How to Locate and Edit the Host file in Windows 10, 8 & 7

The host file is in use since the ARPANET. and it used to resolve the host names. Host files were used before DNS. host files. The host file in an operating system file that maps hostnames to IP addresses.  The host file is the file where you can by pass the DNS server by manually enter the hostname and IP addresses.  There are some default entries present in the host file such as loopback 127.0.0.1.

You can edit the host file to restrict or control the system or some particular software from accessing the network.

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 How to locate or find the host file in Windows?

Step 1: Go to the drive where you have installed the Windows and follow the path

Windows->system32->dirvers->etc

how to locate the host file in windows 7 or 10

How to show hidden files and folders in Windows?

Step 2: Sometimes the system files are hidden and if in your case you are not able to see the host-file then click on File Menu and click on File Menu-> Change folder and search options.

how to edit the host file in windows

Step 3: The folder option will open and select the “View” tab and under Hidden files and folders select the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”.

how to find the host file in windows

 

How to Edit Host file in Windows

Note: Please copy and backup your original Windows host file before making any changes.

Step 1: Now finally you got the Windows host file, copy it and paste on the desktop.

How to make chnages in windows host file

Step 2: Right click on the copied host file and open it with Notepad.

Step 3: Do the changes or additions you want to make in your copied host file.

Step 4: Now copy the desktop host file in which you have done the changes and replace the original host file with the copied one.

Step 5: And you were done!!

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