Proxies in Windows 11: Configuring System Proxy, UWP Apps, and Anti-Detect Browsers

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Windows 11 has brought an updated settings interface and changed the behavior of the system proxy — now not all applications pick it up automatically. If you work with Facebook Ads, Instagram, or scrape marketplaces, it’s important to understand how exactly the proxy works in the new system and why the traffic of some programs goes through the proxy while others do not. In this article, we will break everything down step by step: from basic setup to nuances with UWP applications and anti-detect browsers.

Why Windows 11 Changed the Rules for Working with Proxies

If you have upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and found that the proxy "does not work" — you are not alone. Microsoft has significantly redesigned the network settings management interface, and old instructions are no longer relevant. But it’s not just about visual changes.

In Windows 11, Microsoft actively promotes the UWP (Universal Windows Platform) application format — these are applications from the Microsoft Store, such as the new Edge, Mail, Calendar, LinkedIn, TikTok, and many others. Their key feature is that they operate in a sandboxed environment and by default do not use the system proxy set through Windows settings.

This creates a serious problem for those who work with multi-accounting, arbitrage, or price monitoring. You think that all traffic goes through the proxy, but in reality, some applications "leak" your real IP. The result is account bans, bot detection, and incorrect data during scraping.

Additionally, Windows 11 has introduced a new settings section “Network and Internet → Proxy”, which looks different from Windows 10. Some users simply cannot find the necessary parameters. Let’s break everything down in order.

⚠️ Important to Understand

The system proxy in Windows 11 works only for classic (Win32) applications — browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and most programs. UWP applications from the Microsoft Store require separate configuration or the use of special tools.

How to Set Up a System Proxy through the New Windows 11 Interface

Setting up the system proxy in Windows 11 has become visually more convenient, but the location of the parameters has changed. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open Proxy Settings

Press Win + I to open the “Settings”. In the left menu, select “Network and Internet”, then scroll down and click “Proxy”. An alternative way: press Win + R, type ms-settings:network-proxy and press Enter — the section will open directly.

Step 2: Choose the Configuration Mode

In the proxy section, you will see two options:

• Automatic proxy setup — the system automatically determines the settings via a PAC file or WPAD. Suitable for corporate networks.
• Manual proxy setup — you enter the address and port of the proxy server yourself. This is the option you need.

Step 3: Enter Proxy Details

Turn on the “Use a proxy server” toggle. Fields for input will appear:

• Proxy server address — IP address or hostname (for example, proxy.example.com)
• Port — usually 8080, 3128, 1080, or another specified by the provider
• Exceptions — sites that will open without a proxy (for example, local addresses localhost;127.0.0.1)

Click “Save”. The system proxy is activated. Now Chrome, Firefox, and most classic programs will use it automatically.

Setting Up via the Classic Control Panel

If you need more fine-tuning or are used to the old interface, open Control Panel → Internet Options → Connections → LAN Settings. Here you can set the proxy for HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS separately. This is especially important if your proxy provider issues SOCKS5 proxies — there is no separate field for SOCKS in the new Windows 11 interface, but this can be configured through the classic panel.

Why UWP Applications Ignore the System Proxy and What to Do About It

This is the most painful feature of Windows 11 for those who work with proxies. UWP applications are programs from the Microsoft Store installed in a sandboxed environment. Among them are: TikTok (official app), LinkedIn, Instagram (if installed via the Store), the new Outlook, Xbox, and many others.

The problem is that UWP applications operate through a separate network stack and do not read the system proxy settings. Even if you have correctly set up the proxy in the “Network and Internet” section, UWP applications will connect to the internet directly through your real IP.

Method 1: Use the Web Version Instead of the App

The simplest way is not to use the UWP application at all. Open TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn in a browser (Chrome, Firefox), where the proxy is already set up. For SMM work and arbitrage, this is often more convenient: the browser version provides more control over sessions and cookies.

Method 2: Proxifier Tool

Proxifier is a program that intercepts all network traffic in Windows, including UWP applications, and directs it through the proxy. Setup:

1. Download and install Proxifier
2. Go to Profile → Proxy Servers → Add
3. Enter the address, port, proxy type (SOCKS5 or HTTP), and authentication details
4. Go to Profile → Proxification Rules
5. Create a rule for the desired UWP application or select “Any” for all traffic
6. Click OK and check your IP through any service like whatismyip.com

Method 3: CheckNetIsolation Command (Free)

Windows has a built-in tool to remove network isolation from UWP applications. Open PowerShell as an administrator and execute the command:

CheckNetIsolation LoopbackExempt -a -n="Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe"

Replace the package name with the desired application. To find the package name of a specific UWP application, run in PowerShell:

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

Find the desired application in the list and copy its PackageFullName. After applying the command, the application will start using the system proxy. This method is free but needs to be repeated when the application is updated.

Method 4: VPN + Proxy (for Maximum Isolation)

Some arbitrage specialists use a combination: a system-level VPN (which intercepts all traffic, including UWP) + a proxy in the anti-detect browser for specific profiles. This provides double isolation but complicates setup and may slow down the connection.

Setting Up Proxies in Anti-Detect Browsers: Dolphin, AdsPower, GoLogin

For arbitrage specialists and SMM professionals, the system proxy in Windows is just a basic level. Real work happens in anti-detect browsers, where each profile has its own proxy. This allows you to manage dozens of accounts simultaneously without mixing their traffic.

Important: the proxy in the anti-detect browser operates independently of the system proxy in Windows 11. Even if the system proxy is not configured, each browser profile will use its own proxy. This is the correct working scheme.

