Proxy Server Is Not Responding in Windows 11? 10 Ways to Fix It (2026)

Are you seeing the “Proxy Server Is Not Responding” error on your Windows 11 PC? This problem can prevent you from accessing websites, downloading files, or using online services even when your internet connection appears to be working normally.

In most cases, the error occurs due to incorrect proxy settings, network configuration issues, VPN conflicts, browser issues, or malware that has modified your internet settings. Windows may attempt to route your internet traffic through an unavailable, misconfigured, or no-longer-in-use proxy server, resulting in connection failures. In this guide, we’ll explain why the “Proxy Server Is Not Responding” error occurs in Windows 11 and walk you through several proven solutions to get back online.

Why the Proxy Server Is Not Responding in Windows 11

The “Proxy Server Is Not Responding” error appears when Windows or your web browser cannot establish a connection with the configured proxy server. As a result, internet traffic cannot be routed correctly, preventing websites and online services from loading.

Some common causes include:

• Incorrect Proxy Settings: Windows or your browser is configured to use a proxy server that no longer exists or is unavailable.
• VPN Software Conflicts: Certain VPN applications automatically modify proxy settings, which can cause connection issues.
• Malware or Adware Infections: Malicious software may change network settings and force traffic through unauthorized proxy servers.
• Corrupted Network Configuration: Damaged network settings, DNS issues, or Winsock errors can prevent proper communication.
• Browser Configuration Problems: Incorrect browser proxy settings can trigger the error even when Windows network settings are correct.
• Network Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can interfere with internet connectivity.

Now let’s go through the solutions to fix and restore your internet connection.

Fix 1: Disable Proxy Server Settings

The most common cause of this error is an incorrect or outdated proxy configuration. If Windows is set to use a proxy server that is unavailable or no longer needed, your internet traffic may fail to connect properly.

Disabling the proxy server allows Windows to connect directly to the internet instead of routing traffic through an intermediary server.

To disable proxy settings in Windows 11:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet from the left pane.
3. Click Proxy.
4. Under Manual proxy setup, click Set up.
5. Turn Use a proxy server to Off.
6. Click Save if prompted.
7. Restart your browser and try accessing a website.

If the error disappears after disabling the proxy server, the issue was likely caused by an incorrect or outdated proxy configuration.

Also, check Internet Options

If the error persists, Windows may still be using a proxy configured through Internet Options:

1. Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Open the Connections tab.
3. Click LAN settings.
4. Uncheck Use a proxy server for your LAN.
5. Ensure that Automatically detect settings is checked.
6. Click OK.

Fix 2: Enable Automatically Detect Settings

If Windows cannot find the correct network configuration, it may attempt to use invalid proxy settings. Enabling automatic detection allows Windows to automatically discover and apply the appropriate network settings for your connection.

To enable automatic proxy detection:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet> Proxy.
3. Under Automatic proxy setup, make sure Automatically detect settings is turned On.
4. Close the Settings app.
5. Restart your web browser and test your internet connection.

If incorrect network detection was causing the problem, Windows should now be able to connect without displaying the “Proxy Server Is Not Responding” error.

Fix 3: Restart Your Modem and Router

Temporary network glitches can sometimes prevent your computer from connecting properly to the internet, leading to proxy-related connection errors. Restarting your modem and router refreshes the network connection and clears temporary communication issues.

To restart your network equipment:

1. Turn off your modem and router.
2. Unplug both devices from the power outlet.
3. Wait for about 30 seconds.
4. Plug the modem back in and wait until it is fully connected.
5. Turn on the router and allow it to reconnect.
6. Restart your Windows 11 PC.
7. Open your browser and check if the error is resolved.

If the problem was caused by a temporary network issue, restarting the modem and router may restore normal internet connectivity.

Fix 4: Flush DNS Cache and Reset Winsock

Corrupted DNS records or Winsock settings can interfere with network communication and cause proxy-related connection errors. Flushing the DNS cache and resetting Winsock removes outdated network information and restores default networking components.

To reset DNS and Winsock:

• Press Windows + S, type cmd.
• Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• Run the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

• Restart your computer after the commands complete.

Once Windows restarts, open your browser and check whether the “Proxy Server Is Not Responding” error has been fixed.

