The Ultimate Guide to Windows Proxy Settings (Windows 11 & 10)

This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions with the latest screenshots for setting up a system-wide proxy on both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Whether you're using a manual proxy or an automatic configuration script, we've got you covered.

Understanding System-Wide vs. Browser-Specific Proxies

A system-wide proxy configured in Windows Settings affects most applications (e.g., Edge, Chrome, and many desktop apps). Some applications, such as Firefox, use their own proxy settings and may not follow the system configuration. If your proxy works in Edge/Chrome but not in Firefox, configure Firefox separately via its settings.

Method 1: Manual Proxy Setup (The Common Method)

For Windows 11 Users

  1. Open Windows Settings (press Win + I).
  2. Go to 'Network & internet' → 'Proxy'.
  3. Under Manual proxy setup, toggle Use a proxy server to On, then enter:
    • Server: your proxy host or IP
    • Port: your proxy port
  4. Click Save, then verify your connection via What's My IP.

Tip: If your service provides authentication, Windows will prompt for credentials on first use.

For Windows 10 Users

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
  2. Select Proxy from the left sidebar.
  3. Under Manual proxy setup, turn Use a proxy server On, then enter Server and Port.
  4. Click Save, then verify via What's My IP.

If your apps do not follow system proxy, check each app's own network settings.

Method 2: Automatic Proxy Setup (Using a PAC file)

What is a PAC file?

A Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) file is a JavaScript-based configuration that defines smart routing rules—deciding which traffic should go through the proxy and which should connect directly. It is ideal for complex environments or selective proxying.

How to Apply a PAC File in Windows

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Proxy.
  2. Under Automatic proxy setup, turn Use setup script On.
  3. Enter the Script address (PAC URL) provided by your service.
  4. Save your changes and verify with What's My IP.

❗ Troubleshooting Common Windows Proxy Issues

Issue 1: "I can't connect to the internet after setup."

  • Double-check Server and Port for typos.
  • Your proxy server may be unavailable—try another endpoint or contact support.
  • Check firewall rules that may block outbound connections.

Issue 2: "The proxy works in Edge/Chrome, but not in Firefox."

Firefox uses its own proxy settings by default. Configure it separately.

See our guide: Configure Firefox/Browser Proxy Settings.

Issue 3: "How do I turn off the proxy?"

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Proxy.
  2. Turn Off Use a proxy server (Manual) or Use setup script (Automatic).
  3. Save changes and retest connectivity.
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