Configuring, Changing, and Disabling Proxy Settings on Windows 10

For comfortable operation through the proxy server, its proper configuration is important. In this article, we offer a detailed guide on how to set up a proxy server in Windows 10 to protect your computer from possible threats when working on the Internet.

Video Guide on How to Set Up a Proxy in Windows 10

How to Configure Proxy Settings on Windows 10

No extra software is needed to configure proxy settings on Windows 10 because these native interfaces handle everything you need.

A Windows 10 proxy server can be connected in two ways: automatically or manually. In the case when the proxy server is configured manually, you need to provide the proxy server address as well as the port. If it is set automatically, such actions will not be required. 

Using an Automatic Configuration Script

Windows 10 proxy settings include an automatic detection feature called WPAD (Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol). WPAD helps your system find proxy settings automatically, which simplifies connecting to networks that require proxy servers without manual input.

An automatic configuration script is a proxy script address, usually a URL like http://my.proxy.server:8000/, pointing to a PAC (Proxy Auto-Configuration) file. PAC files contain JavaScript that tells your device how to handle web requests through proxies.

Here’s how you set it up:

1. Open Windows Settings by clicking Start or pressing Windows Key + I.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click Proxy on the left side.
4. Under Automatic Proxy Setup, toggle on “Use Setup Script.”
5. Enter the script address given by your IT or network admin. Examples include http://proxy.example.com/proxy.pac and https://scripts.company.net/proxy.pac. Ensure you include “http://” or “https://” to avoid errors.
6. Click Save and then close Settings.

To disable this setup, simply switch off “Use Setup Script.” If you notice proxy issues or stuck settings, clear cached scripts with these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run ipconfig /flushdns to clear the DNS cache.
3. Clear the browser cache or restart your browser to remove the proxy script remnants.

Manual Proxy Setup

Manual proxy setup requires you to enter the proxy server’s IP address and port number. This setup is common for fixed proxy servers or explicit configurations.

Proxy settings in Windows 10 support both IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.211) and IPv6 addresses. Port numbers are usually 80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS, or 8080 for alternate proxies. Always get the correct IP and port from your IT department to avoid connection problems.

Follow these steps to configure manual proxy settings:

1. Open Windows Settings from the Start menu or press Windows Key + I.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet.
3. Select Proxy from the sidebar.
4. Turn on “Use a Proxy Server” under Manual Proxy Setup.
5. Enter the proxy IP address accurately in the Address field.
6. Fill in the Port number field with the one provided by your admin.
7. Click Save to apply the changes and close Settings.

To disable manual proxy settings, just switch off “Use a Proxy Server.”

To test if your manual proxy settings work, try these simple steps:

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Use "ping" followed by a public website (e.g., "ping google.com") to check network reachability.
3. Run "tracert google.com" to see the path your connection takes.
4. Use "curl" (if installed) for HTTP requests through the proxy.
5. Also test the websites in your browser to ensure pages load properly.

Reliable Proxy Server During Manual Setup

For reliable proxy servers to use in your manual setup, consider Proxy-Seller. They offer a wide range of proxy IPs, including residential, ISP, datacenter (IPv4/IPv6), and mobile proxies. These proxies support both HTTP(S) and SOCKS5 protocols and are fully compatible with Windows 10 proxy server settings.

Proxy-Seller provides:

• Easy-to-use proxies with clear IP and port info, reducing misconfiguration chances.
• A user-friendly dashboard and professional support to help first-time users set up proxies correctly.
• Proxies from over 220 countries with 99% uptime and speeds up to 1 Gbps.
• Multiple authentication methods, including username/password and IP whitelist, ideal for both business and personal use.

Tools and Interfaces to Use for Proxy Settings Windows 10

Windows 10 has built-in tools for configuring proxy settings that cover both automatic and manual options. The primary interface is the Settings app:

1. Go to Network & Internet > Proxy.
2. Here, you can toggle Automatic Proxy Setup (Use Setup Script) and Manual Proxy Setup (Use a Proxy Server). The interface is straightforward, showing all relevant options clearly.

