Use Proxy Servers with Internet Explorer – Browsers
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10/13/2021
4 minutes to read
In this article
Important
The Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022 (for a list of what’s in scope, see the FAQ). The same IE11 apps and sites you use today can open in Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer mode. Learn more here.
This article discusses how to use Microsoft Internet Explorer in proxy environments.
Original product version: Internet Explorer
Original KB number: 4551930
Bypass proxy servers for web requests
Some network requests have to bypass the proxy. The most common reason is for local (intranet) addresses. Generally, these addresses don’t contain periods.
To bypass the proxy, select the Bypass proxy server for local (intranet) addresses check box in the Local Area Network (LAN) Settings dialog box. This method bypasses the proxy for all addresses that don’t contain a period (for example, compserv). These addresses will also be resolved directly.
To bypass more complex addresses, set up exceptions for specific addresses or wildcards by using either of the following procedures.
Use the browser settings
If you’re configuring proxy settings on a user’s computer after the deployment, follow these steps:
In Internet Explorer, open the Tools menu, and then select Internet Options.
On the Connections tab, select LAN Settings.
In the Local Area Network Settings dialog box, select the Use a proxy server for your LAN settings check box.
Select the Advanced tab, and enter the appropriate exceptions in the Do not use proxy server for addresses beginning with: box.
Note
Multiple exceptions should be separated by semicolons (“;”).
For more information, see Internet Explorer uses Proxy Server for Local IP address even if the “Bypass Proxy Server for Local Addresses” option is turned on.
Use the Proxy setting in the Internet Explorer Customization Wizard
For more information about this method, see Use the Proxy Settings page in the IEAK 11 Wizard.
Use Group Policy
In earlier versions of the Windows operating system, Internet Explorer Maintenance (IEM) is used to configure Internet Explorer settings by using Group Policy. In Windows 8, the IEM settings have been deprecated in favor of Group Policy Preferences, Administrative Templates (), and the Internet Explorer Administration Kit 10 (IEAK 10).
To configure the proxy setting through a group policy, see How to configure Proxy Settings for Internet Explorer 10 and Internet Explorer 11 as IEM is not available.
More information
A proxy bypass entry may begin by using an,, ftp, or gopher protocol type.
If a protocol type is used, the exception entry applies only to requests for that protocol.
The protocol value is case insensitive. Multiple entries should be separated by semicolons.
If no protocol is specified, any request that uses the address will be bypassed.
If a protocol is specified, requests that use the address will be bypassed only if they are of the indicated protocol type. Address entries are case insensitive, the same as they are for the protocol type.
If a port number is given, the request is processed only if all previous requirements are met and the request uses the specified port number.
To bypass servers, use an asterisk (“*”) as a wildcard to replace actual characters in the exceptions area of the Proxy Settings dialog box.
Enter a wildcard at the beginning of an Internet address, IP address, or domain name that has a common ending. For example, use *. to bypass any entries that end in., such as and
Enter a wildcard in the middle of an Internet address, IP address, or domain name that has a common beginning and ending. For example, the entry * matches any entry that starts as www and ends as com.
Enter a wildcard at the end of an Internet address, IP address, or domain name that has a common beginning. For example, use to bypass any entries that begin as ，such as,, and
To bypass addresses that have similar patterns, use multiple wildcards. For example, use 123. 1*. 66. * to bypass addresses such as 123. 144. 12, 123. 133. 15, and 123. 187. 13.
Use wildcards carefully. For example, the entry * causes Internet Explorer to bypass the proxy for most websites.
If you bypass the proxy for a local domain, use * This method doesn’t use the proxy for any computer name that ends in You can use the wildcard for any part of the name. For more information, see The Intranet Zone.
Proxy Auto Configuration (PAC)
Example of a simple PAC file
The following is a simple PAC file:
function FindProxyForURL(url, host)
{
return “PROXY proxyserver:portnumber”;}
This PAC always returns the proxy proxyserver:portnumber. For more information about how to write a PAC file and the different functions of a PAC file, see Introduction of FindProxyForURL.
