As the third most popular browser today, chances are you have Microsoft Edge (formerly Internet Explorer) pre-installed on your Windows devices right now. While Edge offers conveniences like built-in Internet Explorer mode and robust organisation, you are likely missing out on another helpful feature - proxy support!
Configuring a proxy server in Microsoft Edge is easy-peasy and only takes minutes but immediately unlocks benefits like:
- Enhanced browsing privacy
- Access to restricted content
- Localisation testing
- Bandwidth monitoring
This guide will walk through adding proxies to Edge so you can supercharge your web experience no matter if you're on a desktop, tablet or Linux machine, too.
Now, if you've set up a proxy before on either Windows or macOS, you'll be happy to know that the process for Edge is very similar. The steps are pretty much the same as using the regular browser or system settings.
Why Enable A Proxy in Edge?
The #1 reason most people use proxies with Edge? Enhancing privacy protection.
By funnelling your browsing through another server, your real IP address, location, and browsing habits stay concealed from the sites you access. This creates a buffer preventing creepy tracking by companies, websites or potential bad actors.
Whether you just want an extra privacy blanket or need to bypass geographic restrictions, routing Edge through proxy IPs keeps your identity secure.
Both free and paid proxy services exist, depending on your needs. However, most agree that the enhanced privacy and access provided by a premium paid proxy service like Ping Proxies, a leading proxy provider offering specialised residential and datacenter proxy servers with a vast pool of millions of IP addresses from real user networks around the world, is well worth the investment.
With user-friendly setup and management, Ping Proxies should be your go-to proxy sidekick for Microsoft Edge.
Proxies vs. VPNs: Understanding the Difference
While proxies help hide your IP address and improve privacy, they only route browser traffic. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts all internet traffic on your device. If you need full device-wide protection, a VPN might be a better fit. However, proxies are often faster and more suitable for tasks like geo-unblocking, scraping, and anonymous browsing Microsoft Edge.
Should you need to study this topic a bit further, here is a comprehensive comparison of VPN service and Proxy servers to help you make the right choice for your privacy needs.
Security Considerations When Using Proxies
While proxies enhance privacy, they aren't foolproof. Public proxies may expose your data to malicious actors or significantly slow down your connection. To avoid this, opt for reputable proxy providers and ensure they use encryption to protect your data.
Privacy and Legal Considerations
Using proxies can improve privacy, but it's essential to use them ethically and legally:
- Follow Local Laws: Ensure that using proxies complies with the laws in your country or region.
- Avoid Malicious Activity: Using proxies for illegal activities or to breach website terms of service can lead to consequences.
- Understand Data Policies: Read the privacy policy of your proxy provider to know how your data is handled.
Common Proxy Risks to Be Aware Of
Data Interception: Free proxies can capture your sensitive data if the entity running the proxy server is malicious. You should always make sure you’re using proxy servers you run yourself, or are from a reputable proxy provider.
Malware Injection: Malicious proxies may inject malware or ads. Stick with trusted and importantly ethical proxy providers like Ping Proxies.
Speed Reduction: Free proxies often slow down your connection due to high traffic loads. Premium proxies mitigate this issue.
Best Practices for Using Proxies
- Rotate Proxies: Regularly switch between proxies to avoid detection.
- Combine with HTTPS: Use HTTPS websites for added security when using proxies.
- Check Proxy Speed: Periodically test your proxy speed to ensure optimal performance.
- Use Private Proxies: For sensitive tasks, always opt for private, paid proxies over free ones.
Choosing the Right Proxy Type
- Residential Proxies: Ideal for anonymity and bypassing geo-restrictions, as they use real IP addresses tied to physical locations.
- Datacenter Proxies: Best for high-speed browsing and tasks requiring quick data transfers, as they use IPs from high-performance datacenters.
- ISP Proxies: Best for high-speed browsing and tasks requiring quick data transfers but need a real residential IP address.
Understanding Proxy Details
When you purchase proxies from Ping Proxies, you'll receive a set of credentials that look something like this: residential.pingproxies.com:8051:83235_Vbqee_c_us_city_san_antonio_s_SRFVxW for our residential proxies or something like this for our ISP and Datcenter proxies: 192.0.0.0:6000:username:password . You'll see proxies in these formats in our residential dashboard generator or static proxy list section.
