Network Management

Enable "Make Proxy Settings Per-Machine (rather than per-user)" Group Policy for SolarWinds Platform Proxy Configuration

This article explains the importance of enabling the Group Policy setting "Make Proxy Settings Per-Machine (rather than per-user)" for the SolarWinds Platform when using the "Use Default OS Settings" proxy mode. Enabling this policy ensures that proxy settings apply system-wide, allowing SolarWinds Platform services to consistently use the correct proxy configuration.

First published date

9/4/2025 4:25 PM

Last published date

2/12/2026 7:33 PM

Overview

The SolarWinds Platform's "Use Default OS Settings" proxy mode on the page at Settings > All Settings > Proxy Settings depends on the Windows operating system’s proxy configuration. By default, Windows applies proxy settings on a per-user basis, which does not affect system accounts or services such as the IIS Application Pool Identity that runs the SolarWinds Platform. This can cause proxy tests and outbound connections from the SolarWinds Platform to bypass the intended proxy, resulting in inconsistent or misleading results.

Enabling the "Make Proxy Settings Per-Machine (rather than per-user)" policy ensures that proxy settings are applied system-wide, including for all services and background processes. This guarantees that the SolarWinds Platform and its related services consistently use the correct proxy configuration, improving reliability and reducing troubleshooting time.

Product section

Orion Platform

Cause

Windows applies proxy settings per user by default, which excludes system accounts and services like the IIS Application Pool Identity running the SolarWinds Platform. This leads to proxy-related issues when the SolarWinds Platform uses the "Use Default OS Settings" proxy mode, as the proxy configuration is not applied to the system context the SolarWinds Platform operates in.

Resolution

Enable "Make Proxy Settings Per-Machine (rather than per-user)" Group Policy

Connect to the SolarWinds Platform server with an admin account.
Open Group Policy Editor.
- Press the Windows key, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to Proxy Settings Policy.
- Go to:
  Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer
Enable the Policy.
- Locate and double-click the policy named "Make proxy settings per-machine (rather than per user)".
- Select Enabled and click OK.
Configure Proxy Settings.
- After enabling the policy, configure the actual proxy settings via:
  - Internet Options: Open Internet Explorer or Edge, go to Settings > Internet Options > Connections > LAN settings, and set your proxy configuration.

See Setting a device-wide Internet Explorer proxy for more information.

Disclaimer: Please note, any content posted herein is provided as a suggestion or recommendation to you for your internal use. This is not part of the SolarWinds software or documentation that you purchased from SolarWinds, and the information set forth herein may come from third parties. Your organization should internally review and assess to what extent, if any, such custom scripts or recommendations will be incorporated into your environment. You elect to use third-party content at your own risk, and you will be solely responsible for the incorporation of the same if any.