References
How can I configure Proxy AutoConfigURL Setting using Group Policy Preference (GPP)?
How to use GPP Registry to uncheck automatically detect settings?
How to configure a proxy server URL and Port using GPP Registry?
How to configure Group Policy Preference settings for Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 8. 1 or Windows Server 2012 R2
Third-party information disclaimer
The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.
How to Set Up a Proxy Server on Your PC, Mac, or Web Browser – Avast
As for what a proxy server is, think of your proxy as a gateway between you and the internet. When you visit a website, the proxy server communicates with it on behalf of your browser. Then, when the website answers, the proxy forwards the data to you.
Proxy servers can do many jobs. These include scanning for viruses, acting as a firewall, speeding up your connection by caching, and hiding your public IP address.
You have lots of choices when it comes to internet privacy. There’s a lot to learn, such as understanding what a reverse proxy is or distinguishing between VPNs, proxies, and Tor. If you want dependable protection and encryption for your internet traffic, consider a VPN. Avast SecureLine VPN hides your data from snoopers and protects your online identity, and it’s also much easier to set up than a proxy server.
There’s no similar guarantee of protection with a proxy, especially if you’re using one of the many web-based proxies available online. These public proxy services may slow down your service, and even worse, they may be insecure. Instead, we suggest you learn how to set up a proxy server on Windows, MacOS, and the most popular web browsers.
If you’re configuring your browser to use a proxy operated by a company, school, or other similar organization, some of these instructions may require you to contact your IT staff. This is the case particularly when you are asked to manually enter a script name, formally called a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file. You may also need to type in the proxy’s IP and port numbers. In both cases, turn to your IT helpdesk if you haven’t been given this information. If you’re using a proxy that you’ve purchased or created on your own, you’ll already have these details.
How to set up a proxy server in Windows
Here’s how to set up your Windows PC to use a proxy server on Windows 8 or Windows 10:
Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Windows Settings menu.
On Windows 10, click Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. On Windows 8, click Settings > Network Proxy.
Under the Manual Setup section, set the “Use a Proxy Server” toggle to On. Make sure the “Automatically detect settings” toggle is also on.
By default, Windows automatically checks to see if your business, school, or local network already has an automatic proxy server setup ready to run for you. If it does, Windows tells you its name, and encourages you to follow its instructions.
Assuming that Windows finds a PAC file, in the Automatic Proxy Setup, set the Use Setup Script switch to On.
Enter the script address and click Save.
Congratulations! You’re done and ready to proxy.
How to manually set up a proxy in Windows 8 or Windows 10
Not every organization sets up the process automatically. If you need to set up a proxy manually in Windows 8 or Windows 10, here’s how to do it.
To access the Windows Settings menu, press the Windows + I keys simultaneously.
On Windows 10, click Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. On Windows 8 systems, click Settings > Network Proxy.
Scroll down to “Manual proxy setup” and set the “Use a Proxy Server” switch to On.
In the address field, type the proxy server name or IP address. In the Port field, enter the proxy port number. You can get these from your IT support tech.
If the proxy server is protected by a password, select the “Proxy server requires password” checkbox. Enter your account name and password in the Username and Password fields.
Click Save.
That’s all there is to it. You’re now set up to use your proxy server on Windows. The next time you use the internet, you’ll be using the proxy server.
How to set up a proxy server on a Mac running macOS
Here’s how to set up a proxy server on a Mac running macOS 10. 15 Catalina. Other macOS versions use essentially the same commands.
Open System Preferences. One way to get there is to click on the Apple menu > System Preferences.
Choose the Network icon to adjust connectivity settings.
Select the type of network you use, which is usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Click Advanced > Proxies.
To automatically configure your proxy server settings, select Auto Proxy Discovery. Click on Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS). Type in the proxy server address and its port number in the fields on the right.
To use a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file, select Automatic Proxy Configuration and enter the proxy address into the URL field.
Click OK to save the proxy setup.
You’re now ready to surf the internet via your proxy.
