Launcher System Error (HTTPS System Error)

For the last two days whenever I try to open the launcher, I get only the standard gray screen with FINAL FANTASY XIV for about 45-60 seconds, then a popup error


FFXIV Launcher
A system error has occurred: -2146697211.
HTTPS System Error

The only references I can find to this say it typically resolves after a game restart or a computer reboot. I've tried both numerous times and nothing is changing. I've attempted admin starts, various changes to the firewall settings, and even have attempted to reinstall. It continues to fail.

Is there anyone experiencing a similar issue and who has been able to resolve it?

Thanks in advance.

Good afternoon and thank you for posting on the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

The Final Fantasy XIV launcher will use Internet Explorer to connect, not Microsoft Edge. Try the following with Internet Explorer:

Open the IE browser, open the "Tools", go to "Internet Options" and adjust the following settings:
- Under the "General" tab, please delete ALL browser history.
- Under the "Security" tab, please move the slider to the lowest possible settings or no higher than "Medium"
- Under the "Privacy" tab, please move the slider to the lowest possible settings or to "Allow All Cookies"
- Under the "Advanced" tab, please make sure that "Allow software to run or install even if signature is invalid" is CHECKED.
- Make sure that all SSL and TLS (EXCEPT SSL 3.0) are CHECKED. [SSL 3.0 should be UNCHECKED]
- Hit "Apply" to save the settings, and then "OK, to close the Internet Options menu.
- Right-Click on the FFXIV launcher icon and select "Properties"
- Go to the "Compatibility" tab, and change the compatibility mode to "Windows 7"
- Hit "Apply", then "OK" to save the changes.
- Please RESTART your PC now. Once your PC has been restarted, Right-Click the FFXIV launcher icon once more and select "Run as Administrator"

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

Much appreciated. Not really certain why this happened all of a sudden, but it appears to have worked. Now I wait for the game to re-download. (Also I never would have guessed Microsoft was still including IE, so thanks)

Good afternoon and thank you for the reply

I am glad that are you are no longer experiencing this issue. If you have any more questions or concerns, please post again in the technical support forums.

This thread will be moved to "Support Center Resolved"