This might seem confusing at first, but it's easy to understand when broken down. Here's what each part means:
| Element | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IP Address | 104.234.83.190 | The server’s address you’ll connect through. |
| Port | 61234 | The specific endpoint for communication. |
| Username | e018f041df445584 | Your unique identifier for authentication. |
| Password | 7a2ed17a055bf26 | Your key for verifying access. |
Why Understanding These Parts Matters
Knowing what each part means helps you:
- Set up proxies correctly in browsers, automation tools, or scraping software.
- Troubleshoot issues when a connection fails.
- Ensure secure access by using the correct credentials.
Configuring Proxies in Edge in 10 Simple Steps
Ready to enhance your privacy through proxies? Equipping Edge is straightforward:
1. Launch Edge
Click the three dots in the top right corner and scroll down to select "Settings".
2. Open Proxy Screen
Go to "System and performance" after selecting "Settings" and click "Open your computer's proxy settings".
3. Enable Manual Setup
In the "Manual proxy setup" section, toggle "Use a proxy server" on.
4. Enter Proxy Details
Enter your Address and Port of your proxy server.
5. Exclude Sites Optional
List any sites that should skip the proxy in the designated box and check the box below.
6. Save Configuration
Click "Save" to lock in your proxy setup.
7. Test Browsing
Visit a website to confirm it's working. Naturally, public proxies should load quickly.
8. Username and Password Proxy Authentication
Your proxy may require signing in with your credentials after a prompt. For example, Ping Proxies typically requires signing in with your assigned username and password by default.
9. Click Sign In & Browser
Enter credentials, then sign in to connect through the proxy.
10. Verify New IP
Search for your IP address in your search engine to confirm anonymity through an IP check site like What is my IP address.
If you want to avoid going through the rigours of manually configuring your proxy, you can choose to do it automatically. Here is how you can go about it effortlessly:
For MacOS
- Open System Preferences and select Network
- Select the proxy server type (HTTP, SOCKS, etc) from the dropdown
- Check the box next to 'Web Proxy' to enable it
- Key in the Proxy Server Address and Port number.
- Click OK to save the new proxy settings.
How to Disable Proxies in Microsoft Edge
To turn off a proxy in Microsoft Edge it's just as easy. The same steps you followed when you wanted to enable it, you'd follow the same steps. Like this:
- Open the browser menu and select "Settings."
- In the "Settings" menu, locate "System and performance" and click "Open your computer's proxy settings."
- If you chose to set up a proxy manually, navigate to the "Manual proxy setup" section.
- Turn off the proxy by switching the "Use a proxy server" toggle to the inactive (off) position.
Remember, disabling the proxy will affect all browsers and applications on your PC, not just Microsoft Edge.
Configuring Proxy Settings via Command Line
Both Windows and macOS allow you to manage Edge and system-wide proxy settings from the command line. For Windows, use the Netsh command in Command Prompt or Powershell.
Configuring Proxy Settings on Mobile
Setting up a proxy for Edge on your mobile device is straightforward. Since phones route all internet traffic through a single proxy configuration, changing this setting will apply it across all browsers. Here's a brief guide on how to set up a proxy on Android and iOS.
For Android Devices
- Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
- Tap and hold your connected network, then select Modify network.
- Tap Advanced options and select Manual under Proxy.
- Enter the Proxy hostname and Port.
- Tap Save.
For iOS Devices
- Open Settings and select Wi-Fi.
- Tap the info (i) icon next to your connected network.
- Scroll to HTTP Proxy and select Manual.
- Enter the Server and Port details.
- Tap Save.
Troubleshooting Common Proxy Issues
- Proxy Not Connecting: Ensure you've entered the correct IP address and port number. Double-check your credentials if using private proxies.
- Slow Browsing Speed: Switch to a different proxy server or consider upgrading to a premium service for better performance.
- Websites Not Loading: Some websites block proxy traffic. Try switching to a residential proxy or a different server location.
- Credential Prompts Reappearing: Clear your browser cache and cookies, and re-enter your credentials.
Further Reading
For more detailed information on proxy settings and configurations, refer to Microsoft’s Official Proxy Settings Guide.
