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| A professional workspace showing the manual proxy setup interface in Windows 11. |
Learning how to use proxy on Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to hide your real IP address, control how apps connect to the internet, and reach websites that might be blocked on your normal connection.
This step-by-step guide explains what a proxy is in simple terms, why people use proxies on Windows 11, and exactly how to configure a system-wide proxy from the Settings app, plus basic tips for testing and troubleshooting.
What is a proxy and how it works on Windows 11
A proxy server is an intermediate machine that sits between your Windows 11 PC and the websites or online services you visit. When you open a site through a proxy, the request goes from your computer to the proxy server first, and then from the proxy to the website.
The website sees the IP address of the proxy server instead of your real home or office IP, which helps with privacy, location spoofing, and some basic protection against direct tracking. Many people use proxies on Windows 11 for tasks like SEO rank tracking, scraping public data, managing multiple social accounts, or bypassing simple geographic blocks.
If you do not have your own paid proxy provider, you can pull a free fresh proxy list from our live tool, then copy an IP:PORT pair into your Windows 11 settings.
Step-by-step: how to use proxy on Windows 11 from Settings
The main way to enable a system-wide proxy in Windows 11 is through the Settings app, under the Network & Internet section. These settings are respected by most Microsoft Store apps, Microsoft Edge, and many desktop programs that rely on the system network configuration.
Configure automatic proxy setup (script / auto-detect)
Automatic proxy setup is usually used in offices, schools, or with certain managed proxy services that provide a special configuration script (.pac file). In this mode, Windows 11 can automatically decide when and how to use the proxy based on rules inside that script.
- Step 1: Open Settings. Click the Start button in the taskbar and choose Settings, or press Windows + I on your keyboard.
- Step 2: Go to Network & Internet. In the left sidebar of Settings, click Network & Internet.
- Step 3: Open Proxy settings. Scroll down the right side and click Proxy.
- Step 4: Turn on automatic detection (optional). Under Automatic proxy setup, toggle Automatically detect settings to On.
- Step 5: Use setup script (if provided). Click the Set up button next to Use setup script. Turn the switch to On, paste the Script address (URL) given by your provider, and click Save.
Configure manual HTTP/HTTPS proxy (IP:PORT)
For most home users and SEO professionals, the most common option is a simple manual HTTP/HTTPS proxy, where you enter the IP address and port given by your proxy provider.
- Step 1: Open Proxy settings. Go to Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy.
- Step 2: Open Manual proxy setup. Under Manual proxy setup, click the Set up button next to Use a proxy server.
- Step 3: Enable the proxy. In the pop-up window, turn the Use a proxy server switch to On.
- Step 4: Enter the server address and port. In the Proxy IP address box, type the IP address (e.g., 203.0.113.10), and in the Port box enter the port number (e.g., 8080).
- Step 5: Save your settings. Click Save to apply the manual proxy to Windows 11.
Warning: Public, free proxies are often unstable and slow. They can also monitor your traffic, so avoid using them for logins or payments.
Configuring proxies in browsers and SEO tools
Many browsers and professional tools have their own proxy settings. This is useful if you want your browser to use a proxy while leaving other apps on your PC unaffected. You can learn how to use proxy in Chrome, Firefox and Edge if you prefer browser-only configuration.
If you work across desktop and mobile, it is also useful to know how to use proxy on Android and iPhone to maintain a consistent IP address across all your devices.
Testing if your Windows 11 proxy works correctly
- Step 1: Check your IP before. Visit a site like "WhatIsMyIP" and note your current IP.
- Step 2: Enable the proxy. Turn on your settings in Windows 11 and click Save.
- Step 3: Refresh the site. Reload the IP check page; the IP and location should now match your proxy server.
Common Windows 11 proxy errors and how to fix them
| Error message | Likely cause | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Proxy server is not responding” | Server is offline or IP/Port is incorrect. | Verify the IP:PORT or try a different proxy server. |
| “ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED” | Browser cache or DNS issues. | Clear browser cache and run "ipconfig /flushdns" in Command Prompt. |
| Some apps ignore proxy | Apps have independent network stacks. | Configure the proxy manually inside the specific app's settings. |
Proxy vs VPN on Windows 11
Proxies hide your IP but do not usually encrypt your data. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel for all your traffic, providing better security on public Wi-Fi. For the highest level of protection, check out the best VPN for Windows 11.
FAQ
Is it safe to use free proxies on Windows 11?
No, free proxies often log your data and inject ads. Use them only for non-sensitive tasks.
Proxy vs VPN on Windows 11 – which is better?
A VPN is better for security and encryption, while a proxy is better for lightweight tasks like scraping or bypasses.
Why is my proxy not working on Windows 11?
It could be an expired proxy, a typo in the IP/Port, or a firewall blocking the connection.
Does Windows 11 proxy affect all apps?
It affects most modern apps, but some legacy software requires manual configuration inside its own menus.