Lock Windows 11 Proxy Settings for Security

This guide explains how to lock your proxy settings in Windows 11. This stops other people from changing how your computer connects to the internet.

Why do this? A proxy server acts as a gatekeeper between your computer and the internet. Businesses use them to filter content and keep networks safe. If users can change these settings, they might bypass your security rules.

What happens when done? Once you apply these steps, the proxy settings become “greyed out” or locked. No one will be able to turn off or modify the proxy configuration without your permission.

Locking Proxy Settings via Group Policy

Note: This process requires admin privileges.

To lock down proxy settings, open Local Group Policy Editor by clicking the Start menu and searching for “Edit group policy.” Select it from the results to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

In the window that opens, follow this path on the left side:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer

On the right side, find the setting named Prevent changing proxy settings and double-click it.

In the new window, select the Enabled button.

Click OK and close the editor.

If you ever need to change this back, follow the same steps but select Not configured instead.

Locking Proxy Settings via Registry

Note: This process requires admin privileges and should be done carefully.

You can also use Windows Registry to lock these settings. Open the Registry Editor and go to this path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft

Right-click the Microsoft folder, select New > Key, and name it Internet Explorer. Right-click that new folder, select New > Key, and name it Control Panel. Finally, right-click the Control Panel folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it Proxy.

Double-click the Proxy value you just created. Change the “Value data” box to 1 and click OK.

Once finished, the proxy settings are locked.

Summary

Locking your proxy settings ensures that your internet connection stays secure and follows your company’s rules. You can achieve this easily by using the Local Group Policy Editor to enable the “Prevent changing proxy settings” rule. For advanced users, creating a specific DWORD value in the Windows Registry achieves the exact same security result.