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6 Ways to Setup SOCKS5 Proxy in Windows 10/11
Set up proxy manually, or use a VPN with proxy configuration
4 min. read
Updated onSeptember 30, 2024
updated onSeptember 30, 2024
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There are built-in Windows proxy settings, but you can also set it up through other methods. SOCKS5 is the latest version of this protocol, coming with better security.
With it, you can bypass restrictions, access blocked websites, and enjoy enhanced speed and reliability across various applications. Here’s how to use SOCKS5 proxy on your laptop or desktop:
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How do I use SOCKS5 proxy settings on Windows?
1. Windows manual proxy setup for SOCKS5
You can configure SOCKS5 proxy settings in Windows 10 without having to install any additional software. Plus, the setup applies to all software applications with Internet access, not just your web browser.
2. From Mozilla Firefox
If you prefer using a web browser with a SOCKS5 proxy instead of the entire computer, Firefox is your best bet. While using Firefox for SOCKS5, you can use any other browser for direct Internet connections.
3. Using Google Chrome
For Chrome, the process is very similar:
If you wish to regularly switch SOCKS5 proxy servers, you can install an extension likeSmartproxy.
Smartproxy
4. Use VPN with SOCK5 features
If you want to not onlyspoof your IP addressbut alsoencrypt your traffic,use PIA- ASOCKS5 client for Windowsand a VPN at the same time.
In Shadowsocks mode, you can connect the VPN server to a second location for increased privacy and security. It’s similar to using adouble VPNto stay connected to two VPN servers at once.
In SOCKS5 proxy mode, you simply specify the connection details of a SOCKS5 proxy server. It’s the custom alternative to Shadowsocks mode, but it’s a bit more complicated.
Private Internet Access
5. Setup from Shadowsocks
Shadowsocks is a SOCKS5 proxy client that can be easily installed on Windows 10 to use SOCKS5 proxy settings. It runs in the systray and can be quickly configured, enabled, and disabled.
Furthermore, Shadowsocks features several encryption methods to make up for the fact that SOCKS5 doesn’t have one, including 256-bit AES military-grade encryption.
In addition to security, a huge benefit of using Shadowsocks is that it applies the SOCKS5 proxy settings globally to Windows 10. As such, all Internet-enabled programs will use it.
6. Setup on uTorrent
On Windows 10 and other operating systems, you can configure SOCKS5 proxy settings directly in a torrent client to make your IP address anonymous and protect your true identity in the torrent swarm.
To summarize, you can easily set up SOCKS5 proxy settings on Windows 10 using the built-in system options.
However, it’s also possible to resort to other methods, like configuring Firefox, uTorrent, or Shadowsocks settings.
But the best solution is to use VPN and SOCKS5 at the same time with the help ofPrivate Internet Access.
More about the topics:proxy server,windows 10
Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. With a firm grasp of software reviewing and content editing, she is always trying new things to improve her skill set.
Once in a blue moon, she steps aside from the desk to play with her bunny and to water her probably dead plants.
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Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. She’s a software reviewer and content editor.
Fact checked byEdgar Nicov
