Proxy Not Found Error: Causes and Solutions

The “Proxy Not Found” error typically means the browser or app cannot reach the proxy server. In practice, this error happens if the proxy address is wrong, the proxy is offline, or malware has hijacked your proxy settings.

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your PC and the internet, your web traffic goes through this server instead of directly from your device.

Organizations often require proxies for filtering or privacy, but misconfigured proxies can block internet access. Here’s how you fix it.

Common Causes

• Incorrect proxy settings: The IP address or port for the proxy may be wrong, or the proxy service could be down. Many users fix the “Proxy not found” error simply by turning off the proxy in their system or browser.
• VPN or networking tools: Some VPN clients or network utilities automatically insert proxy details. If these write invalid info, you’ll get errors similar to a proxy error 2606.
• Malware or proxy trojans: Malicious software can set a fake proxy to intercept traffic. A proxy trojan often causes sudden proxy errors; scanning with antivirus or a dedicated removal tool is advised.
• Windows registry errors: Faulty registry entries can force a bad proxy server, which may also trigger other failures such as a proxy error 500.
• Browser or system glitches: Temporary bugs or a failed network update can reset your proxy settings. In Windows, the “Automatically detect settings” flag should usually stay on, and “Use a proxy server” should be off if you’re not using one.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Check your system proxy settings

Windows 10/11: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy. Make sure Use a proxy server is turned off (unless required), and Automatically detect settings is on.
Windows Control Panel: Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Internet Options → Connections tab → LAN settings. In the LAN dialog, uncheck “Use a proxy server for your LAN.”

If you still encounter errors, note that misconfigurations can also trigger cases like proxy error no response from bot pgshag2.

2. Reset browser proxy configuration

Chrome: Menu → Settings → System → Open your computer’s proxy settings. Turn off any proxy, then reload pages.
Firefox: Menu → Options/Preferences → General → Network Settings. Select No proxy or Use system proxy and click OK.
Edge: Menu → System and Performance → Open proxy settings. Disable proxies and enable auto-detect.

For persistent issues, browsers may display other codes, like a proxy error 503 when services fail to respond.

3. Run network reset commands (Windows)

Open an Administrator Command Prompt and run:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart and check your internet. This flushes network caches and can remove stale proxy info. A failed configuration here may also cause a proxy error could not proxy request.

4. Update or roll back network drivers

Faulty or incompatible drivers can disrupt proxy use. Update your network adapter drivers via Device Manager, or roll back if issues started after an update. On some platforms like Janitor AI, authentication issues may appear as proxy error 401 or proxy error 400.

5. Clear malware and unwanted software

Scan for infections: Run a trusted antivirus or anti-malware tool. Proxy-specific trojans often cause the “Proxy not found” symptom.
Remove VPN/proxy programs: If you use VPN or proxy apps, uninstall and reboot.

Sometimes, errors occur in specific contexts, like when images fail to load due to a proxy not working for this image problem.

6. Check the Windows registry (advanced)

Open regedit and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings. Delete entries named ProxyServer or ProxyOverride if present. Only do this if you’re experienced.

7. Verify network connectivity

If your proxy should forward to the internet, confirm it’s reachable. Ping the proxy address, or test without it. Also, check that your setup isn’t being blocked, as covered in how to confirm if your proxy is not blocked.

Additional Tips

• Automatic Proxy Scripts: Ensure any .pac file address is correct.
• Group Policy Locks: In corporate setups, IT may enforce proxy policies.
• Captive Portals: On public Wi-Fi, disable proxy until after login.
• Reboot and Retry: Restart your PC after major changes.

FAQs

Conclusion

The “Proxy not found” error is usually a sign your device is pointing to a server that doesn’t exist or is offline. Quick fixes include disabling the proxy, resetting network configurations, and scanning for malware. If the issue persists, double-check whether your proxy is truly available and that your system settings aren’t being overridden.