How to set up a proxy in Google Chrome
By default, Chrome uses your macOS or Windows proxy. To change your proxy settings from within Chrome, take the following steps:
Open the Chrome toolbar and select Settings.
Scroll down to the bottom of the display. Click on Show advanced settings…
Scroll down to “System” and choose Open your computer’s proxy settings.
Next, go back to the instructions for your operating system listed above to set up your proxy server settings and follow them.
In short, to set up a proxy server in Google Chrome, you’re just doing the first few steps in the browser, and then completing the process in your machine’s operating system.
How to set up a proxy server in Safari
Like Chrome, Safari’s default setting is to follow the proxy configurations within your OS. Here’s how to change your proxy settings from within Safari:
Click on Safari in the browser toolbar. Choose Preferences.
Click on the Advanced tab. Under “Proxies, ” click Change settings…
Next, you must go back to the instructions for macOS listed above to set up your proxy server settings and follow them.
How to set up a proxy server in Edge
Edge is Windows 10’s built-in web browser, and unless you tell it otherwise, it’ll use your proxy configurations in Windows. The latest versions of Edge are based on Chrome, so the configuration is similar. The following steps show you how to set up a proxy from within Edge:
In Microsoft Edge, at the top-right corner, click the Menu button. Select Settings.
Scroll down to the Advanced settings section and click the View advanced settings icon.
Click the Open proxy settings button.
Next, go back to the instructions for Windows 10 listed above, then follow them to configure your proxy server settings.
How to set up a proxy server in Firefox
Unlike other web browsers, Firefox doesn’t default to using your system’s proxy settings. You’ll need to change your proxy from within Firefox:
Open the Firefox menu and select Options.
Click on the Advanced icon.
Select the Network tab.
In the Connection Settings, select, Auto-detect proxy configuration for this network. When prompted, enter the proxy address.
Alternatively, in the Connection Settings, you can select, Use system proxy settings. If you choose that option, Firefox uses the proxy settings in your operating system.
Click OK to save your settings.
How to set up a proxy server in Internet Explorer
Please keep in mind that Internet Explorer is an outdated web browser. Instead, switch to a browser that’s still receiving regular updates and support, such as Avast Secure Browser, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Though since quite a few people and companies still use Internet Explorer (IE), you should know how to set things up when necessary.
As with other browsers, IE defaults to using your Windows proxy configurations. Here’s how to set your proxy up from within IE.
Open the IE toolbar and select Internet Options.
Open the Connections tab.
Select LAN Settings.
Check the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box.
When prompted, enter the proxy server name and port number.
How to set up a proxy server in Android
With Android, you must configure proxy settings for each network you use. In addition, the proxy will only be used by your web browser. Other internet applications may choose to use or ignore the proxy based on their own internal settings. This is another reason why VPNs tend to be better choices — when you use one, it covers all the internet traffic from your device.
Open Android’s Settings and tap Wi-Fi to view a list of Wi-Fi networks.
Long-press the Wi-Fi network name for which you want to change the proxy settings. Tap Modify Network.
Tap Advanced Options.
Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. Enter your hostname and proxy port.
OR
If you have a Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) file, select Proxy Auto-Config and Android will prompt you to enter the PAC address.
Tap SAVE.
How to set up a proxy server in iOS
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
Select the active Wi-Fi connection.
Under HTTP proxy, click Configure Proxy.
Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. Enter your host name, proxy port, and, if needed, your authentication username and password.
If your provider supports Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol (WPAD), tap Automatic. If required, enter the Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) file location.
Tap back to the Wi-Fi selection window.
Protect your online anonymity the easy way
Proxy servers have their uses, particularly within large organizations. However, setting one up requires a bit of work, and this is a job typically entrusted to network administrators and other IT professionals.
Avast SecureLine VPN is an internet privacy solution that’s both simpler to use and far more protective of your identity and online activities. A single click or tap of a button gets you encryption that keeps you anonymous online and prevents anyone from snooping on your sensitive personal info, such as your online banking, health info, or private photos. Enjoy true online privacy on your desktop, laptop or mobile device with a VPN that’s as convenient as it is secure.
