Configure proxy server settings in Windows
Several methods are available to configure Windows to use a proxy server to connect to the Internet. The method that will work the best for you depends on the kinds of apps that you're using.
Original KB number: 2777643
Note
Home users: This article is intended for use by support agents and IT professionals. If you're looking for more information about how to configure a proxy on a home computer, please see the following article:
How to configure proxy server settings through Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol (WPAD)
We recommend you use WPAD to configure Windows to use an Internet proxy server. The configuration is done through DNS or DHCP. It requires no settings on client computers. Users can bring computers and devices from home or other locations, and automatically discover the Internet proxy server configuration.
How to configure proxy server settings in Internet Explorer or by using Group Policy
If you prefer to statically configure client computers with their Internet proxy server settings, use one of the following methods:
- Manually configure the settings in Internet Explorer.
- Configure domain-joined computers by using Group Policy.
Applications that don't obtain proxy settings from Internet Explorer may have to have settings within each app to configure proxy settings.
Proxy Auto Configuration (PAC) files/Automatic Configuration Script
Proxy Auto Configuration (PAC) file settings can also be manually configured in Internet Explorer or by using Group Policy. When you use Microsoft Store apps, the kind of app determines whether proxy settings that are obtained from PAC files are used. Additionally, the app may have to have settings to configure proxy settings.
Proxy/Firewall client software
Proxy/Firewall client software is specific to the brand of proxy server that you use. Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway (TMG) 2010 is an example of a proxy server that can use client software to control proxy settings. Proxy/Firewall client software that's installed as an LSP driver won't work in Windows with any Modern/Microsoft Store apps, but will work with standard apps. Proxy/Firewall client software that's installed as a WFP driver will work with Windows in all apps. Contact the proxy server manufacturer if you have other questions about how to use the manufacturer's client software together with Windows.
Note
The TMG/ISA firewall client tool is LSP based and will not work with Modern/Microsoft Store apps.
Reference
For more information about how to use WPAD, see the following articles:
Configuring Web proxy clients to automatically detect a Forefront TMG server
Automatic Detection
For more information about how to configure proxy server settings by using Group Policy, see the following article:
Internet Explorer Maintenance Extension Tools and Settings