Proxy

Setting up a proxy server on Windows Server 2016 can be essential for enhancing security and managing internet traffic within a corporate network. Proxy servers allow for content filtering, data caching, and hiding the real IP addresses of users. In this article, we will explore the main and alternative methods to configure a proxy server on Windows Server 2016, providing step-by-step instructions and useful tips.

How to Set Up a Proxy in Windows Server 2016 Operating System

You should start the configuration by having a proxy server. If you don’t have one, use Proxy5.net. This service supports HTTP, HTTPS and SOCKS5 protocols, which will simplify configuration on Windows Server 2016 and ensure stable connection. Setting up a proxy server on Windows Server 2016 involves several steps through the system settings. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Access Network and Sharing Center

  1. Open Control Panel: Click on the Start menu, then select “Control Panel“.
  2. Network and Sharing Center: In the Control Panel, click on “Network and Internet“, then select “Network and Sharing Center“.

Step 2: Open Internet Options

  1. Internet Options: In the Network and Sharing Center, click on “Internet Options” located at the bottom left of the window.
  2. Connections Tab: In the Internet Options window, navigate to the “Connections” tab.

Step 3: Configure LAN Settings

  1. LAN Settings: In the Connections tab, click on “LAN settings“.
  2. Proxy Server: In the LAN Settings window, check the box that says “Use a proxy server for your LAN“.
  3. Address and Port: Enter the IP address and port number of your proxy server in the respective fields.
  4. Bypass Proxy Server: Optionally, you can check “Bypass proxy server for local addresses” if you want to exclude local addresses from proxy use.

Step 4: Apply and Save Settings

  1. Save Settings: Click “OK” to close the LAN Settings window.
  2. Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK” in the Internet Options window to save your changes.

How to Set Up a Proxy on Windows Server 2016 via Browser (Mozilla Firefox)

Configuring a proxy server through Mozilla Firefox on Windows Server 2016 is another straightforward method. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open Mozilla Firefox

  1. Launch Browser: Open Mozilla Firefox from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Step 2: Access Settings

  1. Menu: Click on the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner of the browser.
  2. Options: Select “Options” from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Configure Network Settings

  1. General Settings: In the Options window, go to the “General” tab.
  2. Network Proxy: Scroll down to the “Network Settings” section and click on “Settings“.

Step 4: Enter Proxy Details

  1. Manual Proxy Configuration: Select “Manual proxy configuration“.
  2. Proxy Address: Enter the HTTP proxy address and port number.
  3. Use for All Protocols: If desired, check the box “Use this proxy server for all protocols” to apply the settings to FTP and other protocols.
  4. No Proxy for: Specify any addresses that should bypass the proxy in the “No Proxy for” field.

Step 5: Apply and Save Settings

  1. Save Settings: Click “OK” to save the settings.
  2. Restart Browser: Restart Mozilla Firefox to apply the new proxy settings.

Alternative Methods for Configuring Proxy on Windows Server 2016

Besides the above methods, there are several alternative ways to configure a proxy server on Windows Server 2016. Here are some examples:

Method 1: Group Policy Editor

  1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press Win + R, typegpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Proxy Settings: Go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer.
  3. Configure Proxy: Double-click on “Make proxy settings per-machine (rather than per-user)” and enable it.
  4. Set Proxy: Use the “Proxy Settings” policy to set the proxy server details.

Method 2: Windows PowerShell

  1. Open PowerShell: Right-click on the Start menu and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
  2. Set Proxy: Use thenetshcommand to configure the proxy: netsh winhttp set proxy proxy-server=”http=proxyserver:port;https=proxyserver:port” 

Method 3: Registry Editor

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, typeregedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Proxy Settings: Go toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings.
  3. Create and Set Proxy: Create a new DWORD value named “ProxySettingsPerUser” and set it to 0. Then, configure the proxy settings under the “ProxyServer” key.

Method 4: Third-Party Software

  1. Download Software: Install a third-party proxy management tool such as Proxifier or CCProxy.
  2. Configure Proxy: Follow the software-specific instructions to configure the proxy server.

Method 5: Internet Explorer

  1. Open Internet Explorer: Launch Internet Explorer from the Start menu.
  2. Internet Options: Go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Connections -> LAN settings.
  3. Set Proxy: Enter the proxy details as described in the system settings method.

Among these methods, using the system settings or configuring through Mozilla Firefox are generally the easiest and most straightforward. Group Policy and PowerShell offer more centralized and automated control, making them ideal for larger networks or environments requiring strict policy enforcement.

Setting up a proxy server on Windows Server 2016 is a crucial task for managing and securing your network. Whether you choose to configure it through system settings, a web browser like Mozilla Firefox, or use alternative methods such as Group Policy or PowerShell, each method has its benefits and is suited to different scenarios. By following the detailed instructions provided, you can ensure your network is both secure and efficient.

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