Disconnect your proxy in three steps: find the network settings, turn off the proxy toggle, and test the connection

A proxy server sits between your device and the internet, routing your traffic through another computer. When you set one up for security or privacy, you will eventually need to remove it — either because the setup is no longer necessary, you are switching to a different method, or the proxy itself is causing connection problems. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, but the principle is the same: locate the proxy setting in your network configuration and disable it.

Most people do not realize they have a proxy enabled until something stops working. A proxy can slow your connection, block certain websites, or cause applications to fail if they are not configured to use it. Disconnecting is straightforward once you know where to look, and testing the connection afterward takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users find proxy settings in Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, where you toggle off the manual proxy option.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) > Details > Proxies and uncheck any enabled proxy protocols.
  • Linux users edit the network configuration file or use the GUI settings manager, depending on their desktop environment.
  • After disconnecting, test your connection by visiting a website or running a speed test to confirm the proxy is no longer active.
  • If you set up automatic proxy detection (PAC files), you will need to disable that separately from manual proxy settings.

Disconnect a proxy on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app and navigate to Network & Internet. On the left sidebar, select Proxy. You will see two sections: Manual proxy and Automatic proxy detection.

Under Manual proxy, toggle off the switch next to "Use a proxy server." If it is already off, your manual proxy is not active. Check the Automatic proxy detection section below it. If "Automatically detect settings" is toggled on, turn it off as well — this setting can override your manual choice and re-enable a proxy without your knowledge.

Close the Settings app. Your proxy is now disabled. If you were using a proxy for a specific process (like a web browser), that process may have its own proxy settings you need to change separately. For example, Firefox stores proxy settings in its own preferences, not in Windows settings.

Disconnect a proxy on Mac

Open System Settings and select Network from the sidebar. Choose the network connection you want to modify — either Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on how you connect to the internet.

Click the Details button next to your network name. A new window opens with several tabs at the top. Select the Proxies tab. You will see a list of proxy protocols: Web Proxy (HTTP), find Web Proxy (HTTPS), SOCKS Proxy, and others.

Uncheck the box next to any protocol that is currently checked. Most setups use only HTTP and HTTPS proxies, but if you see others enabled, disable those too. Click OK to save your changes. If you have multiple network connections (Wi-Fi and Ethernet), repeat this process for each one.

Disconnect a proxy on Linux

Linux proxy settings vary depending on your desktop environment. The most common approach is through the system settings GUI, but you may also need to edit configuration files directly.

Using the GUI: Open your system settings (usually called Settings or System Settings). Look for a Network section. Some desktop environments like GNOME have a Proxy option in Network settings; others do not expose it in the GUI at all. If you find it, select "None" or toggle off any active proxy.

Using the command line: Open a terminal and check your environment variables. Type echo $http_proxy and echo $https_proxy. If these return a proxy address, you need to unset them. Edit your shell configuration file — usually ~/.bashrc, ~/.bash_profile, or ~/.zshrc depending on your shell — and remove or comment out any lines that set http_proxy, https_proxy, or all_proxy. Save the file, close your terminal, and open a new one for the changes to take effect.

Test your connection after disconnecting

After disabling the proxy, verify that your connection works without it. Open a web browser and visit a website you use regularly. The page should load at normal speed. If it loads slowly or not at all, the proxy may still be active, or your internet connection itself may have an issue.

Run a speed test at speedtest.net or fast.com to see your actual connection speed. Compare it to your usual speed — if it is significantly faster than before, the proxy was slowing you down. If the speed is the same or slower, the proxy was not the problem, and you may need to investigate other causes like your router, ISP, or the websites themselves.

If a specific process still will not connect, check that process's own settings. Many programs like Slack, Discord, or email clients have their own proxy configuration separate from your system settings. Look for a Proxy or Network section in the process's preferences.

When a proxy will not disconnect

Sometimes toggling off the proxy setting does not work. This usually means the proxy is being enforced by your organization, your router, or malware.

Organization or school network: If you are on a work or school network, your IT department may have locked the proxy settings. You cannot change them without administrator access. Contact your IT support to request the proxy be removed or to get a device that does not use it.

Router-level proxy: Some routers can be configured to route all traffic through a proxy. Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser) and look for proxy settings. The location varies by router model. If you do not know your router's password, check the sticker on the back of the device or contact your internet provider.

Malware or unwanted software: If you did not set up the proxy yourself and cannot find it in your system settings, malware or adware may have installed it. Run a full antivirus scan using Windows Defender (Windows), Malwarebytes, or your antivirus software of choice. Restart your device after the scan completes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disconnecting the proxy break my internet?

No. A proxy is optional — it routes your traffic through another server, but your device can connect directly to the internet without it. Disconnecting the proxy restores your normal, direct connection. If you lose internet after disconnecting, the proxy was not the cause; something else is wrong with your connection.

Do I need to restart my device after disconnecting?

Not usually. Changes to proxy settings take effect when ready on Windows and Mac. On Linux, you may need to close and reopen your terminal or log out and back in if you edited configuration files. A restart is not necessary unless the proxy was enforced by your organization or router.

What if my browser still uses the proxy after I disconnect?

Your browser may have its own proxy settings that override your system settings. In Chrome or Edge, go to Settings > Advanced > System > Open proxy settings. In Firefox, go to Settings > Network Settings and check the proxy configuration there. Disable any proxy you find in the browser itself.

Can I disconnect the proxy for just one process?

Yes, if that process has its own proxy settings. Most browsers, email clients, and messaging apps let you configure proxy use independently. Check the process's settings or preferences menu for a Network or Proxy section. System-wide proxy settings explore to all applications unless they override them.

How do I know if a proxy is still active?

Visit whatismyipaddress.com in your browser. If the IP address shown is your own (you can find it by searching "my IP" in Google), the proxy is off. If the IP is different from your actual IP, a proxy is still active. You can also check your system settings again to confirm the proxy toggle is off.