This guide will help you easily edit the Hosts file on your Windows 11 computer. The Hosts file is a simple text file that tells your computer how to connect website names (like example.com) to internet addresses (called IP addresses).

Why Would You Edit the Hosts File?

• Block websites: Stop your computer from visiting certain websites by redirecting them.
• Test websites: Web developers use the Hosts file to test websites on their own computer before making them live.
• Fix network issues: Sometimes you want to link a name to a specific IP address for easier local access.

Where is the Hosts File?

The Hosts file is located here on your computer:

c:WindowsSystem32Driversetchosts

What Does the Hosts File Look Like?

It looks like a simple text file with lines like this:

# This is a comment - lines starting with # are ignored by your computer

127.0.0.1       localhost
# 127.0.0.1       example.com   (this line is ignored because it starts with #)

Note: The IP address and website name should have at least one space or tab between them.

Step-by-Step: How to Edit the Hosts File

Step 1: Open Notepad as Administrator

Because the Hosts file controls important network settings, you need special permission (admin rights) to edit it.

1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Type Command Prompt in the search box.
3. Right-click on Command Prompt in the results and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Open the Hosts File in Notepad

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

notepad.exe c:WindowsSystem32Driversetchosts

This will open the Hosts file in Notepad with the permission to edit and save changes.

Step 3: Add Your Changes

Scroll to the bottom of the file and add your new entries. For example, to make your computer treat example.com as your own local computer (useful to block or test the site), add this line:

127.0.0.1    example.com

Step 4: Save Your Changes

Click File > Save in Notepad to save the file.

Your changes will take effect immediately — no restart needed!

Tips and Things to Remember

• Always run Notepad as administrator to make sure you can save the changes.
• Make a backup: Before you edit, copy the original Hosts file somewhere safe. This way, you can restore it if something goes wrong.
• Use # for comments: If you want to disable a line without deleting it, just put a # at the start of that line.
• Changes are instant: After saving, your computer immediately uses the new settings.

Summary

• The Hosts file lets you control how your computer finds websites.
• You can block websites or test your own sites locally.
• You must run Notepad as an administrator to edit and save the file.
• Always save a backup before making changes.

If you want to learn more about the Hosts file, here is a helpful Microsoft support page:

Microsoft: Hostname Resolution