Clash for Windows: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Use It with Proxygan

An open-source software client, Clash for Windows allows users to manage network traffic using custom configuration files freely. It fully supports traffic tunneling as well as protocols such as Shadowsocks, Vmess, and Trojan with finely tuned, custom features such as rule-based routing, global mode, and direct mode. Although it’s not the first thing that pops to one’s mind if he or she is a casual user and needs a plug-and-play VPN – server switching, config files, and other automation options will be suitable for those experienced and savvy enough to work with node switching and file alterations.

You can open the Clash for Windows in a no-brainer way using the Windows search bar, and upon accessing the app, you should select Rule mode for the targeted traffic route.

In this article, we’re going to blow up Clash for Windows, what it’s usual purposes are and how you can skillfully use it with Proxygan proxies.

What Is Clash for Windows?

Clash for Windows is a graphical interface sitting on top of Clash core engine. It is intended for power users who want to:

• Manual Proxy Profiles and Rules Management
• Send route specific apps or domains via the selected servers.
• Switch between the global or selective mode of traffic.

Clash is more customizable compared to one-click VPN apps. Nonetheless, it’s not the default choice for most users, as it requires an understanding of configuration files (typically in .yaml format), proxy protocols, and network routing behavior.

Features at a Glance

• System`s Proxy Toggle – Sets the configured proxy required to be used by windows apps and browsers.
• Rule Mode – control traffic by filters (for example, domain, IP range, port).
• Global Mode – Forwards all the traffic through a chosen proxy.
• Direct Mode – Prevents the use of proxy completely.
• TUN Engine – (Optional) Sends low level system traffic via the proxy.
• UWP Loopback – Used for routing applications for Windows Store or Xbox on computers.
• Server Switching – Allows users to select various proxy end points on the fly.

Installing Clash for Windows

1. Download the latest version from the official site.
2. Run the installer (it’s not available in the Windows App Store).
3. Once installed, launch the Clash for Windows app — you’ll see a blue cat icon in the system tray.

Clash for Windows doesn’t come with built-in servers or subscriptions — you’ll need to import your own configuration.

Using Clash with Proxygan

If you’re using Proxygan’s HTTP(S), SOCKS5, or Trojan proxies, you can import them into Clash via a configuration URL.

To add your Proxygan configuration file:

1. Go to Profiles in Clash (left-hand menu).
2. Click “Import” and paste the config URL from your Proxygan dashboard.
3. Click Update — your servers will appear under the Proxies tab.

Your configuration file may include a list of servers (e.g., US, DE, SG), proxy groups, and pre-defined rules.

Choosing a Traffic Mode

Clash for Windows offers three modes, selectable via the bottom right corner of the app:

• Rule: Uses a ruleset to determine which traffic goes through which proxy.
• Global: All traffic is proxied through the selected server.
• Direct: No proxy is used.

For most Proxygan users, Rule mode is a good starting point. You can later switch to Global mode if you want all apps to use the proxy.

Switching Servers

Go to the Proxies tab. Here, you’ll see a list of nodes or groups imported from your Proxygan configuration.

Click on a server to switch — some configs may include auto-selection or fallback groups. If latency is high, try a different region or run a URL Test to compare speeds.

Enabling System Proxy

If you want Clash for Windows to control all your desktop traffic:

• Turn on System Proxy at the top of the Clash window.
• This will override the Windows default network settings and route traffic through your selected proxy.

To revert, simply toggle it off.

Optional: TUN Engine & UWP Loopback

For advanced users:

• TUN Mode allows deeper traffic routing, capturing packets from apps that don't respect system proxy settings.
• UWP Loopback is required for Microsoft Store apps, Xbox Game Pass, and similar services.

These features are available in the Clash for Windows Settings tab but are disabled by default. They're not required for standard proxy routing.

Note:

TUN Mode requires the WinTUN driver and may prompt for administrator permissions when enabled.

UWP Loopback needs to be manually activated via Settings > General > Allow Loopback to route traffic from Microsoft Store or Xbox apps.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a solid setup, you might run into occasional issues. Here’s how to resolve the most common ones:

• Can't connect? Make sure the System Proxy is enabled and that the selected Proxygan server is active. You can verify server status in the Proxies tab.
• Experiencing slow speeds? Some nodes may be congested or distant. Switch to a different server or use the URL Test feature to identify the best-performing region.
• App traffic not going through the proxy? Try enabling Global Mode to force all traffic through the proxy or turn on TUN Mode in the settings for deeper routing.

Clash for Windows pairs seamlessly with Proxygan for users who want precise control over how and where their traffic flows.