How to Stop WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service

The WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service can be a useful tool for automatically configuring your system to use a proxy server. However, there are times when you might want to stop this service, such as when you’re experiencing connectivity issues or prefer to manually configure your proxy settings. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to stop the WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service effectively.

Understanding WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery

Before we delve into the methods of stopping the service, it’s crucial to understand what it is and how it works. The WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service is a Windows component that automatically detects and configures proxy server settings for applications using the WinHTTP API. It simplifies internet access by eliminating the need for manual proxy configuration.

When enabled, the service searches for proxy configuration information using various methods, including:

• Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol (WPAD): This protocol uses DHCP and DNS to locate a proxy configuration file on the network.
• Automatic Proxy Configuration Script: It retrieves proxy settings from a script specified by a URL.

While automatic proxy detection offers convenience, it can sometimes lead to issues like:

• Slow Connection Speeds: If the auto-discovery process encounters problems, it can result in delayed internet connectivity.
• Incorrect Proxy Settings: There might be instances where the service detects and applies incorrect proxy settings, leading to connection errors.

Methods to Stop WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service

Disabling the WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service can be achieved through various methods. Let’s explore the most effective ones:

1. Using the Services App

The Services app provides a centralized location to manage all Windows services, including the WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service. Here’s how to stop it:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Services app.
3. Locate the “WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service” in the list of services.
4. Right-click on the service and select “Properties.”
5. In the Properties window, click the “Stop” button to stop the service.
6. To prevent the service from starting automatically when you restart your computer, set the “Startup type” to “Disabled.”
7. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

2. Using the Command Prompt

For users comfortable with the command line interface, the Command Prompt offers a quick way to stop the WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service.

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   net stop winhttpwebsvc

3. This command will stop the WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service.

3. Modifying the Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

Note: Modifying the registry should be done with caution as incorrect changes can lead to system instability.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesWinHttpAutoProxySvc

4. Double-click on the “Start” value in the right pane.
5. Change the “Value data” to “4” to disable the service.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Verifying if the Service is Stopped

After implementing any of the above methods, it’s essential to verify if the WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service has been successfully stopped. You can do this by:

1. Going back to the Services app and checking the status of the “WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service.” It should show as “Stopped.”
2. Trying to access a website that requires a proxy server. If you can’t connect, it indicates that the service is stopped.

Common Scenarios and Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some common scenarios where you might need to stop the WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service:

Scenario 1: You’re experiencing slow internet speeds.
Solution: Try stopping the service to see if it improves your connection speed. If it does, the auto-discovery process might be causing the slowdown.

Scenario 2: You’re unable to connect to the internet.
Solution: Check if the service is running and configured correctly. Incorrect proxy settings can prevent internet access.

Scenario 3: You want to manually configure your proxy settings.
Solution: Stop the service to prevent conflicts with your manual configuration.

Conclusion

Stopping the WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service can be necessary in certain situations, especially when troubleshooting connectivity issues or opting for manual proxy configuration. This guide provided a step-by-step walkthrough of different methods to achieve this, ensuring you have complete control over your proxy settings. Always remember to verify if the service is stopped after making any changes.