How To Edit Your Hosts File On Windows?

The operating system generally uses a host file to establish a connection between domain names and IP addresses before it goes to the domain name servers. However, sometimes it is required to host files on Windows, MacOS, and Linux to prevent any malicious attack. 

In this article, hands-on practice is demonstrated for a better understanding of editing the host file on Windows, MacOS, Linux

What is a Host file?

A host file is a plain text file on a computer that maps hostnames to IP addresses. It establishes a connection between Domain Names and IP addresses. This file helps in local network configuration and can be used to block or redirect websites by associating them with different IP addresses.

Why you should edit the Host File?

You should edit the Host File for different reasons, It allows users to block specific websites, redirect sites to different addresses, or test website changes before they go live. It’s a simple way to control internet access and manage network configurations on a local level without relying on external DNS servers. 

Prerequisite – How to Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows 10

How To Edit Your Hosts File On Windows 10 and 11?

There are 2 different standard methods to edit Host file in Windows:

• Methode 1: Using Notepad to host files in Windows
• Methode 2: Using PowerToys to host files in Windows

Let’s go through both methods for Edit Hosts file on Windows

Methode 1: Edit Your Hosts File On Windows Using the Notepad 

Step 1: Go to the start menu on the desktop and type the Notepad and press Enter button

Step 2:  Then open Notepad -> File -> Open to open the Hosts file

Step 3: Now you need to go to system c disk and go to Windows> System32 > drivers > etc and Select All Files on the right side 

Step 4: Following this, you will now see the host file and click the entry for the open file in Notepad

Step 5: Now our file ready to EDIT

Now, your Hosts file is ready to edit in just 5 simple steps.

Methode 2: Edit Your Hosts File On Windows using PowerToys

Step 1: Hit the Start on the desktop and type the Microsoft Store and press Enter button

Step 2: You need to search the Microsoft PowerToys and click the install button from the Microsoft Store.

Step 3: Once the installation is complete, simply click on the PowerToys icon and click the Settings

Step 4: Following this, now click on the Hosts File Editor and click on Launch Host File Editor 

Step 5: Now simply click on the host file editor, and your Hosts file is ready to Edit

How to Edit Hosts File in Linux?

To edit the hosts file in Linux, follow these steps to edit the Linux host files:

Step 1: Open a terminal ( Ctrl+Alt+T )

Step 2: Run Text Editor with Administrative Rights by typing following command, you can replace “nano” with your preferred text editor

sudo nano /etc/hosts

Step 3: Enter your Admin password.

Step 4: Edit the file entries in the format “IP_address domain_name”.

Step 5: Save the file, Changes are now applied.

How to Edit Hosts File in MacOS?

To edit the hosts file on macOS, follow these steps to edit the MacOS host files:

Step 1: Open the Terminal application.

Step 2: Run Text Editor with Administrative Rights by typing following command, you can replace “nano” with your preferred text editor

sudo nano /etc/hosts

Step 3: Enter your Admin password.

Step 4: Edit the file entries in the format “IP_address domain_name“.

Step 5: Save the file( Ctrl+O ) and exit the text editor ( Ctrl+X ).

By following these simple steps, we successfully edited the host file available on Windows, MacOS, Linux to prevent any malicious attack. 

FAQs To Edit Your Hosts File On Windows, MacOS, Linux

1. Why I Cannot edit my hosts file?

You may not be able to edit your hosts file because of authorizations issue or Software conflicts on your computer. To edit host file, you require administrative rights. Also, Disable security software that restricts access to the file. Be cautious when making changes, as it can affect your system’s network settings.

2. Is it safe to edit hosts file Windows 10?

Editing the hosts file is safe if done accurately, but it can disrupt your computer’s network settings if you make errors. Only edit it if you have a specific reason. Follow instructions carefully. Backup the original file to retrieve changes if needed.

3. What is Localhost?

Localhost is a term for your own computer when it acts as a web server. It’s used to test websites and web applications on your machine without going online. You access it through the address “http://localhost” in a web browser.