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The Microsoft Edge message “Can’t connect to the proxy server”, often shown with ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED, usually means Edge is trying to route web traffic through a proxy that is unavailable, unreachable, or incorrectly configured. On a personal Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC that does not require a proxy, start with Settings > Network & internet > Proxy, disable an unknown manual proxy or setup script, and then restart Edge.
Do not automatically disable proxy settings on a work or school computer. A company or school may require a proxy, PAC file, VPN, or security gateway. In that case, the correct fix is to restore the approved proxy configuration or contact IT.
What the proxy error means
A proxy is an intermediary between your computer and the websites you visit. Instead of connecting directly to a website, Edge sends the request to the proxy, which forwards it and returns the response.
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ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED points specifically toward a proxy connection problem. It differs from other common messages:
ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVEDusually indicates a DNS name-resolution problem.ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUTmeans a destination or route did not respond in time.ERR_CONNECTION_RESETmeans a connection was forcibly interrupted.
Microsoft notes that an unreachable configured proxy can cause ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED. Edge normally uses Windows network settings, although command-line options and enterprise policies can change that behavior. See Microsoft’s Edge proxy documentation.
First determine whether Edge or the network is failing
Before changing settings, run a few quick tests. They prevent you from repairing Edge when the actual problem is the router, VPN, security software, or organization’s network.
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- Try the same website in another browser.
- Open an InPrivate window with
Ctrl + Shift + N. This can help identify an extension-related problem, although extensions may behave differently in InPrivate mode. - Test the connection on another device using the same Wi-Fi.
- If possible, connect the PC to a phone hotspot or another network.
Use the results as a guide:
- Every browser fails: investigate Windows networking, the router, DNS, VPN, security software, or the organization’s proxy.
- Only Edge fails: investigate Edge extensions, policies, launch arguments, the Edge profile, or Edge-specific security integration.
- Only one network fails: the router, captive portal, ISP, or network proxy is more likely involved.
- Only work or school sites fail: check the organization’s VPN, proxy, certificate inspection, bypass rules, or access policy.
Microsoft also recommends testing another connection or device when diagnosing Windows connectivity problems. See its Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance.
Fix 1: Check Windows proxy settings
On current Windows installations, the primary proxy controls are in Windows Settings rather than in a normal Edge preferences page.
Windows 11
Open Start > Settings > Network & internet > Proxy.
Windows 10
Open Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. The capitalization and layout may vary slightly by Windows edition and updates.
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You can also open the page quickly:
- Press Win + R.
- Enter
ms-settings:network-proxy. - Press Enter.
If the shortcut does not open the page, use the normal Settings path.
What each setting does
- Automatically detect settings: lets Windows detect proxy settings automatically. Leave this enabled unless your administrator or network documentation says otherwise.
- Use setup script: uses a supplied script address, often a PAC file, to decide when and how traffic should use a proxy. Disable it only if it is unknown or no longer required.
- Use a proxy server: sends traffic through the manually entered address and port. An old, blank, unreachable, or incorrect address can produce the error.
For a personal PC that does not need a proxy
- Under Automatic proxy setup, leave Automatically detect settings enabled.
- Turn off Use setup script if the script is not required.
- Under Manual proxy setup, turn off Use a proxy server.
- Fully close every Edge window.
- Open Edge again and test several websites.
These instructions are appropriate only when you know the computer does not require a proxy. Microsoft’s Windows proxy guide covers automatic detection, scripts, manual servers, and VPN-related proxy settings.
If you actually need a proxy
Proxies are not inherently bad or unnecessary. Corporate and school networks may route internet traffic through a security gateway. A PAC/setup script may also decide that internal websites use one route while public websites use another.
Ask the network administrator for the exact:
- Proxy hostname or IP address
- Port number
- Setup-script or PAC URL
- Authentication requirements
- Local and internal address bypass rules
A VPN connection may have separate proxy requirements. Do not replace an organization’s script with a guessed manual address, and do not repeatedly turn off a policy-controlled proxy. That can break internal sites or violate the network’s access requirements.
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Fix 2: Temporarily test VPNs, extensions, and security software
VPN clients, antivirus web shields, parental-control tools, ad blockers, traffic filters, and privacy extensions can intercept or reroute browser traffic. This is especially likely if the problem began immediately after installing or updating one of them.
Test a VPN
Disconnect a third-party VPN temporarily, if doing so is permitted and will not interrupt required work access. Test Edge, then reconnect the VPN. If Edge works only when the VPN is disconnected, check the VPN’s proxy, split-tunneling, DNS, and browser-filtering settings or contact the VPN provider.
Disable suspect Edge extensions
- Open
edge://extensionsin Edge. - Disable VPN, proxy, privacy, filtering, antivirus, and traffic-routing extensions first.
- Restart Edge and test again.
- Re-enable extensions one at a time to identify the conflict.
Do not permanently disable Windows Defender Firewall or antivirus protection. If third-party security software has a web shield, HTTPS scanning, proxy, or traffic-filtering feature, pause only that component briefly for diagnosis and turn it back on immediately afterward.
