Setting up a Socks proxy on Windows 10/11 can be a useful way to enhance your online security and privacy. By routing your internet traffic through a Socks proxy server, you can mask your IP address and encrypt your data, making it harder for third parties to track your online activities. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up a Socks proxy on your Windows 10/11 system.

Step 1: Obtain Socks Proxy Server Information

Before you can set up a Socks proxy on your Windows 10/11 system, you will need to obtain the necessary information from your Socks proxy service provider. This information typically includes the Socks proxy server address, port number, and any authentication credentials (username and password) if required.

Step 2: Open Proxy Settings

To configure the Socks proxy settings on your Windows 10/11 system, you will need to access the Proxy settings. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Click on the Start button and select Settings (the gear icon).

2. In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet.

3. In the left-hand menu, select Proxy.

Step 3: Configure Socks Proxy Settings

Once you have accessed the Proxy settings, you can proceed to configure the Socks proxy settings by following these steps:

1. Under the Manual proxy setup section, toggle the Use a proxy server to ON.

2. In the Address field, enter the Socks proxy server address provided by your service provider.

3. In the Port field, enter the port number for the Socks proxy server.

4. If your Socks proxy server requires authentication, toggle the Use a proxy server to ON and enter your username and password in the respective fields.

Step 4: Test the Socks Proxy Connection

After configuring the Socks proxy settings, it's important to test the connection to ensure that the Socks proxy is functioning correctly. You can do this by visiting a website that displays your IP address, such as whatismyipaddress.com, and verifying that it shows the IP address of your Socks proxy server rather than your actual IP address.

Step 5: Enable Socks Proxy for Specific Applications (Optional)

If you only want to route specific applications through the Socks proxy server, you can configure individual application settings to use the Socks proxy. This can be done within the settings of each application, typically under the network or proxy settings.

Step 6: Disable Socks Proxy

When you no longer need to use the Socks proxy, you can easily disable it by returning to the Proxy settings and toggling off the Use a proxy server option.

Setting up a Socks proxy on your Windows 10/11 system can provide an added layer of security and privacy for your online activities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can configure your system to route internet traffic through a Socks proxy server, helping to protect your identity and data from potential threats. Keep in mind that while using a Socks proxy can enhance your privacy, it is not a foolproof solution and should be used in conjunction with other security measures for comprehensive protection.