Fix 5: Disable Your VPN Temporarily

Some VPN applications automatically configure proxy settings or create virtual network adapters to route internet traffic. If the VPN is misconfigured or unable to connect properly, it may trigger the “Proxy Server Is Not Responding” error.

Temporarily disabling the VPN can help determine whether it is causing the problem.

To disable your VPN:

1. Disconnect from your VPN application.
2. Exit or close the VPN software completely.
3. Restart your web browser.
4. Try accessing a website again.

If the error disappears after disabling the VPN, the VPN configuration or its network settings may be responsible. Check for VPN updates, reinstall the application, or review its proxy settings before reconnecting.

Fix 6: Scan Your PC for Malware

Some malware, adware, and browser hijackers can modify Windows network settings and enable unauthorized proxy servers. When this happens, your internet traffic may be redirected through a malicious or non-functional proxy, causing connection errors.

Running a full malware scan can help detect and remove threats that may be affecting your network settings.

To scan your PC using Windows Security:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & security > Windows Security.
3. Click Virus & threat protection.
4. Select Scan options.
5. Choose Full scan.
6. Click Scan now and wait for the scan to complete.
7. Remove any threats that are detected.
8. Restart your computer.

After the scan, check your proxy settings again and test your internet connection. If malware was responsible, the error should no longer appear.

Fix 7: Reset Your Browser Settings

Sometimes the problem is caused by browser-specific settings rather than Windows itself. Incorrect proxy configurations, extensions, or modified network settings within the browser can trigger the “Proxy Server Is Not Responding” error.

Resetting the browser restores its default settings and removes any unwanted changes that may be affecting connectivity.

For Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu and select Settings.
3. Click Reset settings.
4. Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
5. Click Reset settings to confirm.

For Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu and select Settings.
3. Go to Reset settings.
4. Click Restore settings to their default values.
5. Select Reset.

After resetting the browser, restart it and check whether websites load normally without the proxy error.

Fix 8: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Network adapter drivers allow Windows 11 to communicate with your wired or wireless network hardware. If these drivers are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, they can cause connectivity problems that may trigger proxy-related errors.

Updating the network driver can help resolve communication issues and improve overall network stability.

To update your network adapter driver:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
4. Select Update driver.
5. Click Search automatically for drivers.
6. Install any available updates.
7. Restart your computer.

After the restart, check whether the “Proxy Server Is Not Responding” error still appears when browsing the internet.

Fix 9: Perform a Network Reset

If the error persists, performing a network reset can help restore all networking components to their default state. This process removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets network-related settings that may have become corrupted.

Before proceeding, note that you may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and re-enter saved passwords afterward.

To perform a network reset:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click Advanced network settings.
4. Select Network reset.
5. Click Reset now.
6. Confirm the action when prompted.
7. Restart your computer.

Once Windows restarts, reconnect to your network and check whether the proxy server error has been resolved.

Fix 10: Check for Problematic Applications

Some third-party applications can automatically change your network or proxy settings without your knowledge. VPN clients, security software, browser extensions, download managers, and network optimization tools are common examples.

If the proxy error keeps returning after you’ve disabled it, one of these applications may be re-enabling the proxy settings.

To identify problematic software:

1. Close any active VPN applications.
2. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or security software.
3. Remove recently installed network-related applications.
4. Disable unnecessary browser extensions.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Check whether the proxy settings remain disabled.

If the problem disappears after removing or disabling a particular application, consider updating, reinstalling, or replacing that software with a more compatible alternative.

After identifying and resolving the software conflict, your internet connection should work normally without triggering the proxy server error.

How to Prevent Proxy Server Errors in Windows 11

Once you’ve fixed the problem, a few simple practices can help prevent proxy-related errors from returning in the future.

• Only use a proxy server if it is required by your workplace, school, or network administrator.
• Keep Windows 11 and your network drivers up to date.
• Avoid installing unknown VPNs, browser extensions, or network optimization tools.
• Regularly scan your computer for malware and adware.
• Review your proxy settings periodically to ensure they haven’t been changed without your knowledge.
• Restart your router occasionally to maintain a stable network connection.

Following these best practices can help keep your network settings clean and reduce the chances of seeing the “Proxy Server Is Not Responding” error again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)