How to Set Up a Proxy Server on Your PC, Mac, or Web Browser
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.
How to Setup your own Proxy Server for Free – Digital Inspiration
Do a Google search like “proxy servers” and you’ll find dozens of PHP proxy scripts on the Internet that will help you create your own proxy servers in minutes for free. The only limitation with PHP based proxies is that they require a web server (to host and run the proxy scripts) and you also need a domain name that will act as an address for your proxy you don’t have a web domain or haven’t rented any server space, you can still create a personal proxy server for free and that too without requiring any technical a Free Proxy Server with Google App EngineHere’s one such proxy site that you can build for your friends in China or even for your personal use (say for accessing blocked sites from office). This is created using Google App Engine and, contrary to what you may think, the setup is quite to and sign-in using your Google the “Create an Application” button. Since this is your first time, Google will send a verification code via SMS to your mobile phone number. Type the code and you’re all set to create apps with Google App an Application Identifier and it becomes the sub-domain* of your proxy server. Give your app a title (say Proxy Server), set the Authentication Option as “Open to all users”, agree to the terms and create the application. (screenshot)OK, now that we have reserved the APP ID, it’s time to create and upload the proxy server application to Google App Engine. Go to, download the 2. 7 Installer and install Python. If you are on Mac, Python 2. 7 is already installed on your wnload this zip file and extract it to your desktop. The zip file contains a couple of HTML, YAML and Python () files that you can view inside to, download the Google App Engine SDK for Python and follow the wizard to install the SDK on your computer. When the installation wizard has finished, click the “Run Launcher” button to open the App Engine Edit -> Preferences inside the Google App Engine Launcher program from the desktop and set the correct values (see screenshot) for the Python Path, App Engine SDK and the Text Editor (set this is as WordPad or and not) File – > Add Existing Application under the Google App Launcher program and browse to the folder that contain the and other files that you extracted in Step 5. Once the project is added to App Engine, select the project and click Edit to replace “YOUR_APP_ID” with your App ID (screenshot). Save and close the Deploy, enter you Google account credentials and, within a minute or two, your online proxy server will be deployed and become ready for use (screenshot). The public URL (or web address) of your new proxy server will be (replace your_app_id with your App Engine Identifier) sub-domain or the App ID will uniquely identify your App Engine application. For this example, we’ll use labnol-proxy-server as the Application Identifier though you are free to choose any other unique Steps – Setting up a Free Proxy with GoogleYou can edit the file to change the appearance of your proxy website. You can even add code for Google Analytics and Google AdSense code to monetize your proxy proxy server is public on the web (open to everyone) but you can add a layer of authentication so that only Google Account users who are logged-in can use your proxy you have made any changes to your HTML files, you can upload the latest version to Google App Engine either by clicking the “Deploy” button again or use the following command – update _
Install and Configure the Web Application Proxy Server
Install and Configure the Web Application Proxy Server | Microsoft Docs
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08/31/2016
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In this article
Applies To: Windows Server 2012 R2
This content is relevant for the on-premises version of Web Application Proxy. To enable secure access to on-premises applications over the cloud, see the Azure AD Application Proxy content.
This topic describes how to install the Remote Access role with the Web Application Proxy role service and how to configure the Web Application Proxy server to connect to an Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) server. Before beginning the deployment steps, ensure that you have completed the planning steps described in Plan the Web Application Proxy Server.
Note
This topic includes sample Windows PowerShell cmdlets that you can use to automate some of the procedures described. For more information, see Using Cmdlets.
Configure CAs and certificates
Web Application Proxy servers require the following certificates in the certificate store on each Web Application Proxy server:
A certificate whose subject covers the federation service name. If you want to use Workplace Join, the certificate must also contain the following subject alternative names (SANs):
A wildcard certificate, a subject alternative name (SAN) certificate, several SAN certificates, or several certificates whose subjects cover each web application.
A copy of the certificate issued to external servers when using client certificate preauthentication.
Configure certificate templates
Depending on your deployment and authentication requirements, you might require additional certificate templates on your internal certification authority (CA).
To configure a certificate template
On the internal CA, create a certificate template as described in Creating Certificate Templates.
Deploy the certificate template as described in Deploying Certificate Templates.
Configure web application certificates
In an Web Application Proxy deployment you require certificates for the published web applications, and for the AD FS proxy if your deployment provides AD FS proxy functionality. For these required certificates, there are two options for the issuing CA:
Public—Supplied by a 3rd party.
A website certificate used for server authentication. If the certificate subject is not a wildcard, it must be the externally resolvable fully qualified domain name (FQDN) URL that you configure on the Web Application Proxy server for the application.
Private—The following are required, if they do not already exist:
A website certificate used for server authentication. The certificate subject should be an externally resolvable FQDN that is reachable from the Internet. The certificate can be based on the certificate template created in Configure certificate templates.
