Setting Up a Proxy on Internet Explorer: Complete Guide

Although Internet Explorer is outdated and doesn’t receive regular support like other web browsers, some people and companies still use it. However, users need something else: a proxy server.

A proxy server is a type of network that acts as a bridge between a device, such as your computer, and the internet.

Thanks to their unique features, proxy servers can make your internet connection more secure, private, and potentially faster. Is it worth setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer?

This type of technology also offers many benefits to people and businesses using Internet Explorer as their default browser.

If that’s your case, you should know how to set things up when you need to use a proxy server. Fortunately, you can find that information here!

Here’s everything you need to know about setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer.

Setting Up a Proxy on Internet Explorer: Steps

Do you need help setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer? Check the following steps!

Step 1

When it comes to setting a proxy on Internet Explorer, the first thing you should do is open the Windows search bar. You can do this by pressing the “Windows” and “S” keys at the same time.

If you’re using any version of Windows released after Vista, this will open the search bar. You can follow the same steps if you use other web browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome.

However, the process is slightly different if you’re using Windows XP. In that case, skip to the third step.

Step 2 

Once you open the search bar, type “internet.” You’ll see a list of matching results after that. 

Step 3 

Can you see the search results? Click “Internet Options” to open the “Internet Properties” control panel.

How to Configure Proxy Settings on Internet Explorer

Step 4 

If the “Internet Properties” control panel is open, click on the “Connections” tab. You can find it at the top of the window.

Step 5

Now, look for the “LAN settings” button at the bottom of the tab and click it. As you can see, this process only takes a few minutes!

How to Configure Proxy Settings on Internet Explorer

Step 6

After pressing the “LAN settings” button, check the box next to the option that says “Use a proxy server for your LAN.”

You can find this box under the “Proxy server” header, which is located at the bottom half of the LAN settings window.

Step 7

Enter the proxy server address and the port, which is 6588 for Windows and 8080 for Mac devices in most cases. Each one has its own box under the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box.

Do you have a proxy for FTP connections and need to enter different addresses and ports for multiple devices? Click on the “Advanced” button and fill in the blank boxes with additional information.

Step 8 

After entering the proxy server address and port information, check the box next to “Bypass proxy server for local addresses.”

It’s so important to check this box. Otherwise, you won’t be able to access your wireless router’s admin website unless you go through the server proxy.

Step 9 

Below that box, there are the “OK” and “Cancel” buttons. Press the “OK” button and then press “OK” again.

This step is essential to save your changes. After pressing the “OK” button, the “Internet Properties” panel will close.

Step 10 

Finally, you must close and reopen your browser, which is Internet Explorer in this case.

After restarting your browser, your web traffic will be directed through the proxy server you configured.

However, keep in mind that this process may not work on your computer if you have installed Websense or an administration lock.

Setting Up a Proxy on Internet Explorer with Browser Settings

You can also configure your proxy server through the browser’s settings. Setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer with this method? Follow these steps:

  • Open Internet Explorer
  • Check the menu located on the browser’s right-hand corner
  • Click on the gear wheel icon to display the settings menu
  • Select “Internet Options” to open the window
  • Click on the “Connections” tab and then click on “LAN Settings”
  • Select the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” option under “Proxy server”
  • Enter the NetNut proxy URL
  • Fill in the “Address” and “Port” fields with the address (gw.ntnt.io) and port (5959)
  • Click the “OK” button to save your changes and set up your proxy server on Internet Explorer
  • Open a new tab, using the same browser
  • Enter your NetNut username and password and click the “OK” button
  • Choose a country by entering a code at the end of the username (if you’re using a US proxy, it would be username-cc-us)
  • Use your Internet Explorer browser to check the IP
  • Explore the web using NetNut residential proxies

Benefits of Setting Up a Proxy on Internet Explorer

Each type of proxy offers its own benefits. Unblockable mobile proxies prevent CAPTCHAS and blocks from interrupting data collection and offer 4G/LTE speed for fast data extraction.

Static residential proxies can offer many advantages, too, such as Internet Service Provider (ISP) connectivity, API for statistics, no dependency on an end user’s device, 24/7 IP availability, and more.

However, you can enjoy the following benefits regardless of the type of proxy you choose:

  • Improved internet speed
  • Hidden IP address for enhanced security
  • Optimal privacy throughout the process
  • Access to geo-restricted content
  • Assistance in network traffic management

Potential Risks of Setting Up a Proxy on Internet Explorer

While setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer offers many advantages to individuals and businesses, this technology can pose certain risks.

A proxy server that isn’t secure enough could lead to a personal data breach, putting your sensitive information at risk.

Also, you should choose the right proxy server. Otherwise, if it’s unreliable, it could decrease internet speed.

Final Thoughts on Setting Up a Proxy on Internet Explorer

Do you use Internet Explorer and want to browse the web with a proxy server? Although this browser is outdated and doesn’t receive support like others, using this type of technology for your web browsing can offer you many benefits.

Setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer can help you hide your IP address to enhance your security and privacy levels, manage network traffic to optimize performance and stability, improve your internet speed, and more. Both businesses and individuals can benefit from these outcomes.

If you’re interested in setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer, NetNut can help you. We have a wide range of proxy solutions, so our clients can enjoy seamless online browsing and outstanding protection.

At NetNut, we offer high-speed rotating residential proxies, static residential proxies, mobile IPs, data center proxies, and more. Check our website for more information about our services.

FAQs

Can I Change the Proxy Settings on Internet Explorer?

Yes, you can! If you want to change proxy settings on your Internet Explorer browser, you only have to follow the steps mentioned above.

Once you get to the “Proxy Server” section, enter the new address and port for the new proxy server you want to set up.

After completing this step, click the “OK” button twice to save changes.

If you want to disable proxy settings on Internet Explorer, follow the same steps to get to the “Proxy Server” section. After that, uncheck the box next to “Use a proxy server for your LAN.”

My Proxy Server Settings on Internet Explorer Aren’t Working. What Can I Do to Fix This Issue?

Are you experiencing issues after setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer? Your proxy settings may be failing due to different reasons. These are the most common:

  • The internet connection is unstable.
  • The server details are incorrect.
  • The server is down.

The first thing you should do to troubleshoot these problems is to ensure that there are no issues with your internet connection. Reach out to your IT support if you cannot fix this problem.

If the network connection issue persists, verify that your server details are correct and fix them if necessary.

Did you finish setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer? Are you sure these details are correct? Check if the proxy server is active.

If you want to solve common proxy error codes, check out this guide and follow the recommendations according to the issue you’re experiencing. You can also contact your provider for more information on how to troubleshoot problems with your proxy server.

Can a Proxy Server Affect Your Internet Browsing in Internet Explorer?

Setting up a proxy on Internet Explorer can improve your browsing experience, as this type of network offers extra layers of security, access to geo-restricted content, and optimal loading times.

However, a proxy server can affect your internet speed if it isn’t reliable enough. Keep that in mind before choosing one.

 

Senior Growth Marketing Manager