How to Fix Proxy Error 407: Step-by-Step Solutions


proxy error 407

A Proxy Error 407 means your computer or app tried to connect through a proxy server but failed authentication.

In short, the proxy expects a username and password, but either they weren’t provided or they were wrong.

This usually happens in office networks, when using a VPN/proxy app, or when your browser is misconfigured. Follow the detailed steps below to fix it.

Before You Begin

  • Have your proxy username and password ready (ask your IT admin if unsure).
  • Ensure you have administrator rights on your computer.
  • If using a VPN or proxy app, make sure it’s up to date.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Proxy Error 407

1) Verify Proxy Credentials

Most 407 errors come from wrong login details.

How to check on Windows:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet > Proxy.
  3. If “Use a proxy server” is enabled, click Set up.
  4. Enter the Address and Port exactly as given by your network admin.
  5. Re-enter your username and password if prompted.
  6. Save and retry the connection.

In Chrome/Edge: open the three-dot menu → SettingsSystemOpen your computer’s proxy settings (opens the same Windows proxy panel).

If incorrect credentials were saved earlier, you might also run into issues similar to a Proxy Error 2606, which occurs when the proxy fails to interpret requests properly.

2) Reset Proxy Settings in Windows

Sometimes incorrect settings are saved from previous connections.

  1. Press Windows + I → go to Network & Internet.
  2. Select Proxy.
  3. Under “Manual proxy setup,” toggle Use a proxy server OFF, unless your network requires it.
  4. If it does require one, reconfigure with the correct details.
  5. Restart your browser and try again.

3) Check Proxy in macOS

If you’re on a Mac:

  1. Click the Apple menuSystem SettingsNetwork.
  2. Select your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  3. Click DetailsProxies.
  4. Review if any proxies (HTTP/HTTPS/SOCKS) are enabled.
  5. Remove unnecessary ones or re-enter the correct details.

Misconfigured macOS proxies sometimes show issues similar to a 502 proxy error, which is tied to bad gateway responses.

4) Clear Cached Credentials in Windows

Windows sometimes stores outdated passwords.

  1. Press Windows + S and search for Credential Manager.
  2. Open it and click Windows Credentials.
  3. Look for entries related to your proxy or network.
  4. Select them and click Remove.
  5. Restart your PC and reconnect — Windows will ask for new credentials.

Clearing cached entries also prevents conflicts that can trigger errors like a 500 proxy error.

5) Adjust Browser Proxy Configuration

Browsers may override system settings.

In Firefox:

  1. Click the three-line menu → Settings.
  2. Scroll to Network Settings → click Settings.
  3. If “Manual proxy configuration” is selected, check the details.
  4. Switch to No proxy or Use system proxy settings if unsure.

In Chrome/Edge: they use system proxy settings, so double-check via Windows (see step 2).

If your browser can’t reach the server, you may see a message similar to Proxy error: no response from bot PSGHAG2.

6) Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupted cache can confuse proxy authentication.

In Chrome/Edge:

  1. Menu → Settings > Privacy & security.
  2. Click Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.

In Firefox:

  1. Menu → Settings > Privacy & Security.
  2. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data.
  3. Click Clear Data.

7) Temporarily Disable VPN, Antivirus, or Firewall

Security software may interfere with proxy handshakes.

  1. Temporarily turn off your VPN or proxy app.
  2. Pause your antivirus or firewall.
  3. Retry the connection.
  4. If it works, re-enable your software and add your browser/app to the whitelist.

Some security tools misinterpret proxy responses, leading to cases like proxy error 503.

8) Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings

If cached DNS entries are causing conflicts:

On Windows:

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  2. In Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  3. Restart your PC.

On macOS:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
  3. Enter your Mac password if prompted.

9) Reinstall or Update Proxy/VPN Software

If you’re using a proxy or VPN app:

  1. Uninstall the program.
  2. Download the latest version from the official site.
  3. Reinstall and enter the correct credentials.

Outdated apps often fail to authenticate and may throw errors like could not proxy request.

10) Contact Your Network Administrator

  • Request updated login credentials.
  • Ask if the proxy server is under maintenance.
  • Confirm that your account has internet access permissions.

Proxy Error 407 Fixes Compared

SolutionDifficultyBest For
Verify CredentialsEasyMost users
Reset Proxy Settings (Windows)MediumWindows issues
Check Proxy (macOS)MediummacOS users
Clear Cached CredentialsMediumRepeated login failures
Adjust Browser ProxyMediumBrowser-specific problems
Clear Cache & CookiesEasyBrowser conflicts
Disable VPN/AntivirusMediumSoftware conflicts
Flush DNS & Reset NetworkMediumNetwork conflicts
Reinstall Proxy/VPN SoftwareMediumThird-party apps
Contact AdminEasyWork/school networks

FAQs About Proxy Error 407

What does Proxy Error 407 mean?

It means the proxy server requires authentication and didn’t accept your credentials.

Is Proxy Error 407 the same as 401?

No. Error 401 is for web server authentication. Error 407 is for proxy servers.

Can VPNs cause Proxy Error 407?

Yes. If your VPN or proxy app sends wrong or missing login details, you’ll see this error.

Do I always need credentials for a proxy?

Not always. Some proxies are “transparent” and don’t require logins. Others require a username and password.

How do I know if I’m using a proxy?

On Windows: go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. If “Use a proxy server” is ON, you’re using one.

Conclusion

Proxy Error 407 happens when your device cannot authenticate with the proxy server. Start with simple fixes like re-entering credentials, clearing browser cache, or resetting proxy settings.

If that doesn’t help, clear cached logins, flush DNS, or reinstall your proxy software. On work networks, the issue may require contacting your administrator for new credentials. With the right steps, you’ll be back online quickly without repeated 407 errors.

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