Understanding System-Wide vs Browser-Based Proxy Settings in Windows and SanerCVEM Agent Communication

Overview

Proxies are often used in enterprise environments to control and monitor network traffic. On Windows devices, proxy settings can be configured at different levels — system-wide or browser-specific. The way applications communicate depends on which proxy settings they are designed to use. This article explains:

• Where to check proxy settings on Windows.
• How applications behave when both system-wide and browser proxies are configured.
• How the SanerCVEM Agent communicates when a proxy is set.

System-Wide Proxy Settings in Windows

System-wide proxy applies to all applications that use the Windows WinHTTP/WinINET stack for network communication.
In simple terms: A system-wide proxy is configured at the OS level and is used by all apps and services that depend on Windows networking APIs.

Where to Check:

• Windows Settings – Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
• Internet Options (Control Panel) – Control Panel > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings.
• WinHTTP Proxy (Command Line)– Run:

  netsh winhttp show proxy

  Browser-Based Proxy Settings

  Modern browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox can either follow system proxy or use their own custom proxy.
  In simple terms: A browser-based proxy is set only inside the browser and applies just to that browser’s traffic.
  

  Where to Check:

  • Chrome/Edge: Use Windows system proxy by default.
  • Firefox: Settings > General > Network Settings > Settings… → Allows a custom proxy independent of the system proxy.

• Where to Check:

    
  • Chrome/Edge: Use Windows system proxy by default. 
  • Firefox: Settings > General > Network Settings > Settings… → Allows a custom proxy independent of the system proxy. 
•  

  How Applications Communicate When Both Are Set

   

  Applications follow different rules depending on how they are built.
  In simple terms: If both proxies are set, apps and services use the system proxy, while a browser proxy overrides it only for that browser’s traffic.

   

  How SanerCVEM Agent Communicates with Proxy

   

  The SanerCVEM Agent uses the system-wide proxy (WinHTTP/WinINET stack) for cloud or on-prem communication.
  In simple terms: The agent always uses system-wide proxy settings and ignores browser-specific proxy configurations.

   

  Conclusion

  • System-wide proxy affects all applications using Windows networking APIs, including the SanerCVEM Agent.
  • Browser-based proxy affects only that specific browser.The LAN Settings in Internet Options belong to system proxy, not just Internet Explorer.

When troubleshooting agent connectivity behind a proxy, always check Windows system proxy (WinHTTP/WinINET) settings, not browser-specific ones.