Host file in Windows 10

In this article I will explain how we can edit the host file in Windows 10, where it is found (and what to do, if it is not there), what is the default content and, how to correct this file after the changes, if it is not saved.

In fact, compared to the two previous versions of the operating system, in the host file for Windows 10 nothing has changed: neither the place, the content nor the modification methods. However, I decided to write a separate article on the host file in the Windows 10 operating system.

Where is the host file in Windows 10

The host file is located in the same folder, as before C: Windows System32 driver etc. (provided that the system is installed directly in C: Windows and not elsewhere, otherwise you will have to look in the appropriate folder).

At the same time, to open the «good» host file, I recommend accessing the control panel (by clicking with the right button) – Explorer options on the right. And in the «View» tab at the end of the list to get rid «, the extensions are hidden for the types of well -known files» and only after passing the folder with the host file.

The meaning of the recommendation: some users open a completely different file, i.e. Hosts.txt, Hosts.bak or other similar files and, consequently, the changes introduced in these files do not change the operation of the Internet, if necessary. You have to open the file, which has no extension (see screenshot).

If the host file is missing in the folder C: Windows System32 driver etc. – It is a normal (although strange) and should not affect the operation of the system (by default this file is empty and does not contain anything except the comments, which does not affect the operation).

Note: theoretically, the position of the host file in the system can be changed (for example, with some ups to protect this file). To find out, if the location has been changed:

1. Start the publisher of the register (Win+R key, enter regedit)
2. Log in to the register of the register HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE System CurrentControlset Services tcpip parameters
3. See the value DatabasepathThis value also shows the path of the folder with the host file in Windows 10 (default setting %Systemroot% System32 driver etc.)

I finished with the position of the file, now we will go on.

How to change the host file

By default, the modification of the host file in Windows 10 is available only for system administrators. The fact that this is not taken into consideration by beginner users is one of the most common reasons why the host file is not saved after the change.

To edit the host file you will have to open it in the text editor, Rolled on behalf of the administrator (mandatory). I will show you as an example the «Notipad» text editor.

In the Windows 10 search box introduces «Notipad» and after the program appears in the search results, press with the right mouse button on it and select «execution as an administrator».

The next step: opens the host file. To do this, in Notipad selects «File» – «Opening», go to the folder with this file, in the field with the type of file set «All files» and select that host file, which has no extension.

By default, the contents of the host file in Windows 10 seems to be, as is displayed in the image below. But if the host file is empty, you shouldn’t worry, it is normal: the content of the predefined file from the point of view of the operation, is the same, like the empty file, because all the lines, which start with the sign of Diez, are only comments, which have no role for operation.

To be clearer in the following example I set so that by entering the TP-Link.ro address in the browser addresses, the router settings will be open to the IP address 192.168.0.1.

Note: I don’t know how important it is, on some forums it is said that the host file must contain the last naked.

After completing the change, select only the file – rescue (if the host file is not saved, it means that you have not started the text editor with the administrator’s rights).

How can I download or restore the Windows 10 host file

As has already been written, the content of the predefinites of the host file, even if it contains text, is equivalent to an empty file. Therefore, if you are looking at, where this file is downloaded or you want to bring it back to the default content, the simplest method is:

1. On the desktop, click the right mouse button and select «New»-«Text document». The insertion of the name delete the .Txt extension and the file calls it host (if the extension does not display the display starts in the «control panel»-«Explorer options» in the «View» tab). During the redenomination you will be announced that the file will not open – it is normal.
2. Copy this file a C: Windows System32 driver etc.

I finished, the file is restored in the form, in which it is immediately after the installation of Windows 10. Note: if you wonder, because we have not created the file in the desired folder, yes, we can also, in some cases we do not have enough authorizations to create the file there and with the copy you usually work.