A network proxy acts as an intermediary between a local network (such as all devices in the company or in a building) and the internet. It provides an additional layer of privacy, security and performance improvement on a device connected to a Wi-Fi connection or Ethernet connection.
To configure a proxy in Windows 10 you can either use the settings app, or manually edit your configuration. If you are using the settings app, open Network & Internet and select Proxy. You can skip this step in the event that the Use a Proxy Server switch is already disabled. If not, turn it on and enter your proxy server’s address and port information.
If you are using an internet proxy in a work or school setting or school, you might be advised by the IT administrator to use the 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 might interfere with or alter your network settings. This includes antivirus, VPN, and firewall software. This Investment Banking Data Room is especially useful when the error message you are receiving says that “Windows couldn’t automatically recognize this network’s proxy settings.”
If nothing else works, you could try a reset on the system. This will delete any drivers or programs that have been installed since the restore point has been established, allowing you to restore your system’s default settings. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue and allow you to reconnect to the internet, without the error message appearing.