How to Setup a Proxy Server
What is a proxy server?
A cybersecurity tool that sits in between a user's machine and the public internet is a proxy server. It functions as a link between a web browser and online services, including webpages and cloud-native software programs. Proxies can improve security and speed.
Operating systems vary in how they set up proxy servers, but there are also some significant variations based on how the device's settings are organized.
Setting up a Proxy Server for Various Operating Systems and Browsers
Typically, you must access your device's or browser's settings or system preferences section in order to set up a proxy server. It should just take a few minutes to change your proxy server settings, regardless of the operating system, once you know how to discover the proxy server IP.
Windows
To access the Windows Settings menu for proxy settings, simultaneously press the Windows and I keys.
Choose Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy on Windows 10. In Windows 8, select Network Proxy under Settings.
Set the Utilize a Proxy Server option to On in the Manual Setup section. Make sure that "Automatically detect settings" is also toggled to the On position.
Windows will identify the proxy server if you already have one accessible and encourage you to follow its instructions.
Switch the Use Setup Script to On option under Automatic Proxy Setup once Windows locates a proxy auto-config (PAC) file.
After entering the script address, click save.
Mac
How to set up a proxy server on Mac is just as straightforward.
To access System Preferences, click the Apple Menu. The Finder or System Preferences icon are other options.
To change your connectivity options, click the Network icon.
Select the type of network that you are utilizing. Usually, Ethernet or Wi-Fi will be used for this.
Select Proxies under Advanced.
Selecting Auto Proxy Discovery will then allow you to automatically establish your proxy settings. Go using HTTPS Secure Web Proxy. Next, fill in the two columns under Web Proxy Server with the proxy server's address and port number.
Select Automatic Proxy Configuration, type the address of your proxy in the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) field, and then select the PAC file to configure your server automatically.
If a password is required for your proxy connection, select "Proxy server requires password" and enter the account name and password in the designated areas (username and password).
To save your proxy configuration, click OK.
Android
Navigate to your settings and select Wi-Fi to see a list of Wi-Fi networks that are available.
To modify the proxy settings of a Wi-Fi network, long-tap on it. Next, select Modify Network.
Select the Advanced Options option.
Enter your proxy port and hostname after choosing Manual. Select Proxy Auto-Config if you have a PAC file, and Android will prompt you to enter your PAC address.
Press Save.
Google Chrome
Navigate to the Settings option on the Chrome toolbar.
Scroll down to "Show advanced settings..." and select it.
Choose "Open your computer's proxy settings" after swiping to the System menu.
Go back to your operating system's (Windows or macOS) instructions and enter the proxy server settings.
Firefox
Click the Firefox menu and select Preferences.
Click on the Advanced icon.
Select the tab for networks.
Go to Connection Settings and select "Auto-detect proxy configuration for this network." Next, type in your proxy's address.
"Use system proxy settings" is another option that you have under Connection Settings. Firefox will use your operating system's proxy settings if you do that.
Click OK to preserve your configuration.
Security Considerations When Setting Up a Proxy Server
It is advisable to compare a few different proxies before deciding on one because they all offer varying degrees of security. A free proxy could occasionally not offer the encryption and security you require. Additionally, watch out for proxy servers that hackers have put up. These are intended to steal your personal data. You may be using a hacker's proxy if you frequently encounter advertisements or are redirected to undesirable websites.
Frequently Asked Questions about Setting Up a Proxy Server
How do you set up a proxy server?
Setting up a proxy server is not too complicated. Select the proxy server and the proxy auto-config file that will be used to run it by going to the settings or system preferences section of your operating system and adjusting the network settings.