What You'll Need Before You Begin
Setting up a proxy on Windows is straightforward, but you'll need the right information first. Windows system-wide proxy settings will apply to Edge, Internet Explorer, and most Windows applications that use the system's network configuration.
Required Proxy Information:
Working Proxy IP Address
Example: 185.199.229.156 or proxy-server.example.com
Corresponding Port Number
Common ports: 8080, 3128, 1080, 80, 8888
Admin Rights (Optional)
Some network changes may require administrator privileges
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You can get a working proxy IP address from our constantly updated free proxy list.
Browse Free ProxiesStep-by-Step Configuration Guide (with Screenshots)
Windows provides system-wide proxy settings that will be used by Edge, Internet Explorer, and most Windows applications. The process varies slightly between Windows 11 and Windows 10, so we'll cover both interfaces.
Open Windows Settings
Press Windows key + I to open Settings, or click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
Windows 11 Method
- 1. Press Win + I or click Start → Settings
- 2. Look for the modern Settings app interface
Windows 10 Method
- 1. Press Win + I or click Start → Settings (gear icon)
- 2. Look for the traditional Settings app layout
💡 Alternative Method:
You can also right-click the Start button and select "Settings" from the context menu.
Navigate to Network & Internet
In the Windows Settings window, click on Network & Internet from the main categories list.
What to Look For:
- • Look for the network icon (usually shows WiFi signal bars or ethernet symbol)
- • The category should say "Network & Internet" or just "Network & internet"
- • This section controls all internet and network-related settings
✅ Expected Result:
You should see network options like WiFi, Ethernet, VPN, and Proxy in the left sidebar.
Find Proxy Settings
In the left sidebar of Network & Internet settings, scroll down and click on Proxy.
Location Guide:
- 1 Look in the left sidebar for various network options
- 2 Scroll down if needed - Proxy is usually near the bottom
- 3 Click on Proxy to open the proxy configuration page
Interface Differences:
Windows 11:
More streamlined interface with clearer section headers
Windows 10:
Traditional settings layout with similar functionality
Configure Manual Proxy Setup
In the Proxy settings page, toggle on "Use a proxy server" under the Manual proxy setup section and enter your proxy details.
Configuration Steps:
- 1 Scroll down to the "Manual proxy setup" section
- 2 Toggle "Use a proxy server" to the ON position
- 3 In the Address field, enter your proxy IP address
- 4 In the Port field, enter the corresponding port number
- 5 Optionally, check "Don't use the proxy server for local addresses" (recommended)
Example Configuration:
Address:
185.199.229.156
Port:
8080
✓ Use a proxy server - ON
✓ Don't use the proxy server for local addresses - Checked
Save Settings and Verify
Click Save to apply your proxy settings, then test the connection to ensure everything works correctly.
Verification Process:
- 1 Click the Save button at the bottom of the proxy settings page
- 2 Close the Settings window
- 3 Open Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer
- 4 Visit our IP address checker to verify your IP has changed
- 5 Browse a few websites to confirm the proxy is working properly
How to Turn Off the Proxy
When you finish using the proxy, it's important to disable it to restore normal browsing speed and access. Windows makes this simple:
Quick Disable Method:
- 1 Open Settings again (Win + I)
- 2 Go to Network & Internet → Proxy
- 3 Toggle "Use a proxy server" to the OFF position
- 4 The proxy fields will be grayed out and your settings will be saved automatically
⚠️ System-Wide Impact:
Remember that Windows proxy settings affect Edge, Internet Explorer, and many Windows applications. Forgetting to disable the proxy can impact system-wide internet connectivity when the proxy goes offline.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Windows system proxy settings can sometimes cause unique issues. Here are solutions to the most common problems Windows users encounter:
"I can't connect to the internet after setup."
This usually means the proxy server is not responding or there's an issue with your configuration. Windows-specific troubleshooting steps:
Windows-Specific Troubleshooting:
- • Check Windows Defender Firewall: Sometimes blocks proxy connections. Try temporarily disabling it
- • Verify proxy toggle is ON: Windows sometimes resets the toggle after updates
- • Clear proxy bypass list: Check if there are entries in "Don't use the proxy server for addresses beginning with"
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•
Restart Windows networking: Run
netsh winsock resetin Command Prompt (as admin)
🛠️ Quick Test Method:
Use our proxy checker tool to verify the proxy is working before configuring Windows. This eliminates guesswork and saves troubleshooting time.
"Some websites still know my location."
Windows system proxy might not cover all network traffic, and some applications have their own network configurations. Here's how to maximize anonymity on Windows:
Windows-Specific Privacy Considerations:
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Windows Update and Telemetry: Windows Update and telemetry services may bypass proxy settings. Configure privacy settings in Settings → Privacy & security
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Microsoft Store Apps: UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps may use their own network stack and bypass system proxy
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DNS Over HTTPS: Windows 11 supports DoH which might bypass your proxy's DNS. Check Network settings → Advanced network settings → DNS
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Proxy Type Quality: Transparent proxies don't hide your IP. Use elite proxies for better anonymity.
🔒 Windows Privacy Enhancement Tips:
Windows has built-in privacy features, but they won't prevent IP detection through system proxy alone:
Windows vs. Mac: Proxy Differences
Understanding how Windows handles proxies differently can help prevent configuration issues:
Windows Advantages:
- • Simple toggle-based proxy setup
- • Automatic proxy script (PAC) support
- • Built-in local address bypass
- • Wide application compatibility