What is Error? gws_rd=ssl on Google and how to cope with it?

Have you ever come across an error? gws_rd=ssl while browsing using Google or when trying to open a page by using the search engine? That’s one of the many obfuscated strings you may find in the URL bar that confuses users who are unfamiliar with what it is or why it is being shown. Although it seems like a sort of technical malfunction at first glance, it should be said that this is, in fact, not an error but a parameter in the URL of Google’s secure connections talking about redirects.

Now, let’s break down what? \\
gws_rd=ssl really is, why it appears, and how to solve issues tied to it.

What Is the? gws_rd=ssl Parameter?

The? gws_rd=ssl string is a URL parameter that often occurs whenever you are redirected to the Google search engine using a secure connection. Let’s attempt to break down the parts of the parameter to explain this further:ngws: This is an abbreviation for “Google Web Server.”rd: This abbreviation stands for “redirect.”

This is called a ssl where ssl is the abbreviation for “Secure Sockets Layer”, a technology that allows communication over the internet safely via encrypting a connection between your browser and the server.

So? gws_rd=ssl is really the procedure for indicating to the browser that it was redirected to a secured version of services of Google. The reason behind redirection is implementing SSL to ensure communication is encrypted and secure, hence suitable for privacy protection as well as user data.

Why does? gws_rd=ssl Display?

This usually is harmless and only part of the secure redirect process. But if you happen to see it quite often, especially if it appears in a situation when it didn’t exist before, you might get worried. Here are some common scenarios where the parameter ?gws_rd=ssl presents itself:

Serving over HTTPS: Google requires sites to use secure connections (HTTPS) when their users access its services. So, if you enter an unsecured (HTTP) version of the site and you get redirected to Google, this parameter may look like what indicates you’re now on a secure (HTTPS) version of the page.

Geographical Redirect: If you visit Google with the country-specific domain, for example google.co.in if you’re in India or google.co.uk if you are from the UK, Google might use the ?gws_rd=ssl parameter to send the request for the global domain encrypted with SSL.

When using VPN or Proxy: It may occur quite frequently when you use VPN or proxy. These would be frequent redirects where connection security is attempted between your browser and Google’s servers.
Browser or Network Configurations: Some configurations of browser settings or network settings may cause this redirect parameter to enforce a secure connection.

Google Redirection Websites: At times, when you are trying to click on a link or sometimes after you are redirected to third party websites, you would come across the parameter in the URL. This happens because Google wants to ensure that the communication remains encrypted as it processes your query.

Is?gws_rd=ssl an Error?

It is not an error per se; rather, it is part of the process that Google uses to redirect you securely to their search engine and other services. You can very often just ignore it because it doesn’t affect your browsing experience.

But when you experience troubles, which may have started around the same period this value began appearing in your address bar, like pages that load slowly or may not load at all, you can’t access a site you want to visit or it keeps redirecting you in normal cases, it may be something wrong with your browser settings, network or system configuration.

How to fix issues due to? gws_rd=ssl

Although itself the? gws_rd=ssl string has nothing bad in it, but these very words are commonly associated with other issues including:

Too much redirecting
Connections without encryption
Long site loading times
Failure to access a website

The following is a step-by-step troubleshooting of any problems involving the? gws_rd=ssl parameter.

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Cached data and cookies can sometimes interfere with how your browser handles redirects and secure connections. Clearing these often resolves issues involving the ?gws_rd=ssl parameter.

Steps to Clear Cache and Cookies (for Chrome):

Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top right.
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
Under Clear browsing data, click Clear browsing data.
Select a time period (To delete everything, choose All time).
Under Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, select both boxes.
Click Clear data.

After doing so, you should restart your browser and see if the issue remains.

2. Check Your VPN or Proxy Settings

If you are using a VPN or proxy server, these tools can occasionally conflict with how Google manages redirects and secure connections. Try turning your VPN or proxy off temporarily to see if the issue is resolved.

How to disable VPN or proxy on Windows

On your computer, go to Settings > Network & Internet.
Scroll down to the VPN or Proxy section.
Disable the connection or uncheck the settings for automatic proxy setup.

If this succeeds, then your VPN or proxy must be resurfaced in such a way that it doesn’t attempt these spurious redirects.

3. Access Google Directly at the Secure URL

You probably can fix the problem simply by avoiding the redirect parameter in the first place and access the secure Google site directly at https://www.google.com.
Be sure to enter the full HTTPS address, using the secure protocol, not just “google.com,” or some other domain.
This prevents you from experiencing unnecessary redirection and ensures you will always be getting connected to Google’s secure servers.

4. Clear Browser Settings

Reset your browser settings to default. This may remove problems that have cropped up due to conflicts or misconfigurations.

Resetting Chrome:

Open Chrome and in the top right-hand corner, tap the three vertical dots.
Click Settings.
Scroll down until you see Advanced > Reset and clean up.
Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
This will reset your browser settings, but your bookmarks and saved passwords will not be deleted.

5. Scan for Malware or Browser Hijackers

When you still find that the problem is not solved, or you even cannot access Google, try checking your computer system for malware or hijackers which might alter your browsing habits and consequently compromise the security of your computer system.

Steps to scan for malware on Windows:

Open Windows Security by searching for “Windows Security” in the Start menu.
Virus & threat protection.
Quick scan or Full scan to dig deeper.
Continue to remove malware detected.
Consider installing reputable anti-malware software to ensure your system is protected.

6. Update Your Browser and Operating System

Finally, upgrade your browser and operating system to the latest versions because outdated incompatible software can sometimes cause redirects or interfere with secure connections.
How to Upgrade Chrome

Open Chrome and click on the menu represented by three dots.
Tap on Help > About Google Chrome.
Chrome automatically checks for an update and asks you to restart your browser.

Conclusion

It is not an error at all but proof of Google forcing the use of the secure connection. Although usually harmless, if you do have problems, the following steps can be used to solve problems that are related to the issue of clearing cache or checking on VPN settings, or even resetting your browser to ensure a smooth browsing experience and keep the connection securely locked in.

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