Privoxy for Windows

Used Privoxy for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffApril 6, 2020

A proxy is only as good as its filter set, so the fact that Privoxy hasn't updated since 2004 should not be taken lightly. The interface is primarily text files, which makes it easy for advanced users to update the filters. Novice users will appreciate that this utility is easy to install, but will dislike that it isn't easy to configure. There really isn't a help file. The configuration file does mention how to enable the proxy in your browsers, but most users would miss the required information. Privoxy only works for browsers that can use a proxy, so don't expect any help with your instant messenger programs.

Though the filter is more than two years old, it still blocks many types of pop-ups and pop-unders. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to set to ignore the pop-ups you want to allow. We did like the blocked pages log that Privoxy displays, making it easy to track pop-up URLs. However, most novice users would find that it shows information they simply don't need. All that said, this freeware is useful for those users advanced enough to add to the filter, but everyone else would prefer a proxy that's easier to configure.

What’s new in version 3.0.23

Version 3.0.23 is a bug fixing release.

Privoxy for Windows

Used Privoxy for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: April 29, 2015

Latest update: April 6, 2020

Version: 3.0.23

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows ME
Windows 2000
Windows NT
Windows XP
Windows 95
Windows 10
Windows 98

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 31,860

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.1/5

10 User Votes

Prevention is better than cure
doctor82February 7, 2011
Pros
small program install and forget free configurable blocks from loading rather than simply hiding the ads and malware
Cons
Even though an average user need not configure anything, the GUI is not that user friendly
Summary
A small but great must have internet security software and junkbuster
Do not use
dsaikiJanuary 28, 2011
Pros
none. nada.
Cons
Cannot uninstall
Summary
It infects everything and is difficult to uninstall
Very good product that performs as advertised.
bill5858June 14, 2010
Pros
I downloaded it as part of the "Tor suite". It performs very well.
Cons
None noted.
Summary
I strongly recommend this for anyone's use.
Solid free proxy/primitive configuration
stevilsJune 7, 2010
Pros
It doesn't crash the system It passes packets quickly - I don't notice any slowed browsing It blocks many adverts Excellent help directions
Cons
Configuration is old school text file editing. The comments are very helpful. Beginners will be confused. Blocks play of some Zynga apps. There's a way to fix it in the ad blocking file.
Summary
It is a solid proxy server and it's free. It is still being supported and I suspect it would work on Win7. It's small enough to fit on a flash drive and work with portable Firefox and the Tor FF plugin. Those 3 together equals anywhere private surfing. I'm surprised there are only 16,000 d/l's at this time.
Love it, love it, love it.
denigma78May 20, 2010
Pros
Works well!
Cons
UI not for everybody.
Summary
Love it, Love it
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dunamis44xJanuary 1, 2010
Pros
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Cons
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Summary
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The Next Proxomitron
SinquisitionMarch 22, 2008
Pros
It is everything a $75+ commercial proxy is - and everything it isn't. I'm not a privacy freak so I'm not intimate about the other proxies out there and what they have to offer, but I do know that none have had as much development as Privoxy did. It does not have have a GUI interface per se (all configuration is done through text files) except for its traffic monitor, but that also means you are free to have full control of the program and tweak it in more ways than what a GUI would offer. But this also means it easily intimidates regular users (see cons)<p>Privoxy isn't just a proxy - by default, it also filters malicious scripts through heuristics, a web debugger (I haven't played around with it yet), and from the looks of it a content blocker.<p>Open source software will always be better than software produced for financial gain, and Privoxy is Exhibit A.
Cons
Unfortunately, it is not user friendly since it won't magically do everything for you. If your browser supports proxy connections, and you see the little blue Privoxy icon in the system tray, then you need to do some typing to complete the process:<p>(These steps assume Privoxy is running and listening on its default port, 8118)<p>In Firefox, head to Tools->Options...->Advanced->Network->Settings->Change it to Manual Proxy Configuration, then put "localhost" as the HTTP proxy and "8118" as the HTTP proxy port. You don't need to fill in anything else.<p>In IE, go to Tools->Internet Options->Connections->LAN Settings->Check the 'Use a proxy server for your LAN' and fill in "localhost" for the address and "8118" for the port. Again, everything else is optional.<p>In Opera, go to Tools->Preferences->Advanced->Network->Proxy Servers->Check HTTP and fill in "localhost", and "8118" for its port. Check 'Enable HTTP 1.1 for proxy' while you are at it.<p>Visit a website and if all went well, there should be an entry in the monitor. I hope this helps.
Summary
still receive pop ups
palpepperOctober 11, 2007
Pros
Cons
I tried this software becouse I have windows 98 and there is not much out there for the version. It has no way of accessing the program I can find. Although it was downloaded into my program files I can not find it listed there. I neither like it nor can I find where it has caused harm. It could be working to some extent but if I don't see the popups I am not aware of I can't know its working. I still get pop ups so it is not a total fix.
Summary
Great program
steven13500February 25, 2007
Pros
Virtually eliminates all ads (except text based ones). <p> <p>I love this program because I will never have to see those god-damned talking smilies ever again.
Cons
Configuration is a tad complicated. If it had a GUI config, would be a bit better
Summary
Good freeware alternative to Ad Muncher
CableguyTKApril 2, 2006
Pros
Its free. <p>Its light on the resources. <p>It does the job in filtering advertisements. <p>It is pretty easy to update the filters. Unfortunately the last official update from the developers was from jan2004, but you can find a filter list from google if you search for Privoxy Action File. <p>The log in Privoxy is more comprehensible than Ad Muncher's log. <p>The system tray icon is better than Ad Muncher's.
Cons
It uses 3x as much RAM as Ad Muncher. <p>Ad Muncher seems to filter more than Privoxy. Privoxy seems to miss a lot of ads. <p>Ad Muncher does a better job in removal of ads. You will find that Privoxy will leave behind a white box where the advertisement once was, or a checkered box, where as Ad Muncher will leave neither. <p>Like all ad filters, Privoxy will make your webpages open a little slower due to the filtering process. The problem is that it is a LOT slower than Ad Muncher... <p>Because this is a PROXY, this program seems to be limited to filtering just browsers like IE, FireFox, and Opera, and whatever browser that lets you add a proxy. Ad Muncher on the other hand can go as far as filtering AIM and a bunch of other advertisement-full programs.
Summary

Developer’s Description

By The Privoxy Project

Protect your privacy and filter annoying Web content.

Privoxy is a Web proxy with advanced filtering capabilities for protecting privacy, filtering Web page content, managing cookies, controlling access, and removing ads, banners, pop-ups, and other obnoxious Internet junk. Privoxy has a very flexible configuration and can be customized to suit individual needs and tastes. Privoxy has application for both stand-alone systems and multi-user networks. It is based on Internet Junkbuster.