Define proxy auto-config (.pac) for connecting to the network
- Policy ID
- ProxyPacUrl
- Scope
- Computer Configuration
- Supported on
- At least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10
- Source
- Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
- Category
- Windows Components › Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Description
This policy setting defines the URL of a proxy .pac file that should be used when the client attempts to connect the network for security intelligence updates and MAPS reporting. If the proxy auto-config fails or if there is no proxy auto-config specified, the client will fall back to the alternative options (in order):
1. Proxy server (if specified)
2. Proxy .pac URL (if specified)
3. None
4. Internet Explorer proxy settings
5. Autodetect
If you enable this setting, the proxy setting will be set to use the specified proxy .pac according to the order specified above.
If you disable or do not configure this setting, the proxy will skip over this fallback step according to the order specified above.
Options
Registry
ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
- ProxyPacUrlREG_SZ