When I tried to set up a proxy server on my Windows 10 PC, I ran into some problems. I wanted to access a blocked website and keep my privacy safe online.
At first, it was confusing with all the settings. But after some trial and error, I figured it out.
If you need to do the same—whether it's to access restricted sites, stay anonymous, or improve your security—knowing how to create a proxy server on Windows 10 is the way to go.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how I set it up on Windows 10.
I’ll break it down step-by-step so you don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Key Takeaways
- The proxy server acts as a middleman for internet traffic.
- Set up proxy manually, automatically, or via script.
- Use Windows 10 "Network & Internet" settings to configure.
- Improves privacy, bypasses restrictions, and speeds up browsing.
- Trusted proxy providers ensure security.
- Automatic detection works with WPAD; manual setup is needed for third-party proxies.
- Adjust settings if needed for proper connection.
What is a Proxy Server? 
A proxy server is like a helper between your computer and the websites you visit. It keeps your online activity private, helps you access blocked sites, and can even make your internet faster by saving data from sites you visit often.
There are different types of proxy servers, and each one does something different.
A proxy server can help you:
Hide your actual IP address to protect your privacy
Get past website restrictions, like geo-blocking
Speed up your internet by saving content you visit often
You might need a proxy if you want more privacy, need to access restricted content or gather online data.
Proxy Setup Options for Windows 10
Setup Type | What It Does | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
Automatic Setup | Windows tries to detect proxy settings on its own. | No extra info is needed from you. |
Set Up Script | Uses a special address to connect to the proxy. | Get the script address from your company’s IT team. |
Manual Setup | You enter the proxy details yourself. | Proxy server name or IP address and port number. |
VPN vs. Proxy | Both reroute traffic, but a VPN adds encryption. | VPN is more secure, as it keeps your data private. |
7 Steps on How to Create a Proxy Server on Windows 10
Now, let me share how to set up a proxy server on a Windows 10 PC! 
Step 1: Open the Settings Menu
- Click the Start menu on your desktop.
- Select Settings (the gear icon).
This will open the Settings window, where you can change various settings on your computer.
Step 2: Go to Network & Internet
- In the Settings window, click on "Network & Internet".
- This will bring you to the page where you can adjust your network and internet settings.
Step 3: Click on Proxy
- On the left side of the screen, click on "Proxy." This section controls your proxy settings.
- You'll find two options: "Automatic Proxy Setup" and "Manual Proxy Setup."
Step 4: Set Up Proxy Using a Script
If your network administrator provided you with a proxy setup script, this is the easiest option.
- Under the "Automatic Proxy Setup" section, toggle the "Use Setup Script" switch to On.
- Enter the script address that was given to you. It will look something like this: http://my.proxy.server:8000/.
- Click "Save" to confirm your settings.
That's it! You've now set up a proxy using a script.
Step 5: Set Up a Proxy Manually (Optional)
If you want to set up the proxy manually, follow these steps:
Scroll down to the "Manual Proxy Setup" option.
Turn on "Use a Proxy Server" by clicking the switch.
Write the IP address of the proxy server in the "Address" field. This is a series of numbers like 192.168.1.1.
Enter the port number in the "Port" field. This will be a number like 8080.
Click "Save" to apply the changes.
Now, your computer is manually connected to the proxy server.
Step 6: Test Your Proxy Server
Once you’ve set up the proxy server, you should test it to make sure it works.
- Open a web browser (like Chrome or Edge).
- Try accessing a website. If it loads, your proxy server will work!
If you're using the proxy for privacy or security, check if your IP address is hidden. You can do this by visiting a site like "WhatIsMyIP.com" to see if your real IP is masked.
Step 7: Disable Proxy (If Needed)
If you want to stop using the proxy, follow these steps:
- Go back to the "Proxy" section in the "Network & Internet" settings.
- If you were using an automatic setup script, turn the "Use Setup Script" switch to Off.
If you set up the proxy manually, turn the "Use a Proxy Server" switch to Off.
This will disable the proxy and return your internet connection to its default settings.
How Automatic Proxy Detection Works
Windows can try to set up a proxy server on its own. This feature, called Automatic Proxy Detection, means you might not have to enter anything by hand.
Here’s how it works and when it’s helpful:
How It Works
When automatic detection is on, Windows looks for proxy settings on the network you’re connected to.
This is common in offices, schools, or places where the network is managed by an IT team.
They use a system called WPAD (Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol) to share proxy settings with every computer on the network.
What WPAD Does
WPAD makes it easy for Windows to find the network’s proxy server without you needing to do anything.
When you connect to the network, your computer will automatically connect through the proxy server set up by the network team.
When It Works Best
Automatic detection is useful in places with managed networks, like offices or schools. The network admins set up WPAD, and Windows finds the proxy server for you.
When It Doesn’t Work
If you use an external proxy service like Bright Data, Smarproxy, Webshare, or Oxylabs, automatic detection won’t work. These are separate from your local network, so they won’t provide WPAD settings.
You’ll need to enter the proxy details yourself.
Setting Up Third-Party Proxies
So, to set up these third-party proxies, you have to follow the methods below which I’ve already mentioned in the above.
Common Windows Proxy Server Errors You Might Face
Sometimes, Windows users run into proxy issues. Here are some of the most common errors and simple ways to fix them:
Common Errors
Ways to Fix These Issues
If you want to learn how to set up a proxy on iPhone and Android devices, check out these two blogs now.
How to Choose the Right Proxy Provider
When choosing a proxy service, consider these factors:
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you now have a pretty good idea of how to create a proxy server on Windows 10. Basically, setting up a proxy server on Windows 10 is easy and has many benefits.
It can help you stay private, access blocked websites, or even make browsing faster. Just follow the steps, and you’ll have it set up quickly!
If you ever need to test the proxy or turn it off, it’s simple to change the settings. Always pick a reliable proxy provider that fits what you need.
FAQs
Using a proxy server is usually legal. But it’s important to use it the right way. If you misuse a proxy for harmful activities, you could face legal trouble.
You can easily configure proxy settings for specific apps in Windows 10 by modifying the app's network settings.
Check the app's documentation for specific instructions.