GitHub Copilot CERT_HAS_EXPIRED SSL Certificate Error

What this error means

CERT_HAS_EXPIRED is a GitHub Copilot failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix github copilot cert_has_expired ssl/tls certificate error in vscode. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Stack Overflow question (score 7) shows ‘CERT_HAS_EXPIRED’ error when using GitHub Copilot in VSCode behind firewall. High community engagement indicates widespread issue. Affects paid Copilot subscribers in corporate networks.

Common causes

• Developers see ‘CERT_HAS_EXPIRED’ error when GitHub Copilot’s SSL certificate validation fails, typically due to corporate proxy or firewall intercepting HTTPS traffic. This completely blocks Copilot functionality and affects paid enterprise users.
• Stack Overflow question (score 7) shows ‘CERT_HAS_EXPIRED’ error when using GitHub Copilot in VSCode behind firewall. High community engagement indicates widespread issue. Affects paid Copilot subscribers in corporate networks.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches CERT_HAS_EXPIRED.
2. Check the GitHub Copilot account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://stackoverflow.com/questions/78862108/please-check-your-firewall-rules-and-network-connection-then-try-again-error-co

Evidence note: Stack Overflow question (score 7) shows ‘CERT_HAS_EXPIRED’ error when using GitHub Copilot in VSCode behind firewall. High community engagement indicates widespread issue. Affects paid Copilot subscribers in corporate networks.

Related errors

• GitHub Copilot proxy configuration
• VSCode SSL certificate error
• GitHub Copilot behind corporate firewall

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact CERT_HAS_EXPIRED text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed GitHub Copilot workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without CERT_HAS_EXPIRED.