Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix the Website Security Warning in Microsoft Word

WPS Content Manager Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users experience a security warning stating that the connection is not secure when Microsoft Word attempts to access an online Microsoft service.

How to Fix the Website Security Warning in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Microsoft Word connects to an online service or portal but encounters an expired, intercepted, or invalid SSL/TLS certificate.
Observed behavior: A popup message appears in the application warning the user that the website connection is not secure.

Before you start

Ensure your computer is connected to a stable internet network and save any open documents before restarting Microsoft Word or applying system updates.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft 365 and Restart Word

Microsoft often issues certificate renewals through standard Office updates. Updating Microsoft 365 is the most direct way to resolve expired certificate warnings.

Website security warnings usually trigger because the security certificate for an online Microsoft service has expired. Microsoft regularly deploys renewed certificates via standard software updates.

Open Word Account Settings

Launch Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the menu on the bottom left.

Check for Updates

Click on 'Update Options' located next to the Office Updates section, then select 'Update Now' from the dropdown menu.

Restart Microsoft Word

Wait for the updates to finish downloading and installing. Once completed, close Microsoft Word entirely and reopen it to apply the new certificate configurations.

Update Complete: If the issue was caused by a known Microsoft certificate expiration, installing the latest updates will permanently resolve the warning.

Solution 2

Verify and Sync System Date and Time

Incorrect system clocks prevent your computer from properly validating security certificates, triggering false security warnings.

Solution 3

Check Security Software and Network Proxies

Third-party antivirus programs or network proxies can intercept HTTPS traffic, causing Word to misidentify the connection as insecure.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office to Avoid Microsoft Service Connection Errors

If Microsoft Word continues to display certificate warnings or fails to connect, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight suite offering excellent format compatibility, a familiar UI, and seamless offline editing without relying on complex online Microsoft services.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to quickly set up WPS Office on your computer.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and easily open your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) files without encountering online certificate errors.

Free and lightweight Office suite with rapid startupFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsStable offline editing without continuous server connection dependenciesFamiliar user interface for immediate productivity and seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word say a website connection is not secure?

This warning occurs when Microsoft Word attempts to connect to an online Microsoft service but encounters an expired, invalid, or intercepted SSL/TLS certificate, preventing a secure connection.

Can an incorrect computer clock cause security warnings in Word?

Yes. Security certificates have strict validity dates. If your system's date and time are incorrect, your computer may mistakenly believe a valid certificate has expired or is not yet valid, triggering a secure connection warning.

Will updating Windows fix the Word certificate warning?

Yes, installing the latest Windows updates often includes updated root certificates and network security protocols, which can resolve secure connection errors across all Microsoft Office applications.

Office App Problems