Although anyone can set up and use a proxy server, typically, you will see the use of a proxy in organizations and schools. The reason is because of the benefits of using this technology. Using a proxy server helps save data usage and reduce bandwidth use because web requests are cached in the server and then served again when the user requests the same content. It protects the computer identity by hiding the IP address of the client making an internet request. It can improve security by blocking malicious traffic and logging user’s activities. It can also block sites, as using rules, a company can stop users from accessing social networks and other websites. A proxy server can do many more, but these are the main bullet points of its capabilities. In this guide, you will learn three ways to set up a proxy server on your Windows 10 device without the need for third-party tools.

Set up proxy server on Windows 10 Set up automatic proxy using script on Windows 10 Set up automatic proxy using manual configuration on Windows 10

Set up proxy server on Windows 10

The following steps to configure proxy server settings on Windows 10 will apply to Ethernet and Wi-Fi network connections, but these settings won’t be used during a VPN connection. To enable automatic configuration for proxy server on Windows 10, use these steps: Windows 10 will automatically detect the settings using the Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol (WPAD) when the Automatically detect settings option is enabled. Typically, organizations and schools will use this feature to automatically configure or change the proxy settings to computers connected to their networks. Proxy server automatic setup If you do not want your device to detect settings automatically, or you are trying to set up a proxy server manually, you need to turn off the Automatically detect settings toggle switch.

Set up automatic proxy using script on Windows 10

It is also possible to configure a proxy server using a setup script. You’ll need to manually configure this option adding the address to the server hosting the script, but the proxy setup will happen automatically. To configure a proxy server using a script, use these steps: After you complete the steps, Windows 10 will read the configuration from the script located in the address you specified. Windows 10 proxy server script setup

Set up automatic proxy using manual configuration on Windows 10

To fully set up or change proxy server settings manually on Windows 10, use these steps: Once the proxy is configured, network traffic will automatically pass through the proxy server. However, it is also possible to specify a list of addresses that will not use the proxy. Proxy server manual setup on Windows 10 You can use the text box in the “Manual proxy setup” section to specify these addresses using a semicolon (;) to separate each entry. If you have multiple addresses from the same domain, you can use an asterisk as a wildcard. For example, *.website.com will match all the address in the asterisk part, including forums.website.com, docs.website.com, etc. Technically, there is no need for local network traffic to go through a proxy unless required for your organization. If you do not want to connect to local resources using a proxy, you should check the Don’t use the proxy server for local (intranet) addresses option. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.