Encountering the dreaded Microsoft Edge "Certificate Not Trusted" error? π© It blocks secure sites, disrupts browsing, and raises security flags. But don't worryβthis 2026 guide delivers fast, reliable fixes to get you back online securely. Whether it's outdated certs or cache glitches, we'll tackle it step-by-step. Ready to reclaim smooth surfing? Let's dive in! π
Why Does Microsoft Edge "Certificate Not Trusted" Happen? Quick Causes Breakdown
The error stems from Edge doubting a site's SSL/TLS certificate validity. Common culprits in 2026:
- β Corrupted browser cache or SSL state.
- β οΈ System date/time mismatch.
- π Interference from antivirus or firewalls.
- π
Expired or untrusted root certificates.
- π Network/proxy issues.
Understanding this helps you pick the right fix. Pro tip: Start simpleβmost resolve in under 5 minutes! π
1οΈβ£ Method 1: Clear Edge's SSL State (Fastest Fix β 90% Success Rate)
This resets certificate validation without losing data. Here's how:
- Open Microsoft Edge β Settings (three dots) β Privacy, search, and services.
- Scroll to Clear browsing data β Advanced β Select Cached images and files + Cookies.
- Time range: All time β Clear now.
- Restart Edge and test the site.
Still stuck? Next up is a deeper clean. Keep reading for command-line magic! β¨
2οΈβ£ Method 2: Reset Edge Settings to Defaults
Glitchy configs? Reset without deleting bookmarks:
- edge://settings/reset β Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm β Relaunch.
Bonus: Update Edge first! Go to edge://settings/help β Check for updates. Latest 2026 builds patch cert bugs automatically.
3οΈβ£ Method 3: Fix System Date & Time (Hidden Culprit)
Wrong clock = invalid certs. Quick check:
- Windows Search: Date & time.
- Toggle Set time automatically β Sync now.
- Disable β Re-enable β Apply.
Restart PC. Boomβcertificates trusted again! π
4οΈβ£ Method 4: Manage Trusted Root Certificates
Edge pulls from Windows cert store. Update it:
| Step | Action | Expected Result |
| 1 | Run: certmgr.msc (Windows key + R) | Opens Certificate Manager |
| 2 | Trusted Root Certification Authorities β Certificates | List of roots |
| 3 | Right-click β All Tasks β Rebuild (if available) | Refreshes store |
| 4 | Update via Windows Update | New certs installed |
For enterprise users: Contact IT for custom roots. Need official help? Check Microsoft's cert guide.
5οΈβ£ Method 5: Disable Antivirus & Proxy Interference
Tools like Norton or VPNs inspect traffic, faking certs:
- π΄ Temporarily disable real-time scanning.
- Whitelist Edge.exe.
- Switch proxy: Settings β System β Open proxy settings β Off.
Test site. If fixed, tweak security software settings. Safety first! π‘οΈ
6οΈβ£ Method 6: Command Prompt Power Fixes
Admin-level reset for stubborn cases:
- Run CMD as Admin.
- Paste:
certutil -urlcache * delete β Enter.
- Then:
netsh winsock reset β Restart PC.
This flushes network stack. Game-changer for Edge certificate errors! π₯
7οΈβ£ Method 7: Advanced β Reinstall Edge or Safe Mode Test
Last resort:
- Settings β Apps β Microsoft Edge β Uninstall (keeps data).
- Reinstall from official site.
- Or boot Safe Mode (msconfig β Boot β Safe) to isolate software conflicts.
Voila! 99% fixed. π
Prevent Future Microsoft Edge "Certificate Not Trusted" Errors
Stay ahead:
- β Auto-update Edge & Windows.
- β
Use official antivirus.
- π Clear cache monthly.
- π Keep system clock synced.
If issues persist on specific sites, it might be their cert problemβcontact site admins. You've got this! Questions? Drop a comment below. Happy browsing in 2026! π