Computer Internet Access Guide for Windows and macOS (2026)
This beginner guide explains how to configure proxy access on a Windows PC or Mac in 2026. It covers the basic terminology, Clash Verge Rev installation, subscription import, the system proxy, and common problems.
Core concepts: client and subscription
Only two components are required for the basic setup:
- Client software: The application installed on the computer, such as Clash Verge Rev. The client itself can be free, but it does not supply network nodes.
- Subscription and nodes: A provider supplies a URL, usually beginning with
http. Importing it into the client adds the available nodes and routing profile.
Need a subscription?
Consult the proxy-service selection and review guide to compare options, evidence, and current risk records.
1. Windows
The source guide recommends the open-source Clash Verge Rev instead of the discontinued Clash for Windows project.
Download and install
- Detailed guide and downloads: Install Clash Verge on Windows, Linux, and macOS
Basic steps
- Install the client: Download the
.exeinstaller for the correct architecture and install it. - Obtain a subscription: Copy the provider's Clash-compatible subscription URL.
- Import the profile: Open Clash Verge Rev, select Profiles or Subscriptions, paste the URL, and choose Import.
- Enable the proxy:
- Open Proxies and select Rule for rule-based routing, or use Global temporarily when testing.
- Open Settings and enable System Proxy.
- Confirm that the system-proxy control is enabled before testing browser access.
2. macOS
Installing an app on macOS may trigger an unidentified-developer warning. Confirm the package source before bypassing any warning. The remaining configuration is similar to Windows.
Download a client
Clash Verge Rev supports both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. The source guide also mentions ClashX Pro as an alternative.
- Detailed guide and downloads: Install and Use Clash Verge Rev on macOS
Basic steps
- Install the app: Open the
.dmgand drag the app into Applications. If macOS cannot verify the developer, review the source first, then use Open Anyway under System Settings → Privacy & Security if you choose to proceed. - Import the subscription:
- Copy the provider's subscription URL.
- Open the client, find Profiles or Subscriptions, paste the URL, and download the profile.
- Connect:
- Open the client from the menu bar or app window.
- Enable Set as System Proxy, or configure TUN according to the current client version.
- The source guide also refers to Enhanced Mode in clients that provide that option.
3. Frequently asked questions
The client is open, but websites still do not load
- Check the system proxy: Confirm that System Proxy is enabled.
- Check the mode: Use Rule normally. Temporarily switch to Global to determine whether the rule set is the cause.
- Check the nodes: Run the latency or connectivity test. If every node times out, the subscription may have expired or the provider may be experiencing an outage.
The computer cannot access the internet after the client closes
The system proxy may have remained enabled after the client exited.
- Reopen Clash.
- Disable System Proxy.
- Exit normally.
On Windows, you can also open Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy and disable the manually configured proxy server.
Can the same subscription be used on a phone and computer?
Usually, but the provider determines the device and concurrent-connection limits. The source guide notes that many plans allow roughly three to five devices; verify the actual plan terms before use.
See the Mobile Access Guide for Android and iOS.
Summary
The basic sequence is: install a client → import a subscription → enable the system proxy or TUN mode.
Use the detailed platform guides above when the interface, permissions, or package architecture needs closer attention.