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Fix 3: Check Edge policies and launch options
If the proxy setting returns after you disable it, something may be enforcing or recreating it.
Check whether Edge is managed
Look for a Windows message such as “Some settings are managed by your organization.” In Edge, open:
edge://policyPolicies can define or restrict proxy behavior. On a managed device, do not delete registry entries or bypass the policy. Ask IT to verify the proxy server, PAC file, authentication, certificate requirements, and network availability.
Inspect the Edge shortcut
- Right-click an Edge shortcut and select Properties.
- Review the Target field.
- Look for unusual launch arguments such as
--proxy-server=.
Microsoft documents command-line proxy controls for Edge, including --proxy-server. Some supported launch scenarios can also use direct:// to force direct connections. Do not remove a known organizational argument without authorization. More details are available in Microsoft’s Edge proxy command-line documentation.
Check for unwanted software
If an unfamiliar proxy appeared without explanation, review recently installed applications and run a scan with Windows Security. A persistent proxy can be a warning sign, but this error alone does not prove malware.
Fix 4: Reset Windows network components
Use these commands only after checking the proxy configuration and testing VPNs, extensions, and security software. They are more useful when several applications have connection problems or networking became unreliable after a software, driver, or network change.
- Open Start and search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
- Run these commands in order:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdnsRestart Windows afterward and test Edge.
The commands reset the Winsock catalog, reset TCP/IP configuration, release and renew the DHCP lease, and clear the local DNS resolver cache. Administrative privileges are required. An individual adapter may report that an operation was unsuccessful without meaning that every reset failed.
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These commands cannot repair a dead corporate proxy, supply missing credentials, or correct an intentionally enforced policy. Clearing DNS may help a broader connectivity problem, but it does not fix an invalid proxy address or port. Microsoft lists this sequence in its Ethernet troubleshooting guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix 5: Use Windows Network reset as a last resort
Network reset is substantially more disruptive than changing a proxy toggle. Use it after the earlier checks and commands fail, and only if you can reconfigure your network software afterward.
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Windows 11
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now.
Windows 10
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset > Reset now.
Network reset removes installed network adapters and resets networking settings before restarting Windows. It does not delete personal files, but you may need to reinstall or reconfigure VPN clients, Hyper-V virtual switches, virtual adapters, and other networking software. Known network profiles may also be changed to Public, so review network discovery and sharing settings afterward.
Record VPN and virtual-network settings before using this option. Microsoft describes these consequences in its Network reset guidance.
Fix 6: Repair Edge only when the problem is Edge-specific
If other browsers work, Windows proxy settings are correct, and no policy, VPN, extension, or security product is responsible, try these browser-focused steps:
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- Close all Edge windows and reopen the browser.
- Update Edge from Settings and more (…) > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
- Disable all extensions temporarily.
- Test with a new Edge profile.
- If only particular sites fail, clear cached browsing data and test again.
- Use Edge’s Repair option in Windows installed-app settings if it is available for your edition.
- Reinstall Edge only as a final browser-specific step.
Clearing cookies, repairing Edge, or reinstalling the browser will not correct a system proxy that is wrong, unavailable, or enforced by policy. Microsoft’s general Edge troubleshooting guide recommends updating, restarting, checking extensions, clearing data, and reviewing security and network settings.
When only certain websites fail
A partially working proxy can produce confusing results. Different rules may apply to HTTP, HTTPS, internal domains, and external websites. Possible causes include:
- A bypass rule that excludes some addresses
- Internal websites that require the organization’s proxy
- HTTPS inspection or certificate problems
- DNS filtering or site-level blocking
- A proxy configured for HTTP but not handling HTTPS correctly
- The website itself being unavailable
Record the exact URL, whether HTTP and HTTPS sites behave differently, whether internal and external sites differ, the exact error code, and whether another browser works on the same PC. This information helps IT or the network administrator distinguish a browser problem from proxy routing or policy behavior.
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Identify what changed: Edge, Windows, a VPN, antivirus, a network adapter driver, the router, or the organization’s network policy.
- Restart Windows.
- Check Edge’s update status and Windows Update history.
- Test another network, such as a phone hotspot.
- Check whether the network adapter driver changed.
- Review VPN and security-software updates.
- Use Network reset only after recording settings that must be restored.
A recent update may expose a driver or integration problem, but it does not automatically mean Edge itself is damaged.
When to contact IT, your ISP, or the software vendor
Contact the appropriate administrator when:
- The PC is owned or managed by a company or school.
- The proxy requires credentials, a PAC file, or a certificate.
- Internal websites depend on proxy bypass rules.
- The proxy keeps returning after you change it.
- Only the organization’s network fails.
- A VPN, antivirus, parental-control, or filtering product appears responsible.
- The proxy service may be down for everyone.
Provide the exact error code, affected URLs, whether other browsers work, whether another network works, and any recent software or policy changes. Avoid making repeated settings changes that could erase useful diagnostic information.
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