In an era where internet privacy and security are paramount, proxy settings serve as a beacon of hope for many. Proxy settings, essentially, allow users to access the internet anonymously, acting as an intermediary where a proxy server fetches web data on the user’s behalf. This ensures not only a layer of privacy but also a shield against potential malware infections, especially when channeled through a local Proxy Server. Recognizing the significance and the vulnerabilities that can arise from unauthorized changes, Microsoft has integrated a feature in Windows 10 and 11 to set up a Proxy. To further secure this, options have been made available to disable these settings via Group Policy or the Registry Editor, ensuring that other users remain unable to modify these crucial proxy configurations. Dive into this risewindows article as we explore the nuances of preventing users from tampering with proxy settings on Windows 11 and 10.
How to Stop Users from Changing Proxy Settings on Windows 11 or 10 using Local Group Policy Editor?
Follow these steps for changing the proxy settings on Windows 11 or 10 by Local Group Policy Editor:-
Step 1. Open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. Browse the following path from the left sidebar on your computer:-
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer
Step 3. Double-click on the policy name Prevent changing proxy settings on the right side of the “Internet Explorer” folder.
Step 4. Pick Enabled.
Step 5. Click on the Apply button.
Step 6. Hit the OK button.
Step 7. Reboot your computer to apply the changes.
How to Prevent Users from Changing Proxy Settings on Windows 11 or 10 through Registry Editor?
Follow these steps to stop users from changing Proxy Settings on Windows 11 or 10 using Registry Editor:-
Step 1. Open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Browse to the following path in the left sidebar on your computer:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft
Step 3. Right-click on the Microsoft folder and choose New > Key.
Step 4. Name that key Internet Explorer.
Step 5. Right-click on the Internet Explorer folder on the left side to select New > Key.
Step 6. Name the new key as Control Panel.
Step 7. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value by right-clicking on the Control Panel folder.
Step 8. Name this new REG_DWORD as Proxy.
Step 9. Double-click on the Proxy REG_DWORD to set “Value data” to 1.
Step 10. Pick the OK button.
Step 11. At last, reboot your computer to apply the changes.
Conclusion
Ensuring internet security and privacy is a top priority for many users today, and proxy settings play a significant role in this context. By configuring proxy settings in Windows 10 and 11, users can safeguard their online activities from potential threats and snoopers. The steps provided in this article guide you in locking these settings down, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot tamper with them. By understanding and implementing these steps through Local Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor, you can maintain your preferred proxy configurations and stay one step ahead in the cybersecurity game.
