How to remove a machine proxy

Proxy settings on Windows computers can be set per user or per computer.  They are usually set at the per computer level when Windows Updates have previously failed, especially when a proxy server is required.  The commands below will show how to check if a per computer proxy has been setup, and how to reset/remove this setting.

To find out open a command prompt and type:-

netsh winhttp show proxy

This usually comes back with Direct access <no proxy server>

If, however, there is a proxy listed it can be removed by typing:-

netsh winhttp reset proxy

Reviewed on 12/01/2026