificates.
Steps:
-
Check for Operating System Updates:
- For Windows: Go to
Start > Settings > Updates & Security > Check for updates. - For MacOS: Open
System Preferences > Software Update.
- For Windows: Go to
-
Update Your Browser:
- Open browser settings.
- Navigate to the section for updates (e.g.,
Help > About Google Chrome) and update your browser to the latest version.
Expert Tip: If you’re using a legacy OS, consider upgrading to a version that supports the latest security protocols. Older operating systems can cause persistent SSL-related issues.
2. Clear Browsing Data
Clearing cache and cookies can help eliminate issues caused by corrupted or outdated data in your browser.
Steps:
- Open your browser.
- Go to
Settings > Privacy and Security. - Select Clear Browsing Data.
- Check all boxes for clearing cache and cookies.
- Click
Clear data.
Affiliate Recommendation: Consider using NordVPN to ensure secure browsing, especially after resolving SSL certificate errors.
3. Try Using Another Browser
The issue might not be with the website but your existing browser.
Steps:
- Install a different browser such as Firefox or Opera.
- Access the same website to check if the error still persists.
Expert Tip: Some browsers handle self-signed SSL certificates differently. Testing with multiple browsers can help narrow down the root cause.
4. Contact the Website Owner
If the website you’re visiting triggers SSL errors, the issue might lie on their end. Their SSL certificate could be misconfigured or expired.
What to Do:
- If you know the admin, contact them with details of the error.
- Use online tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test to analyze the website’s SSL certificate issues.
Expert Advice: For personal websites, tools like Wondershare MobileTrans can help migrate your databases and SSL configurations if you’re switching servers or web hosts.
5. Reissue or Use a Self-Signed Certificate (Advanced)
For developers and website administrators facing ERR_SSL_KEY_USAGE_INCOMPATIBLE due to self-signed certificates, creating a proper certificate can resolve the issue.
Steps to Create a Self-Signed Certificate:
-
On Windows Using PowerShell:
New-SelfSignedCertificate -Type Custom -DnsName "example.com" -KeyUsage "DigitalSignature", "KeyEncipherment", "KeyAgreement" -KeyAlgorithm RSA -CertStoreLocation "cert:\CurrentUser\My" -
Install the Certificate:
- Locate the certificate in the output folder.
- Add it to the Trusted Root Certification Authorities.
-
Restart Applications/Servers:
- Restart all browser windows and any connected services.
Pro Tip: While self-signed certificates are easy to generate, they are not trusted by most browsers. Use reputable SSL services like Let’s Encrypt or purchase premium certificates.
6. Configure IIS (Web Server-Specific Fix)
If you’re hosting a website through IIS (Internet Information Services), improper configuration could trigger the browser error.
Import and Bind the Certificate:
- Open
IIS Manager. - Go to
Server > Server Certificates, import the certificate. - Under
Sites, select the relevant site and bind the HTTPS protocol with the newly added certificate.
Expert Note: Restart IIS after binding to ensure the configuration updates are applied.
7. Disable Group Policy (For Microsoft Edge Users)
Some group policies enforced on Windows can interfere with SSL validation.
Steps:
-
Run Registry Editor (
regedit). -
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge -
Add or modify the DWORD entry:
- Entry:
RSAKeyUsageForLocalAnchorsEnabled - Value:
0
- Entry:
-
Save the changes and restart Edge.
Caution: This step applies mainly to Edge users experiencing localized SSL issues. Back up your registry before making changes.
8. As a Last Resort: Proceed with Caution
If all fails, you can choose to bypass SSL warnings temporarily. However, this disables critical security features.
Temporary Steps:
- Click Advanced on the SSL warning screen.
- Select the option to Proceed to [website] (unsafe).
Important: Avoid using sensitive credentials or transmitting personal information when bypassing SSL warnings.
FAQs About ERR_SSL_KEY_USAGE_INCOMPATIBLE
1. What causes ERR_SSL_KEY_USAGE_INCOMPATIBLE?
- Misconfigured SSL certificates.
- Outdated browsers or operating systems.
- Expired or revoked SSL certificates.
2. Is it safe to bypass SSL errors?
- No, bypassing SSL errors exposes your connection to security risks like data interception or malware attacks.
3. Can using a VPN fix the error?
- While a VPN like NordVPN improves general internet security, it doesn’t specifically resolve SSL certificate issues.
4. Why does the issue disappear with a different browser?
- Different browsers use diverse SSL implementations; some may handle faulty certificates better than others.
5. What if the issue persists after trying everything?
- Contact the website owner or hire a professional IT administrator to troubleshoot the issue.
By following this guide, you should be able to tackle ERR_SSL_KEY_USAGE_INCOMPATIBLE across various scenarios. Address the error promptly to maintain a safe and secure browsing environment.
