How to Fix Chrome “Downloading Proxy Script” Message

Plus a few bonus tricks to try

Google Chrome can slow down your web browsing by attempting to fetch proxy scripts even when it doesn’t have to. We will show you how to fix Chrome’s “Downloading Proxy Script” issue on Windows and Mac.

Do you see the message “Downloading Proxy Script” on the Google Chrome status bar whenever you visit specific sites or switch between networks? Usually, it pops just for a couple of seconds, and everything starts working quickly. But sometimes, it stays around for longer, causing annoying delays or stopping web pages from loading altogether.

Read on to learn why the “Downloading Proxy Script” message shows up while using the Chrome browser on your PC or Mac and what you can do to make it disappear.

Why You See Chrome’s “Downloading Proxy Script” Message

Chrome’s “Downloading Proxy Script” message appears when the browser attempts to locate or download an automatic proxy configuration script (or PAC) from the local network. A PAC consists of instructions that allow the browser touse a proxy server as an intermediarybetween your computer and the internet service provider.

Proxies provide various benefits in a work or school setting. For example, they can compress data to conserve bandwidth, cache files to speed up browsing, filter advertisements remotely, etc. However, having the browser looking for proxy servers on private networks can result in unnecessary delays.

If you see Chrome getting stuck at “Downloading Proxy Script,” you can fix that by disabling automatic proxy detection in Windows and macOS. The following instructions will also help if the issue occurs in other browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari, and Mozilla Firefox.

Fix Downloading Proxy Script Error on Windows

If Chrome takes too long to download a proxy script or gets stuck doing that, you must stop it from searching for proxies by default. Since the browser works as per the system network settings, use the proxy management pane in the Windows 11/10 Settings app or the Internet Options dialog to turn off automatic proxy detection.

To access or deactivate your proxy settings via the Settings app in Windows 10/11:

  1. Open theStart menuand selectSettings.

  2. Select the category labeledNetwork & internet.

  3. Scroll down and selectProxy.

  4. Turn off the switch next toAutomatically detect settings. Additionally, disableUse a setup scriptandUse a proxy serverif active.

  5. Exit the Settings app.

Alternatively, you can get to the screen in step4via the Chrome Settings page. Just open theChrome menu(select the icon with three dots to the right of the address bar) and chooseSettings. Then, selectAdvanced>Systemon the sidebar. Next, chooseOpen your computer’s proxy settings.

If you havetrouble loading the Windows 10/11 Settingsor use an older version of Windows on your PC, you can use Internet Properties to stop Chrome from searching for proxies. To do that:

  1. Open theStart menu, typeInternet Options, and pressEnter.

  2. Switch to theConnectionstab.

  3. Select theLAN settingsbutton underLocal Area Network (LAN) settings.

  4. Clear the checkbox next toAutomatically detect settings. Also, uncheck theUse automatic configuration scriptandUse a proxy server for your LANboxes if active.

  5. SelectOK.

Fix Chrome Downloading Proxy Script Issue on Mac

Suppose the “Downloading Proxy Script” issue occurs using the Google Chrome web browser on a Mac. Like on a PC, you must deactivate automatic proxy detection within macOS’s network settings to resolve the issue. To do that:

  1. Open theApple menuand selectSystem Preferences.

  2. Select theNetworkcategory at the bottom left of the window.

  3. Select your internet connection (Wi-FiorEthernet)on the left pane.

  4. Select theAdvancedbutton.

  5. Switch to theProxiestab.

  6. Uncheck the box next toAuto Proxy Discovery. Also, disableAutomatic Proxy Configurationand any other protocols if active.

  7. SelectOK.

You can also get to your Mac’s proxy settings in step 5 via Chrome. Just open theChrome menuand selectSettings>Advanced Settings>System>Open your computer’s proxy settings.

What Else Can You Do?

Troubleshooting Chrome’s “Downloading Proxy Script” error on Windows and Mac can be as easy as disabling your proxy settings. Rarely, however, you might want to follow up with the following fixes:

If this occurs on an organizational network, contact your systems administrator for a proxy script address or the correct manual proxy setup details.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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