Freegate for Windows

Freegate is a free internet censorship circumvention tool for Windows from Dynamic Internet Technology, Inc. The current version is 8.05, released on 17 August 2025. People download Freegate to open news sites and services that are blocked on their network or in their country.

What is Freegate?

Freegate was launched in March 2002 by Dynamic Internet Technology, the company behind the Dynaweb proxy network, and is associated with the Global Internet Freedom Consortium. It was originally created for users in China who faced the country's internet filtering. The program is a single portable file: you run it, it searches for a working entry point into Dynaweb and configures your browser to use it as a proxy. When the connection is established, your browser traffic goes through that network and blocked sites become reachable. Freegate constantly changes the addresses it uses so that blocking systems find it harder to cut off. When you close the program, your normal settings are restored. Versions exist for Windows and Android.

How do I use it?

1. Get the latest release from the developer's download page or the official site.
2. Unpack the archive and run the Freegate executable; no installation is needed.
3. Wait until the status shows that the connection works; a browser window opens.
4. Browse normally; close Freegate to return to your usual connection.

The download is about 7.8 MB.

Why does my antivirus complain?

Some antivirus products flag Freegate because of how it modifies proxy settings and hides its connections. Such warnings are a known issue with circumvention tools, but they are also the reason to download only from the developer's own sites: fake copies carrying real malware have circulated.

Is it anonymous?

Not fully. Freegate is designed to get around blocks, not to hide your identity from the service operator. Your traffic passes through the company's servers, and mainly browser traffic is covered. Use HTTPS sites, and do not treat it as a replacement for tools built for anonymity.

Is it legal?

That depends on your country. Check local laws, and consider the risks before using circumvention software on work or school networks.

What if it does not connect?

Download the newest version, since blocking methods change and older builds may stop working. Try another network, check the system clock, and temporarily allow the program in your firewall. If nothing helps, try a different tool from the list below.

How much does it cost?

Freegate is free.

Pros and cons

• Pro: portable, no installation.
• Pro: simple, almost no settings.
• Pro: long history of use against censorship.
• Con: antivirus false alarms.
• Con: mainly covers browser traffic.
• Con: not built for anonymity.

What are the alternatives?

Other circumvention tools on our site include UltraSurf and Psiphon. v2rayN works with your own proxy servers, and Proton VPN or Mullvad VPN protect all traffic on the PC.