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
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 to use a proxy server as an intermediary between 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
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.
Disable Proxy Settings via Settings App
To access or deactivate your proxy settings via the Settings app in Windows 10/11:
Disable Proxy Settings via Internet Options
If you have trouble loading the Windows 10/11 Settings or use an older version of Windows on your PC, you can use Internet Properties to stop Chrome from searching for proxies. To do that:
Fix Chrome Downloading Proxy Script Issue on Mac
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:
What Else Can You Do?
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:
Restart your computer and router.Reset router.Flush the DNS cache.Run an anti-malware scan.Identify and remove conflicting browser extensions.Reset your computer’s network settings.
If this occurs on an organizational network, contact your systems administrator for a proxy script address or the correct manual proxy setup details.