A certificate revocation list (CRL) distribution point that is reachable from a publicly resolvable FQDN.
Make sure that the website certificate used for server authentication meets the following requirements:
The common name of the certificate should match the name that you configure for the external URL of the published web application, or the federation service name.
For the Enhanced Key Usage field, use the Server Authentication object identifier (OID).
For the CRL Distribution Points field, specify a CRL distribution point that is accessible by client devices that are connected to the Internet.
The certificate must have a private key.
The certificate must be imported directly into the personal store.
Certificates can have wildcards in the name. A wildcard certificate with the subject name *. can be used for web applications in the domain, for example, and This wildcard certificate cannot be used for the website
Certificates can be subject alternative name (SAN) certificates. For example, a SAN certificate with the names and can be used for only those two websites. It cannot be used for
For Workplace Join, a SAN certificate is required with the following SANs:
For example,
enterpriseregistration.
Install the Remote Access role
To deploy Web Application Proxy, you must install the Remote Access role with the Web Application Proxy role service on a server that will act as the Web Application Proxy server.
Repeat this procedure for all of the servers that you want to deploy as Web Application Proxy servers.
To install the Web Application Proxy role service
On the Web Application Proxy server, in the Server Manager console, in the Dashboard, click Add roles and features.
In the Add Roles and Features Wizard, click Next three times to get to the server role selection screen.
On the Select server roles dialog, select Remote Access, and then click Next.
Click Next twice.
On the Select role services dialog, select Web Application Proxy, click Add Features, and then click Next.
On the Confirm installation selections dialog, click Install.
On the Installation progress dialog, verify that the installation was successful, and then click Close.
Windows PowerShell equivalent commands
The following Windows PowerShell cmdlet or cmdlets perform the same function as the preceding procedure. Enter each cmdlet on a single line, even though they may appear word-wrapped across several lines here because of formatting constraints.
Install-WindowsFeature Web-Application-Proxy -IncludeManagementTools
See the instructional video for help Installing the Web Application Proxy
Configure Web Application Proxy
You must configure Web Application Proxy to connect to an AD FS server.
To configure Web Application Proxy
On the Web Application Proxy server, open the Remote Access Management console: On the Start screen, click the Apps arrow. On the Apps screen, type, and then press ENTER. If the User Account Control dialog box appears, confirm that the action it displays is what you want, and then click Yes.
In the navigation pane, click Web Application Proxy.
In the Remote Access Management console, in the middle pane, click Run the Web Application Proxy Configuration Wizard.
On the Web Application Proxy Configuration Wizard, on the Welcome dialog, click Next.
On the Federation Server dialog, do the following, and then click Next:
In the Federation service name box, enter the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the AD FS server; for example,
In the User name and Password boxes, enter the credentials of a local administrator account on the AD FS servers.
On the AD FS Proxy Certificate dialog, in the list of certificates currently installed on the Web Application Proxy server, select a certificate to be used by Web Application Proxy for AD FS proxy functionality, and then click Next.
The certificate you choose here should be the one that whose subject is the Federation Service name, for example, If you plan on using Workplace Join, this must be a SAN certificate with the SANs described in Configure CAs and certificates.
On the Confirmation dialog, review the settings. If required, you can copy the PowerShell cmdlet to automate additional installations. Click Configure.
On the Results dialog, verify that the configuration was successful, and then click Close.
The following command will prompt you to enter credentials of a local administrator account on the AD FS servers.
Install-WebApplicationProxy –CertificateThumbprint ‘1a2b3c4d5e6f1a2b3c4d5e6f1a2b3c4d5e6f1a2b’ -FederationServiceName
See also
Publish Applications using AD FS Preauthentication
Configure the Web Application Proxy Infrastructure
Publish Applications through Web Application Proxy
Planning to Publish Applications Using Web Application Proxy
Web Application Proxy Walkthrough Guide
Web Application Proxy Cmdlets in Windows PowerShell
Install-WebApplicationProxy
Frequently Asked Questions about setup proxy server windows
How do I setup a proxy server?
ProcedureOpen Chrome.Open the Customize and control Google Chrome menu.Click Settings > System > Open proxy settings.Use Internet Properties to set up a connection for your type of network: … Enter the address of your proxy server, and a proxy port number.Click OK to save your changes.
Can I host my own proxy server?
If you don’t have a web domain or haven’t rented any server space, you can still create a personal proxy server for free and that too without requiring any technical knowledge.Nov 13, 2013
How do I setup a proxy server in Windows server 2016?
To install the Web Application Proxy role service On the Select server roles dialog, select Remote Access, and then click Next. Click Next twice. On the Select role services dialog, select Web Application Proxy, click Add Features, and then click Next. On the Confirm installation selections dialog, click Install.Aug 31, 2016
