How to Edit Host File in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to block specific websites, test domain changes, or redirect URLs locally on your computer? You can do all of that by editing a small but powerful file called the hosts file.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to edit the host file in Windows 11 safely and correctly. Whether you’re a web developer, IT admin, or just curious about how Windows handles domain names, this guide will make it easy.

What Is a Host File in Windows 11?

The host file is a simple text file that maps domain names (like google.com) to IP addresses (like 142.250.190.14).

When you type a website address into your browser, Windows checks this file before going online to resolve the domain.

That means you can use it to:

• Redirect domains to specific IPs

• Block access to unwanted websites

• Test websites locally before DNS propagation

Think of it as your computer’s private “address book” for the internet.

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2. Why Edit the Host File?

Here are the most common reasons to modify the host file:

✅ Website development: Preview a new website on your local server before it goes live.
✅ Custom redirection: Redirect domains for testing or security.
✅ Block websites: Prevent access to social media or malicious sites.
✅ Bypass DNS issues: Manually assign IPs if DNS servers fail.
✅ Network management: Configure multiple machines with static mappings.

💡 Example: You can block Facebook by mapping it to 127.0.0.1 — your own computer’s IP.

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3. Where Is the Host File Located?

The host file is stored deep within the Windows system folder. Here’s its default path:

🧩 Note: The file has no extension (not .txt or .ini). It’s just named hosts.

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4. What You Should Know Before Editing

Before jumping in, let’s cover a few essentials:

• 🛑 Administrator Access Required: You can’t modify the hosts file without admin privileges.

• 💾 Back Up the Original File: Always create a backup before making changes.

• ⚙️ Use Plain Text Editors: Stick to Notepad or Notepad++.

• 🚫 No File Extension: Don’t save it as hosts.txt.

• 🧹 Flush DNS Cache After Editing: This ensures Windows reads your new entries.

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5. Method 1: Edit Host File Using Notepad (Admin Access)

This is the easiest and most popular method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Notepad as Administrator

   • Press Start → search “Notepad” → right-click → Run as administrator.

2. Open the Hosts File

   • In Notepad, click File → Open.

   • Navigate to:

     C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc


   • In the bottom-right dropdown, change Text Documents (.txt) → All Files.

   • Select hosts and click Open.

3. Make Your Edits

   • Each entry should follow this format:

     IP Address Domain Name


     Example:

     127.0.0.1 facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com


4. Save the File

   • Click File → Save, then close Notepad.

5. Flush DNS Cache

   • Press Win + R, type:

     ipconfig /flushdns


     and press Enter.

🎉 That’s it! Your new host entries are now active.

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6. Method 2: Edit Host File Using Windows Terminal or PowerShell

PowerShell offers a more direct way to open and modify the hosts file.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator

   • Press Win + X → Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. Open the Hosts File in Notepad

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


3. Make Changes and Save

   • Add your mappings or blocks as needed, then save.

4. Flush the DNS Cache

   ipconfig /flushdns


🧠 Pro Tip: PowerShell can also append lines automatically if you use scripting — ideal for advanced users.

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7. Method 3: Edit Host File Using Command Prompt

Prefer the old-school Command Prompt? No problem.

Steps:

1. Run CMD as Administrator

   • Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator.

2. Open Hosts File

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


3. Edit and Save

   • Add your new entries and click File → Save.

4. Flush DNS

   ipconfig /flushdns


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8. Method 4: Use Third-Party Host File Editors (Optional)

If you edit the host file often, third-party tools can make it easier.

Popular Options:

⚙️ Tip: Always download from official or verified sources to avoid malware.

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9. How to Block a Website Using the Host File

You can use the hosts file to block websites by redirecting them to your local IP (127.0.0.1).

Example:

1. Open your hosts file.

2. Add these lines:

   127.0.0.1 facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com


3. Save and flush DNS:

   ipconfig /flushdns


4. Try opening Facebook — it won’t load!

This method works system-wide, blocking access from all browsers and users.

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10. How to Redirect a Website or Domain

You can also redirect one website to another.

Example:

Redirect bing.com to google.com:

(The IP above is Google’s — you can replace it with any other valid IP.)

Now, when you open Bing, it’ll load Google instead.

🔹 This trick is useful for testing site migrations or DNS changes before updating your domain records.

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11. How to Restore the Default Host File

If you mess something up, don’t panic — restoring the default hosts file is easy.

Option 1: Manually Reset

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.

2. Copy and paste the following default content:

3. Save it as hosts (no extension) in the same directory.

Option 2: Use Command Prompt

Run:

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12. Common Errors and How to Fix Them

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13. Security Tips When Editing the Host File

🔒 Always double-check entries before saving.
🧰 Keep a backup of your original hosts file.
🚫 Avoid suspicious scripts or online editors.
👨‍💻 Use antivirus software that monitors host file changes.
🔐 Do not download pre-edited host files from untrusted sources — they might redirect you to malicious websites.

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14. Troubleshooting DNS Cache Issues

If changes don’t seem to take effect, your computer might still be using cached DNS data.

To fix:

1. Flush the DNS cache:

   ipconfig /flushdns


2. Restart your browser.

3. Restart your computer (if necessary).

If issues persist, check:

• The host file syntax (no typos or missing spaces)

• You saved without .txt extension

• You ran the editor with admin privileges

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15. FAQs – Editing Host File on Windows 11

Q1: Is it safe to edit the host file?
Yes — as long as you know what you’re changing and keep a backup.

Q2: Can I block YouTube or social media using the host file?
Absolutely. Add lines like 127.0.0.1 youtube.com and 127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com.

Q3: Do I need to restart my PC after editing?
Not always. Usually, flushing the DNS cache is enough.

Q4: Why can’t I save changes to the host file?
You must open the text editor as Administrator and remove the file’s read-only property.

Q5: Can malware modify my host file?
Yes — some malware alters host files to redirect users to fake websites. Keep your antivirus active.

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16. Summary & Key Takeaways

Editing the hosts file in Windows 11 is simple, powerful, and safe — when done right.

Here’s a quick recap:

✅ Key Takeaways

• Always back up your host file first.

• Run Notepad or PowerShell as Administrator.

• Remember to flush DNS after saving changes.

• Use host file edits to block, test, or redirect websites.

• Never download modified host files from untrusted sources.

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By following this step-by-step guide, you now know exactly how to edit the host file in Windows 11 safely — like a pro.

It’s a small tweak that can make a huge difference for developers, admins, or anyone who wants more control over their network experience.