Proxy mode's smart list: what goes through the VPN on Windows
GhostMesh's Windows Proxy mode does not tunnel your whole device by default. Instead it uses a smart list: only specific traffic categories are routed through the VPN, and everything else — including most ordinary apps and games — goes over your direct connection.
Quick answer
In Proxy mode, only messengers, browser traffic to blocked sites, and major services like OpenAI/Claude and social platforms go through GhostMesh. Everything else, including most games, uses your direct connection. Changes to this list take effect after reconnecting.
Why Proxy mode doesn't tunnel everything
Tunneling every process on the machine is what TUN mode is for. Proxy mode is designed for the opposite trade-off: minimal footprint, nothing to roll back if it fails, and only the traffic that actually benefits from the tunnel gets routed through it.
What's on the smart list today
The current smart list covers messenger apps, browser access to sites that are blocked without a VPN, and a set of major services (OpenAI/Claude and mainstream social platforms). Everything not on that list, including ordinary games and most desktop apps, goes over your direct connection unless you separately enable a feature like Shopping Route for specific domains.
When this matters
Understanding the smart list explains behavior that otherwise looks inconsistent — for example, why a browser tab to a blocked site works through GhostMesh while a game running at the same time is clearly using your regular connection.
If you need something outside the smart list tunneled — a specific app, or a specific site like the ones covered by Shopping Route — check whether a dedicated feature covers it, or switch to TUN mode for full-device coverage.
FAQ
Why is my game not going through the VPN in Proxy mode?
That's expected — Proxy mode's smart list does not include ordinary games by default. If you need full-device coverage, use TUN mode instead.
Do I need to reconnect after the smart list changes?
Yes. Changes to what's routed through Proxy mode take effect after you reconnect, not instantly.
How is this different from Shopping Route?
The smart list is Proxy mode's always-on baseline (messengers, blocked sites, major services). Shopping Route is a separate, optional feature that routes a specific list of travel/booking domains through a dedicated country relay for regional pricing.