Changing to “Automatically Detect Proxy Settings”
These are quick instructions on how to set Web Browsers to Automatically Detect Proxy Settings. This is the best setting to have for use on campus at the University of Otago, and should be used from off campus or when you are no longer enrolled.
Windows
System Proxy Settings, Set in Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet Options > Connections tab > LAN Settings button > “Automatically detect settings” (untick “Use a proxy server…”)
Firefox: Firefox menu > Options > Advanced tab > Network tab > Settings button > “Auto-detect proxy settings for this network”
Chrome: Google Chrome uses the System/Internet Explorer proxy settings. Change the settings via Internet Explorer. Alternatively, in Chrome click the wrench button to the right of the address bar > Options > Under the Bonnet / Under the Hood > Network > Change proxy settings button > LAN Settings button > “Automatically detect settings” (untick “Use a proxy server…”)
Safari: Safari for Windows uses the System/Internet Explorer proxy settings. Change the settings via Internet Explorer. Alternatively, in Safari click the Gear button to the right of the address bar > Preferences > Advanced > Proxies: Change Settings > LAN Settings > “Automatically detect settings” (untick “Use a proxy server…”)
Opera: Opera menu > Settings > Preferences > Advanced tab > Network > Proxy Servers > Choose “Use automatic proxy configuration”
Mac/OSX
We’ve always recommended a network location just for on-campus use, as this is where proxy settings are stored for Safari and the Mac Operating System. Don’t use this location setting when you’re off campus!
If you only have one location in Apple Menu > System Preferences > Location, change the System Proxy Settings, and the proxy settings for other browsers or apps that you previously used on campus. See the Apple support site for more information about network locations.
System Proxy Settings: System Preferences > Network > [Click on the connection type you use, Ethernet or WiFi] > Advanced button > Proxies tab > Tick Auto Proxy Discovery, Untick everything else.
Safari: Safari on OSX uses system proxy settings.
Chrome: Google Chrome uses the OSX System Proxy Settings.
Firefox: Firefox menu > Preferences > Advanced tab > Network tab > Settings button > Choose Auto-detect proxy settings for this network
Opera: Opera menu > Preferences > Advanced tab > Network > Proxy Servers > Choose Manual Proxy Configuration, and untick all the boxes on that page.
If you’re having trouble finding those settings, there are pictorial instructions on the Student IT Services website. Open the instructions for the computer you use and follow the “proxy setup” section only.
Other Applications
µTorrent (Version 3. 1 for Windows): Options > Preferences > Connection > Proxy Server Type: None
Dropbox (Windows): Uses System Proxy Settings by default, but you can manually set proxy settings. If you have done so, remove them.
Norton Internet Security (Windows): Norton Internet Security main window > Computer pane > Settings > Miscellaneous Settings > Network Proxy Settings > Configure > Automatically Detect Settings.
AVG Antivirus (Windows): See the proxy information page on the AVG website.
Avast! Antivirus: Open Avast >Settings > Update > Proxy Settings > Untick “Specify Proxy Server”
Skype (Windows): Skype > Tools > Connection Options > Choose “Automatic Proxy Detection”
Frequently Asked Questions about ie proxy
What is proxy in Internet Explorer?
A proxy server is basically another computer which serves as a hub through which internet requests are processed. By connecting through one of these servers, your computer sends your requests to the server which then processes your request and returns what you were wanting.
How do I turn off proxy settings in Internet Explorer?
To disable proxies for Internet Explorer:In your browser, click. … Click Internet options.Click the Connections tab, then click LAN settings.Under Proxy server, uncheck Use a proxy server for your LAN.Under Automatic configuration, uncheck Use automatic configuration script.Check Automatically detect settings.More items…•Aug 12, 2021
How do I set IE proxy for all users?
StepsLogin to the OS as local administrator.Update the Proxy settings as needed from the internet explorer settings.Manually enter the proxy that the site is using in the http and https field and set the needed bypasses.Open CMD and type: netsh winhttp import proxy source =ie.Sep 6, 2021