A network proxy acts between local devices (such as devices within an office or building) and the internet network. It provides an extra layer of security, privacy and performance enhancement for a device when it is connected to a Wi-Fi connection or Ethernet connection.
To set up a proxy in Windows 10 you can either use the settings app, or manually edit your configuration. If you’re using the Settings app, select Proxy under Network & Internet. You can skip this step if the Use a Proxy Server option is already off. If not, you can turn it on and fill in your proxy server’s address and port information.
If you are using proxy servers in a workplace or school environment you might be asked by the IT administrator to use a Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol (WPAD) script to automate configuration. This method is more reliable than a manual configuration.
It is also recommended to disable any third-party software that could interfere with your network connection or altering your settings. This includes antivirus, VPN, and firewall software. This is particularly helpful when the error message that you are receiving says that “Windows couldn’t automatically recognize the proxy settings for this particular network.”
If you are unable to resolve the issue, you could try a reset on the system. This will remove all programs and drivers installed since the restore point was made and allow your system to restore default settings. This should resolve the issue and allow you to connect to the internet once more without encountering the error message.