There is security software like Avast, Kaspersky, BitDefender and ESET that intercept secure connection certificates and send their own. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-cant-load-websites-other-browsers-can https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-and-other-browsers-cant-load-websites https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/secure-connection-failed-error-message https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/connection-untrusted-error-message [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/websites-dont-load-troubleshoot-and-fix-errors?redirectlocale=en-US&redirectslug=Error+loading+web+sites Websites don't load - troubleshoot and fix error messages] http://kb.mozillazine.org/Error_loading_websites [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/what-does-your-connection-is-not-secure-mean What do the security warning codes mean]

I don't use any of these... unless Windows Defender also does this?

Did you check out the links I posted?

You can check the connection settings. *Options/Preferences -> General -> Network: Connection -> Settings If you do not need to use a proxy to connect to internet then try to select "No Proxy" if "Use the system proxy settings" or one of the others do not work properly. See "Firefox connection settings": *https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-cant-load-websites-other-browsers-can Boot the computer in Windows Safe mode with network support to see if that has effect in case security software is causing problems. *http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-start-windows-in-safe-mode/ *http://www.7tutorials.com/4-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-10