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

  • Define proxy auto-config (.pac) for connecting to the network

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • ProxyPacUrlREG_SZ

Other policies in the same category

View all policies in this category (18)