ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED means your browser is configured to use a proxy server, but it cannot connect to it. A proxy is an intermediary server that your browser sends requests through. If the proxy address is wrong, the proxy server is offline, or the proxy settings are left over from a previous configuration, this error appears. The fix is usually as simple as clearing your proxy settings.

Affected Models

Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Firefox
All major browsers
Windows
macOS

Common Causes

Your browser or Windows is configured to use a proxy that no longer exists or is offline
A VPN app changed your proxy settings and left incorrect settings behind after being uninstalled
Malware changed your proxy settings to redirect your traffic through a malicious server
Your work or school network uses a proxy and the proxy server is currently down
Chrome's proxy settings are pointing to a local address (like 127.0.0.1) that has nothing listening on it

How to Fix It

Open Chrome Settings > System > Open your computer's proxy settings. In the Proxy settings window, under 'Manual proxy setup', make sure 'Use a proxy server' is turned OFF.

If no one set a proxy for you, it should be off. Turning it off is the most direct fix.
On Windows, press Windows+R, type 'inetcpl.cpl', press Enter. Go to the Connections tab > LAN settings. Make sure 'Use a proxy server for your LAN' is unchecked. Click OK.

This checks the Windows-level proxy settings that Chrome also uses.
If you recently uninstalled a VPN, restart your computer. Some VPN uninstallers leave proxy settings behind. A restart sometimes resets them, or you may need to clear them manually as described above.

Check the Windows proxy settings (step 2) to see if a VPN left an address behind.
Run a malware scan with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes. Malware commonly changes proxy settings to intercept your web traffic.

Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan. A full scan is more thorough but takes longer.
Reset Chrome's settings to default. Go to Chrome Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. Click Reset settings.

This clears Chrome's stored proxy configuration without deleting your bookmarks or passwords.

When to Call a Professional

If you are on a corporate network and this started without any action on your part, report it to your IT department. If you suspect malware changed your proxy settings, run a full malware scan before fixing the proxy settings — otherwise malware may re-apply the changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

I never set up a proxy. Why am I getting this error?

Proxy settings can be changed without your knowledge. VPN apps often set a proxy automatically when they install. Malware is another common culprit — it changes proxy settings to route your traffic through a malicious server. Check your proxy settings and run a malware scan if you find an unexpected proxy address.

Can a VPN cause this error even if the VPN is still installed?

Yes. If the VPN server you are connected to goes offline, or if the VPN app crashes, the proxy it set up may remain active but unreachable. Disconnect from the VPN, check if that clears the error, and then reconnect to a different VPN server.

Will resetting Chrome delete my bookmarks and passwords?

No. Resetting Chrome's settings only resets things like startup page, default search engine, pinned tabs, and extensions — it does not delete saved passwords, bookmarks, or browsing history. Your personal data stays intact.