For advanced users, proxy settings are stored in the Windows Registry under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings. Always back up the registry before making changes to avoid system issues.

Another option is the Internet Options dialog, accessible by typing inetcpl.cpl in the search bar or through the Control Panel. Under Connections > LAN Settings, you can configure proxy settings here. Changes in Internet Options are system-wide, affecting all compatible apps. This legacy interface is useful if you prefer a classic view.

For automation or enterprise-level scripting, use PowerShell cmdlets like "Set-ItemProperty" or "netsh" commands (for example, netsh winhttp set proxy). This allows for fast, repeatable proxy configurations across multiple systems.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Changing Proxy Settings on Windows 10

To change the proxy settings and to configure the new connection configuration on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. First, you need to press the key combination "Win" + "R". A window will appear where you should enter the “inetcpl.cpl” command.

   

2. In the next window that opens, go to the "Connection" tab and put a mark in front of the inscription "LAN settings".

   

3. Click "Use a proxy server for LAN" and go to "Advanced" settings.

   

4. Next, enter the proxy details. In the first field, you should type in the proxy server's IP address and add the checkbox to "Use the same proxy server for all protocols".

   

5. If it's necessary to avoid using proxies for specific websites, enter them in the "Exceptions" field.

   

An important step is to save edits by clicking "OK".

How to Troubleshoot Proxy Configuration Issues on Windows 10

Proxy settings in Windows 10 can cause internet problems if configured incorrectly. Common signs of issues include:

• No internet connection
• Slow web browsing speeds
• Proxy errors appearing in browsers

Here’s a checklist to troubleshoot proxy problems effectively:

1. Verify your proxy settings: Check if the automatic script or manual proxy details match what your IT provided.
2. Disable any proxy to test direct internet access without proxy interference.
3. Flush DNS cache and reset TCP/IP stack:
   • Open Command Prompt as admin.
   • Run ipconfig /flushdns.
   • Then run netsh int ip reset.
4. Clear the browser cache and check if the browser uses its own proxy override settings.
5. Review Windows Event Viewer for network-related error logs to identify specific issues.

The Windows Network Diagnostics tool can automatically detect and fix common proxy-related problems. Run it by right-clicking your network icon and selecting Troubleshoot problems.

To check your current proxy status from the command line, use "netsh winhttp show proxy".

If problems persist, gather detailed information: screenshots of proxy settings, error messages, and logs. Provide this to your network or IT support team for faster resolution."

Disabling Proxies in Windows 10

You can disable the proxy server on Windows 10 by resorting to the method that is used specifically for the updated version, paying attention to all parameters.

All browsers today use the OS proxy system, so disabling it in Windows is equal to disabling it in the browser (except for Mozilla Firefox).

The reasons for such an act may be:

• the impossibility of entering certain sites;
• malware is already using proxies;
• errors in determining the parameters.

Proxy settings in Windows 10 are duplicated in the updated interface. Next, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the instructions for disabling proxy settings in more detail:

1. Open the “inetcpl.cpl” window (by pressing the “Win+R” buttons and typing in). Press “OK”:

   

2. In the opened “Internet Properties” window select the “Connections” tab and press the “LAN settings” button:

   

3. In the opened “Local Area Network (LAN) Settings” window, take off the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” and “Bypass proxy server for local addresses” checkboxes. Press the “OK” button after this:

   

Important! In the settings of Windows 10, proxies can be disabled only for local Internet addresses and left enabled for the rest.

The proposed way to disable proxy settings in Windows 10 disables the settings in the browser. After eliminating the reasons that provoked the decision to disconnect, the proxy server can be connected again by following the recommendations provided in the article.

Learn more about proxy settings for different sites through the Proxifier program.