How to Edit the Windows Hosts File: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Editing the Windows Hosts file allows users to manually map domain names to IP addresses, making it a powerful tool for network troubleshooting, testing websites, or blocking specific domains. In this guide, we'll cover how to locate, edit, and restore the Hosts file in Windows 10, Windows 11, and earlier versions.

Whether you're a developer testing a local website, an IT professional managing network settings, or someone trying to block malicious domains, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

1. What is the Windows Hosts File?

The Hosts file is a plain-text file used by Windows to map domain names to IP addresses before querying the DNS server. This makes it useful for:

  • Redirecting a domain name to a different IP address (e.g., for local development)
  • Blocking access to certain websites by pointing them to 127.0.0.1
  • Bypassing DNS lookup issues
  • Testing website changes before updating DNS records

📍 Hosts file location in Windows:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

Now, let's look at how to edit it.

2. How to Edit the Windows Hosts File

Since the Hosts file is a system file, modifying it requires administrator privileges. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Notepad as Administrator
  1. Press Win + S and type Notepad.
  2. Right-click Notepad and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Open the Hosts File
  1. In Notepad, go to File > Open.
  2. Navigate to: 
    C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
  3. Change the file type to "All Files (.)", then select hosts and click Open.
Step 3: Edit the Hosts File

Add new mappings in the following format:

127.0.0.1    example.com
192.168.1.100   test.local

🔹 Example Use Cases:

  • Redirect example.com to localhost:
    127.0.0.1 example.com
  • Point a domain to a local server:
    192.168.1.100 mysite.local
  • Block Facebook:
    127.0.0.1 facebook.com
Step 4: Save Changes
  1. Press Ctrl + S or go to File > Save.
  2. Close Notepad.

✅ Your Windows Hosts file is now updated! However, the changes might not take effect immediately due to DNS caching.

3. How to Flush DNS Cache (If Changes Don't Take Effect)

After editing the Hosts file, you may need to flush the DNS cache to apply the changes.

Flush DNS via Command Prompt
  1. Open Command Prompt (Win + R, type cmd, press Enter).
  2. Run the following command: 
    ipconfig /flushdns
  3. Close Command Prompt and restart your browser.

🔹 Now your Hosts file changes should be in effect!

4. Troubleshooting & Common Issues
1. Cannot Save the Hosts File?
  • Ensure you opened Notepad as administrator.
  • Check the file’s permissions:
    • Right-click hosts > Properties > Security tab.
    • Select Users, click Edit, and allow Full Control.
2. Hosts File Changes Not Working?
  • Run ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt.
  • Clear browser cache (especially for Chrome: chrome://net-internals/#dns).
  • Restart your computer if necessary.
3. Hosts File Resetting to Default?
  • Some antivirus programs (like Windows Defender) may block changes. Disable real-time protection temporarily and try again.
5. How to Restore the Default Hosts File

If something goes wrong, you can restore the default Hosts file by replacing it with the following default content:

#### Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.
#### This is a sample HOSTS file.
#### localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.
127.0.0.1       localhost
::1             localhost

Save this file as hosts in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\.

6. Automating Hosts File Editing with PowerShell

For advanced users, PowerShell can automate Hosts file modifications.
Run the following command in PowerShell (Admin) to add an entry:

Add-Content -Path "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts" -Value "`n192.168.1.100 example.local"

This appends 192.168.1.100 example.local to the Hosts file.

7. Final Thoughts

Editing the Windows Hosts file is a powerful yet simple way to manage local domain resolutions, block websites, and test new configurations before updating DNS records.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The Hosts file is located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
✅ Open Notepad as Administrator to edit it.
✅ Flush the DNS cache using ipconfig /flushdns.
✅ If changes don't work, check permissions or antivirus settings.

By following this guide, you can confidently edit, troubleshoot, and restore the Windows Hosts file whenever needed.

FAQ

1. Is editing the Hosts file safe?
Yes, but be cautious. Incorrect entries may block access to critical websites.

2. Do I need to restart my PC after editing the Hosts file?
Not always, but flushing the DNS cache usually helps apply changes immediately.

3. How do I block a website using the Hosts file?
Simply add this line to your Hosts file:

127.0.0.1 badwebsite.com

This redirects the site to your local machine, effectively blocking it.

4. Can I edit the Hosts file without admin privileges?
No, since it's a system file, Administrator rights are required.

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