Dolphin Anty: Setting Up Proxy in Profile

1. Open Dolphin Anty and click “Create Profile” or open an existing one
2. Go to the “Proxy” tab
3. Select the type from the dropdown: HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5
4. Enter the details: host, port, login, and password (if the proxy requires authentication)
5. Click “Check Proxy” — the system will show your IP and country
6. Save the profile and run it

In Dolphin Anty, you can import a list of proxies at once for multiple profiles through the “Mass Creation” section. This is convenient if you are farming 20-50 accounts simultaneously.

AdsPower: Setting Up Proxy

1. In the main menu, click “New Profile”
2. Go to the “Proxy Settings” section
3. Select the proxy type: Custom (manual setup)
4. Specify the protocol (SOCKS5 is recommended for Facebook Ads), host, port, login, password
5. Click “Check Connection”
6. If the check is successful — save and run the profile

GoLogin: Setting Up Proxy

1. Create a new profile or open an existing one
2. In the “Proxy” section, click “Add Proxy”
3. Select the type (HTTP/SOCKS5), enter the connection details
4. Click “Check” — GoLogin will show the IP, country, and latency
5. Save the profile settings

Which Type of Proxy to Choose for Your Task

Not all proxies work equally well for different tasks. Here’s a practical comparison for Windows 11 users:

Residential Proxies — for Working with Social Media

Residential proxies use IP addresses of real home users. For Facebook Ads, Instagram, and TikTok — this is the standard. Platforms see an ordinary home user, not a server or VPN. This significantly reduces the likelihood of bans when creating and warming up accounts.

In Windows 11, residential proxies are set up in the anti-detect browser as described above. It is impractical to use them for the system proxy — it’s too expensive to route all system traffic through a residential IP.

Mobile Proxies — for Farming and Arbitrage

Mobile proxies operate through 4G/5G connections of real mobile devices. Their main advantage is that one mobile IP can be used by thousands of users simultaneously (this is normal for cellular networks), so platforms rarely block them. For farming Facebook accounts and working with TikTok Ads — this is the optimal choice.

Data Center Proxies — for Scraping and Monitoring

If your task is to monitor prices on Wildberries, Ozon, or scrape data, then speed is more important than the "naturalness" of the IP. Data center proxies work faster than residential ones and are cheaper. For the system proxy in Windows 11 (when you just need to bypass geo-blocking of services) — it’s also a good option.

Checklist: Checking That the Proxy Works Correctly

After setting up the proxy in Windows 11, be sure to check that everything works as it should. Here’s a complete checklist:

How to Check for DNS Leaks

A DNS leak occurs when the browser or system sends DNS queries through your real internet provider instead of through the proxy. The site you visit sees your real DNS server and can determine your actual provider.

To check: open dnsleaktest.com and click “Extended test”. If you see your real provider's servers in the results — there is a leak. To eliminate it, in Windows 11 settings go to “Network and Internet → Wi-Fi/Ethernet → Hardware Properties” and specify the DNS servers of the proxy provider or use encrypted DNS (DoH).

Common Problems and Their Solutions

We have compiled the most common problems when setting up a proxy in Windows 11 and their solutions:

Problem 1: Proxy is Configured, but IP Does Not Change

Causes: the browser uses its own proxy settings (for example, Chrome with an extension), the proxy server is unavailable, incorrect port or address.

Solution: check that in Chrome/Firefox settings “Use system proxy settings” is selected (not “No proxy”). Check the availability of the proxy server — try connecting via telnet or an online check. Ensure that the port and address are entered without spaces and typos.

Problem 2: Some Sites Are Unavailable through the Proxy

Cause: the proxy server is blocked on the site’s side (especially relevant for data center proxies).

Solution: switch to a residential or mobile proxy. Also, check if the IP has been added to the “Exceptions” list in Windows 11 proxy settings — you may have accidentally added the domain to bypass the proxy.

Problem 3: Anti-Detect Browser Shows Proxy Error

Causes: the proxy has expired, incorrect authentication details, the proxy does not support the required protocol.

Solution: in Dolphin Anty, AdsPower, or GoLogin click “Check Proxy” — the browser will show a specific error. Double-check the login and password. Ensure that the correct protocol type is selected (HTTP vs SOCKS5). If the proxy was purchased with an IP restriction — make sure your current IP is added to the provider's whitelist.

Problem 4: Slow Speed through the Proxy

Causes: the proxy server is physically far from you or the target site, overloaded, or a cheap shared proxy is being used.

Solution: choose a proxy in a geolocation close to the target site. For Facebook Ads, use a proxy in the country where your audience is targeted. Check the ping through online tools. If speed is critical — consider data center proxies, which are faster than residential ones.

Problem 5: Windows 11 Resets Proxy Settings after Reboot

Cause: some VPN clients or security programs reset the proxy settings upon startup.

Solution: check which programs start with Windows (Task Manager → “Startup” tab). Disable those that may change network settings. Alternatively, create a bat file with a command to automatically set the proxy via the registry and add it to startup.

Conclusion

Windows 11 has brought a new proxy setup interface and a new headache — UWP applications that ignore system settings. But by understanding the architecture of the system, you can configure the proxy exactly as needed for your task.

Key takeaways from the article:

• The system proxy in Windows 11 is configured through “Settings → Network and Internet → Proxy”
• UWP applications (TikTok, Instagram from the Store, etc.) do not use the system proxy — Proxifier or CheckNetIsolation is needed
• For arbitrage and SMM, the system proxy is not needed — work through anti-detect browsers (Dolphin Anty, AdsPower, GoLogin) with an individual proxy for each profile
• Always check IP, DNS leaks, and WebRTC after setting up the proxy
• Choose the type of proxy according to the task: residential for social media, mobile for farming, data center for scraping

If you work with Facebook Ads, Instagram, or TikTok through an anti-detect browser on Windows 11, we recommend using mobile proxies — they have maximum trust with advertising platforms and minimal risk of bans when farming and warming up accounts.