How to Enable or Disable Proxy Server in Browser and Windows

Setting up a proxy server can enhance your security, privacy, and allow access to specific internet resources. This guide explains how to enable or disable a proxy server in Windows and popular browsers.

How to Enable or Disable Proxy Server in Windows

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 10 and Windows 11

  1. Open Settings: Go to “Start” → “Settings” → “Network & Internet.”
  2. Select “Proxy”: In the left menu, find and click on “Proxy.”
  3. Configuring Proxy Server:
    • Automatic Setup: Toggle on “Automatically detect settings” to allow Windows to set up the proxy automatically.
    • Manual Setup: If you have proxy details, enable the “Use a proxy server” option and enter the IP address and port of your proxy server.
  4. Save Changes: After entering the details, click “Save.” To disable the proxy, simply turn off the switches in this section.

How to Enable or Disable Proxy Server in Google Chrome

Google Chrome uses Windows’ system settings for proxy server configurations, as it doesn’t have an in-built proxy setup.

  1. Open Settings: Click on the three dots in the top-right corner and choose “Settings.”
  2. Go to the “System” section: Scroll down and click on “System.”
  3. Open Proxy Settings: Select “Open your computer’s proxy settings.” This will direct you to Windows’ system settings where you can enable or disable proxy as outlined above.

How to Configure Proxy Server in Mozilla Firefox

Unlike Chrome, Firefox has its own proxy settings.

  1. Open Settings: Click on the three lines in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
  2. Go to the “Network” Section: Scroll down to the “General” section and click on “Settings” next to “Network Settings.”
  3. Select Proxy Type:
    • No Proxy: To disable the proxy.
    • Auto-detect proxy settings for this network: Allows Firefox to automatically configure proxy settings.
    • Manual Proxy Configuration: Enter the proxy IP address and port if you have the details.
  4. Save Changes: Click “OK” to save your settings.

How to Enable or Disable Proxy Server in Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Settings: Click on the three dots in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
  2. Go to “System and Performance”: Locate and click on “Open your computer’s proxy settings.”
  3. Follow Windows Instructions: Similar to Chrome, Edge uses Windows’ system proxy settings, so you’ll be directed to the same interface for adjusting proxy settings.