Company browsing restrictions can cause a lot of trouble. They often use an extensive directory of "forbidden websites" that keep out all but a few popular sites.

In some cases, none of the conventional proxy servers work, and even Google Translate fails. You can learn how to create a proxy server in minutes if you run into these issues. After learning the steps below, you may decide there’s no need to know how to set up a proxy server now (if so, you'll need to know how to set up a VPN at home).

What Is a Proxy Server?

A proxy is a server that works as an intermediary between you and the internet. Many businesses use proxy servers for security since they can act as a firewall or keep user data private.

You can also use a proxy to bypass firewalls, letting you browse freely despite network restrictions. Here’s how to make a proxy server.

Learning How to Make a Proxy: What Do You Need?

There are a few things you need if you want to create a proxy server.

  • Web host: Any web host will do if it complies with the other requirements. You might use an old computer in your basement or even a free online web host.
  • PHP7 or greater and cURL: Look for this on your web host’s site. If it's a paid hosting service, you can almost count on seeing it. cURL is a feature most free servers disable.
  • Permission: Some web hosts will explicitly forbid you from creating a proxy server online—or a chat room, for that matter—in their terms of content. You can expect them to find out if you do.

1. Use an Online Proxy Through PHP-Proxy

online proxies php homepage

PHP-Proxy is a free, standalone PHP script. That means it's lightweight and incredibly easy to configure. You can download it from the website.

Next, upload the files to a subdirectory on your web server. You must avoid using the word “proxy” because some companies pick up on it. Instead, use “web” or “surf.”

There are a few different ways to upload your files after you learn how to create proxy server possibilities with your computer. Here, they're arranged from the least to the most effort needed:

  • Upload and unpack ZIP: Look in the file manager for an “unpack” or “extract” option. Depending on your web host, what this looks like and how you access it may differ. Ask your hosting service for help if you can’t find it. You can then extract the proxy files to your public directory.
  • FTP access: You can also use an FTP application to access your web host and let it transfer the files while you fetch some more coffee. Most hosts support this option.
  • Manual upload: You don't want to do this unless there’s no choice. Your last resolve will be to manually upload all the files and folder structures or look for a different host—it might not be such a bad idea.

2. Finish Installing Your Online Proxy

There's only one real step needed after you’ve installed these files. Edit the “config.php” file to add a random value to $config['app_key']= ' '; between the quotation marks. Once you’ve filled in that field, save the file and your proxy is ready to use.

Just point your browser to the directory where you put all those files (ex., domain.com/surf), and PHP-Proxy will pop up. You can then type whatever URL you want in the search bar and browse freely.

Once you set up PHP-Proxy, you can use it however you like. Proxies like this hide your IP address so you can search anonymously, which also helps you access restricted content.

3. Learn How to Make a Proxy Website Secure and Install SSL Encryption

proxy website homepage https

While you could use PHP-Proxy with no extra steps, it’s not ideal. If you want to use your proxy server safely, you should also install SSL encryption, which PHP-Proxy doesn’t include by default. Thankfully, this step is quick and easy, too.

There’s a free automated certificate tool called Certbot you’ll want to install. Visit its website, which will give you customized instructions for installing it based on your operating system and server.

Any time you see “YourDomainName.com” in the command script during installation, replace it with your actual domain name. At the end of the process, Certbot will ask if you want to redirect all traffic to HTTPS. This is the safest option for using this proxy server online.

How to Set up a Proxy Using Windows 10

If you use Windows 10, there’s an even easier way to use a proxy. Here’s how to set up a proxy server using Windows 10’s built-in settings.

First, open your Settings, then click the section. Click Proxy, then toggle on Automatically detect settings if necessary. Turn the Use setup script on, then enter the script address for whatever proxy you want. Once you click Save, Windows will automatically run your internet traffic through your proxy.

If Windows is your proxy, you can set it up manually. Under the Proxy settings, switch Use a proxy server under Manual proxy setup on. Instead of entering the script address, you'll have to enter your proxy's IP address and port number.

You should be able to get this information from your provider. Once you fill out these fields, click Save, and you can use your proxy.

When you know how to set up a proxy server in Windows 10 or on your own, you can use the internet how you choose. You can access Facebook when blocked, protect yourself from malicious websites, and even save on bandwidth.

If you'd prefer to leave the hard work to someone else, you can use a popular web proxy instead. You can also bypass blocked sites without a proxy if you don’t want to go through the trouble. If your Firefox proxy server isn't connecting or you get a proxy server error in Windows 10, we'll help you fix the issue.

How to Make Proxy Servers With Windows 11

network & internet windows 11 how to setup a proxy

Just like Windows 10, Windows 11 has built-in proxy server settings. The quickest way to open them is to press the Windows key and type in Change proxy settings. The first option that pops up should take you to the correct settings.

Turn on Automatically detect settings, then click Set up next to Use setup script. Turn on Use setup script and enter your proxy’s script address in the dialogue box that appears, then click Save.

If you want to set up your proxy settings manually, click Set up under Manual proxy setup in the proxy settings pane. Switch Use a proxy server on, then enter the IP address and port number of your proxy. You can also enter addresses you don’t want to run through your proxy. Once you’ve filled in everything, click Save.

Create Proxy Server Options and Browse With More Freedom and Security

Creating a proxy server seems highly technical, but you can get one running in minutes. Follow these steps to learn how to set up a proxy server and regain control over your internet activity.

No matter what operating system you use, you can use a proxy server with minimal effort. You can then browse freely without security or privacy concerns.