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Tor browser secure connection failed error [FIX]

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Did you try to access a page on yourTOR browserbut this error message keeps popping up?

Are you not able to access any page and you just cannot seem to find the issue?

We know that this can be rather frustrating, so we managed to compile a list of several possible issues. We recommend you to follow these few steps and you should be able to solve this inconvenience in no time.

Tor browser fails to establish a secure connection

We hope that the following steps will come in your aid when it comes to the secure connection on The Onion Router.

1. More instances of the browser running

Sometimes this error can occur when there are more instances of Tor Browser running. If you tried shutting down other instances, maybe there is a process that you cannot see.

If you are not sure if there are other instances of Tor Browser running, try restarting your computer and your issue might be solver.

2. Antivirus software interfering.

Make sure that anyantivirus programyou have installed is not trying to prevent Tor from running. Sometimes you may need to consult the antivirus documentation if you don’t know how to work around this.

3. Tor and Kaspersky Error

If you do use one ofKasperskyantivirus software versions, this might just be the reason for your issue. In order to solve this problem, we have managed to find a solution that we hope will be helpful to you.

In your Tor Browser, you need to go toSettings > Specify trusted applications > Exclusions for Applications.Under that tab, you need to check theDo not scan encrypted trafficbox.

Another way to go around this is to accessSettings>Network>Encrypted Connections Scanningand to selectDo not scan encrypted connections.

4. Temporarily disable your firewall

Sometimes your Windows firewall can interfere with Tor Browser — that being the reason why you cannot access any web page. If you do not know how to turn off your Windows firewall, you can find the required stepsby accessing this article.

5. Re-install Tor

In some cases, the only fix is a rather rough one. Even though this seems like a rudimentary solution, in some cases it might be just what you need.

You can also try and update Tor. If doing so, do not just overwrite your previous browser files, but rather ensure that they are fully deleted beforehand. To complete this task, you may use one of the software removing tools listed inthis guide.

6. ISP issues

If you still cannot connect, your Internet Service Provider might be the one censoring your connections to the Tor network.

If you think this is the case, you might find a solution under theCircumvention section of Tor Project.

7. Cannot establish a circuit

You should try and check your system clock. If it is off by more than a few hours, Tor will not build circuits. Try and sync your clock under theInternet timetab.

Also, correct the date under theDate & Timetab.

8. Restrictive network

If you are located in China, or if you are behind a restrictive corporate network firewall, you should try and read more aboutTor Bridges.

Tor browser secure connection failed error [FIX]#

Tor browser fails to establish a secure connection#

1. More instances of the browser running#

2. Antivirus software interfering.#

3. Tor and Kaspersky Error#

4. Temporarily disable your firewall#

5. Re-install Tor#

6. ISP issues#

7. Cannot establish a circuit#

8. Restrictive network#