The Windows Hosts file is a file that Windows uses to control and map IP addresses. By editing the Hosts file, Windows can be customized to block or redirect specific websites and even protocols that are used by programs and applications.
The hosts file in Windows is used to map the IP address to a domain. It can be used to block access to domains, by mapping the host name to an incorrect ip address or a local ip address. Get to your Windows HOSTS file with the click of a button (quick launch shortcut or desktop shortcut). This simple editor saves you the time of having to navigate to your HOSTS file manually.
To get started editing the Windows Hosts file, you first need to locate it. Open Windows Explorer and click on This PC or My Computer. Double-click on C:, then the Windows folder and scroll down the page until you reach the System32 folder. Inside of that folder, open drivers and then open etc. You’ll now see several files, one of which is hosts.
Now, notice that the file type for the hosts file is listed as File. Because there is no default program set to open a file type like this, double clicking the hosts file will simply give you a Windows prompt, asking you which program you would like to use to open the file.
From this prompt, you can choose to edit the hosts file with Notepad. So, simply click to select Notepad and click the OK button. From there, Notepad will launch with the hosts file information.
This way of opening the hosts file was demonstrated to show where the hosts file is actually located within Windows, but you won’t be able to edit it because it’s a system file. In order to edit the file, you have to open Notepad first, running as an Administrator.
Click on Start and type in Notepad, but don’t click on Notepad to open it. Rather, right-click the Notepad listing to bring up the context menu. Select the option Run as Administrator.
With Notepad open, select File > Open. Navigate to C:WindowsSystem32driversetc. You will get a blank screen that displays the prompt No items match your search. Change Text Documents (*.txt) to All Files using the drop down menu. Now, you can select the hosts file and click Open.
Adding files to the hosts file is very simple. The hosts file uses the format:
Blocking a website in Windows is as simple as typing the following into the bottom of the hosts file:
So, if I wanted to block a website like www.nytimes.com, I could just add the following line:
What we are actually telling Windows is that the website www.nytimes.com should redirect to the IP address 127.0.0.1, which is just the loopback address on our local system. If you don’t have a local website setup on your computer, you’ll just get an error page in your web browser.
Pretty cool, huh!? Obviously, you can see how this can be used in several different ways: a prank, parental control, etc. If you didn’t want to block the website in that way, you could also redirect it to another website. In order to do this, you have to find the IP address of the other site first.
To do that, just open a command prompt (click on Start and type in CMD) and type in the following command:
In my example, I pinged Adobe.com. The IP address is 192.150.16.117. Now I can simply plug that number into my hosts file in front of www.nytimes.com.
Now when I visit www.nytimes.com, I get redirect to Adobe.com! Nice! Note that if this doesn’t work for the websites you are entering, it could be because of the URL you are using. For example, it makes a difference if you use www.nytimes.com as opposed to nytimes.com without the www. Visit the website and see exactly what the URL is for the website you want to redirect. You should always try without the www first to see if that works.
If the website uses HTTPS like Google.com or something, it should still redirect if you use the host name. There is no way to specify the HTTPS version of a website in the HOSTS file, but it should redirect the HTTPS and non-HTTPS versions of the website if you use just the host name (i.e. google.com).
Lastly, you can use the hosts file to create simple shortcuts to your own devices on the network. For example, my router is at 192.168.1.3 on my home network, but I could add the following line to my hosts file and simply type in myrouter.com into my address bar.
It doesn’t really matter if myrouter.com is actually a website or not because the hosts file is read first and you are redirected to the IP address specified in the file. It’s worth noting that not all browsers may use the hosts file, so if it’s not working, that could be the issue. I tested it using IE, Microsoft Edge, Chrome and Firefox and it worked on all of the browsers.
Overall, the hosts file is still useful, even in Windows 10. It also still works just fine in Windows 8, 7, Vista, etc. If you have any questions, feel free to comment. Enjoy!
Download Hosts File Editor latest version 2019 free for windows 10, 8, 8.1 and 7 | Setup installer [64 bit, 32 bit]. The program allows editing hosts file. Safe download with no ads and virus free, developed by hostsfileseditor (16321).
*: Portable and Offline setup files are provided when available.
Download Hosts File Editor [64 bit / 32 bit]
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- CategoryInternet Tools
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- File Size1 Mb
- OS SupportWindows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1
Developerhostsfileseditor
- Malware Test (16321)100% SafeTested & Virus/Malware Free. *: Means when available
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Screenshots
Edit Hosts File
Hosts File Editor Description for Windows 10
Hosts File Editor allows editing hosts file.
Hosts File Editor Installer Supported Devices
Download the most recent version of Hosts File Editor for your Windows powered PC, Laptop, Notebook, Tablet. * Offline setup file is provided when ever available in download section.
Supported Devices: Microsoft Surface, Samsung, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Toshiba, Nokia Tablet and many others running windows 10, 8/8.1 or 7.No 3rd party installers, no adware, no toolbars, no viruses or any other harmful apps.
Disclaimer– Windows10Top does not provide any keygen activation, key generator, license key, registration codes, serial numbers, Keygen, patch or crack for Hosts File Editor.
Hosts File Editor is developed and maintained by hostsfileseditor. Our site is not affiliated with the developer by any means. All trademarks, product and company logos are the property of their respective owners.
Install and Uninstall
How to install Hosts File Editor latest version?
For installation follow these steps:
- Download the working installer of the suitable version (32bit or 64 bit) according to your windows from the previous direct links Here.
- Open the installer.
- Usually, the smart screen will appear >> click yes.
- Follow instructions, agree to the agreement >> Install & you are done.
How to completely uninstall (remove) Hosts File Editor?
To uninstall (remove) it from your device, follow these instructions:
Uninstall completely from Windows 10
- Go to From Start Panel >> Settings >> Apps
- Then search for Hosts File Editor & click Uninstall
- Then confirm.
Uninstall completely from Windows 7
- Go to Start >> Control Panel >> Add/Remove Programs
- Then search for Hosts File Editor & click Uninstall
- Then confirm.
Hosts File Editor Latest Version FAQs
How to make Hosts File Editor the default application?
To make it as the default application among other Internet Tools, follow these simple steps:
- Go to Start >> Settings >> Apps >> Default Apps
- Look for the proper category! Usually, Internet Tools
- Click on the current default application for this category - just under the category name - or click on (choose the default) if no current default app.
- A list of applications will appear >> choose Hosts File Editor.
N.B. Some times microsoft tells you that it is recommended to use certain application for windows 10, just ignore & click switch anyway.
You can also choose default app for specific file type or specific protocol from other options.
Does it cost anything to download from this site?Windows 7 Hosts File Download
It is completely free to download any App/Game from Windows10Top. Hosts File Editor 64 bit free download for windows 10.
Where to buy Hosts File Editor professional version with discount?
Hosts File In Windows 7
Windows 10 Top - like every one of you- likes freewares, however sometimes the good value is not for free.You will always find a cheap buying link with discount just above the download links when available.
What version should I download & install?Host File Location Windows 7
Always download the most recent version. Downloading the newer version ensures more stability, more bug fixes, more features & less security threats.
Updated version makes app/game works better on new Windows 10 builds.
What is the difference between Hosts File Editor 64 bit & Hosts File Editor 32 bit?Generally, 64 bit versions provide more stability, improved performance & better usage of high hardware capabilities (CPU & RAM).
On the other side, Hosts File Editor 64 bit version requires 64 bit supported hardware (64 bit CPU which most modern devices has)
Hosts File Editor 32 bit can work without problems on both Windows 32 bit & Windows 64 bit, but 64 bit version will work only on Windows 64 bit.