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How to Fix ERR_HTTP2_INADEQUATE_TRANSPORT_SECURITY Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you encounter the ERR_HTTP2_INADEQUATE_TRANSPORT_SECURITY error on Windows 11, it usually means your browser or system is blocking a website due to weak security protocols. This issue often arises when a website uses outdated encryption methods that modern browsers no longer trust.

This guide will help you fix this error step-by-step. Each solution is explained in a simple way, so you can follow along even if you’re not very technical.

By the end, you will understand why the error occurs and how to resolve it by adjusting your system or browser settings. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

Following these steps carefully can help you browse safely and avoid this error in the future.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Security updates often fix related issues.
  • Check that your browser is the latest version. Older browsers may not support modern security standards.
  • Verify your internet connection is stable; sometimes network settings can cause errors.
  • Be aware that this error usually appears with specific websites that have weak security protocols.

Step 1: Update Your Browser

Browsers frequently update their security features to protect users. An outdated browser might not support the latest security protocols, causing this error.

  1. Open your browser (such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge).
  2. Click the menu icon (three dots) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Help or About > About Google Chrome (or equivalent in other browsers).
  4. The browser will check for updates and install them automatically.
  5. Restart the browser and try accessing the website again.

Updating your browser ensures it supports modern security protocols like TLS 1.3, which is necessary for safe HTTP/2 connections.

Step 2: Enable TLS 1.3 and TLS 1.2 in Windows 11

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a protocol that encrypts data between your browser and websites. Windows 11 supports TLS 1.2 and 1.3, but sometimes these may be disabled or misconfigured.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter. This opens Internet Properties.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab.
  4. Scroll down to the Security section.
  5. Make sure the boxes next to Use TLS 1.2 and Use TLS 1.3 are checked.
  6. Click Apply then OK.
  7. Restart your computer to apply the changes fully.

Enabling these protocols ensures your system supports secure connections required by modern websites.

Step 3: Adjust Chrome Flags (For Google Chrome Users)

If the error persists, you can try forcing Chrome to use stronger security protocols by tweaking experimental settings called “flags.”

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Type chrome://flags/ in the address bar and press Enter.
  3. In the search box, type TLS.
  4. Find any flags related to TLS 1.3 or HTTP/2 and set them to Enabled if they are disabled.
  5. Click Relaunch to restart Chrome with the new settings.
  6. Try loading the website again.

This step forces Chrome to use the latest security protocols and may help bypass weak transport security errors.

Step 4: Modify Windows Registry to Enable Stronger Security Protocols (Advanced)

If previous steps do not work, you can manually enable strong cipher suites via the Windows Registry. This is an advanced step, so proceed carefully.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSecurityProvidersSCHANNELProtocols
  3. Look for folders named TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3. If they don’t exist, create them:
    • Right-click on Protocols, select New > Key, and name it TLS 1.2.
    • Inside TLS 1.2, create two subkeys: Client and Server.
    • Repeat the same for TLS 1.3 if it’s missing.
  4. For each Client and Server key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named Enabled and set its value to 1.
  5. Also create a DWORD named DisabledByDefault and set its value to 0.
  6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This ensures Windows uses strong encryption protocols and cipher suites, which helps fix the transport security error.

Step 5: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes cached data can cause conflicts with security settings. Clearing cache and cookies can resolve this.

  1. Open your browser settings.
  2. Navigate to Privacy and Security.
  3. Find the option to Clear browsing data.
  4. Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.
  5. Click Clear data.
  6. Restart your browser and try accessing the site again.

Cleaning your browser storage removes outdated or corrupted data that may interfere with secure connections.

Alternative Method: Use a Different Browser

If you still face issues, try opening the website in another modern browser such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Opera. Different browsers have different ways of handling security protocols, and this may bypass the error temporarily.

Remember to keep all browsers up to date for the best security and compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the ERR_HTTP2_INADEQUATE_TRANSPORT_SECURITY error?

This error happens when your browser blocks a website because its security protocols (like encryption methods) are considered too weak or outdated to use with HTTP/2.

Is it safe to bypass this error by disabling security features?

Disabling security features is not recommended as it can expose you to risks. It’s better to enable modern protocols and update your system and browser for safety.

Can antivirus or firewall software cause this error?

Yes. Sometimes security software can interfere with your browser’s connection. Temporarily disabling such software can help determine if it’s the cause, but re-enable it afterward.

Will updating Windows 11 fix this error automatically?

Often, yes. Windows updates include important security patches that improve compatibility with modern protocols, reducing such errors.

Does this error mean the website is unsafe?

Not necessarily. It may mean the website is using outdated security settings. You can notify the website owner to update their security protocols.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still see the error, consider the following options:

  • Contact the website administrator: Inform them about the error so they can update their server security settings.
  • Check official Microsoft support: Visit Microsoft Support for more advanced troubleshooting.
  • Create a system restore point: If you recently made changes, rolling back can sometimes fix unexpected issues.
  • Use a VPN: Occasionally, network restrictions cause this error. A VPN might help you connect securely.

Conclusion

The ERR_HTTP2_INADEQUATE_TRANSPORT_SECURITY error is a sign that your browser or system is blocking a connection due to weak encryption methods. By updating your browser, enabling the latest TLS protocols, adjusting advanced settings, and clearing cache, you can resolve this issue on Windows 11.

Always keep your system and software up to date to avoid similar problems in the future. If problems persist, contacting website owners or official support channels is the best course of action.

Following these simple, step-by-step solutions will help you browse safely and enjoy a seamless internet experience.

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