To find your proxy server address on a Windows computer, you can typically locate it within your Internet Options settings, specifically in the Local Area Network (LAN) settings. This method allows you to view the configured proxy server address and port used for HTTP/HTTPS traffic.
What is a Proxy Server?
A proxy server acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. It sits between your computer and the internet, forwarding your web requests and receiving responses on your behalf. This can be used for various reasons, including enhancing security, improving performance, bypassing geographic restrictions, or controlling internet usage within an organization. Knowing your proxy server address is often essential for network troubleshooting or configuring specific applications.
How to Find Your Proxy Server Address on Windows
Follow these steps to locate your proxy server address and port in use:
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Open Internet Options:
- In the Windows search bar (usually at the bottom left of your screen), type "Internet Options."
- Select "Internet Options" from the list of search results. This will open the Internet Properties dialog box.
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Access Connections Tab:
- Within the Internet Properties window, click on the "Connections" tab. This tab contains settings related to your internet connection.
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Open LAN Settings:
- On the Connections tab, click the "LAN settings" (Local Area Network settings) button. This will open the Local Area Network (LAN) Settings dialog box.
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Identify Proxy Server Details:
- In the "Proxy server" section of the LAN Settings window, you will find details about your proxy configuration.
- If a proxy server is in use, the "Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections)" checkbox will be checked.
- Beneath this, the "Address" and "Port" fields will display the specific proxy server address and the port number it uses for HTTP/HTTPS traffic.
Summary of Proxy Server Information:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Proxy server | Indicates whether a proxy server is being used for your LAN connection. If checked, the fields below will be active. |
| Address | This is the IP address or hostname of your proxy server. This is the primary identifier for the proxy. |
| Port | This is the specific port number that the proxy server uses to listen for incoming connections. Common proxy ports include 8080 or 3128, but it can be any valid port number. |
| Bypass proxy server for local addresses | If checked, direct access will be used for local intranet sites, bypassing the proxy. This is common in corporate networks. |
If the "Use a proxy server for your LAN" checkbox is unchecked, it means your Windows system is not currently configured to use a proxy server through these settings. In some cases, proxy settings might be automatically configured by your network administrator (e.g., via a PAC file or Group Policy), in which case the manual settings might appear disabled.
