Every time you wanted to call your uncle, you had to borrow your dad’s phone to find his number. Sounds exhausting, right? That’s why we save contacts in our own phones, so we can reach people faster.
Your computer’s hosts file works the same way. It saves addresses so your system can reach websites faster. In a developer’s case, point a site like mynewsite.com to a private test server that only they can access before it goes public.
It has many other uses too, but you can only unlock them if you know how to edit your hosts file.
Why You Want to Edit the Hosts File
To check and access your changes instantly, instead of waiting for DNS to update.
- Blocking or redirecting websites: Instantly shut down distractions or reroute domains with a single line of code.
- Testing a domain before DNS change: Preview new sites privately without going public.
- Fixing local network issues: Point your system to the right IP when DNS takes a wrong turn.
Where to Find the Hosts File on Windows and Mac
The hosts file is in your system folders.
- On Windows: The file is located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. Always run Notepad as an administrator before opening it; otherwise, your edits won’t save.
- On Mac: You can find it at /etc/hosts. Use the Terminal command sudo nano /etc/hosts to access it with the right permissions.
Permissions Required: Both Windows and Mac need admin or root access for editing. Without it, the file remains locked for changes.
How to Access and Edit the Hosts File Safely
Follow these simple steps to take full control of your hosts file.
- Open with admin rights: Run Notepad on Windows or Terminal on Mac as administrator to avoid permission errors.
- Edit in Notepad or Terminal: Add or change entries in plain text. Write one domain and its IP address per line.
- Save and flush DNS cache: Save the file, then run ipconfig /flushdns on Windows or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache on Mac to apply changes.
Safer Alternative: How Pure Website Simplifies This Process
Pure Website Design is a leading web development service provider. Our experts handle host file configurations so your team can focus on work without technical risks.
We edit and optimize hosts files to block unwanted access, test new domains, fix DNS issues, speed up local access, and strengthen privacy across your systems.
FAQs
How do I restore it to default?
Open the hosts file and remove all added entries, keeping only the default system lines. Save the file, then flush your DNS cache to reset everything back to normal.
Can the hosts file make my site more secure?
Yes. You can use the hosts file to block malicious IPs or unwanted connections. For advanced security hardening, Pure Website Design applies layered protection that goes beyond manual host file edits.
Will editing the hosts file speed up my website?
Yes, when configured properly, it can reduce DNS lookup time and make local sites load faster. Pure Website Design also optimizes DNS routing and caching to improve overall site speed.
Does the hosts file affect all browsers and apps?
Yes. Any program on your system that connects to the internet uses the same hosts file, so changes apply across browsers and most applications.
What happens if I make a mistake in the hosts file?
Incorrect entries can block websites or cause network errors. Always double-check IPs and syntax before saving, or consult your system administrator.
Can I use the hosts file to block ads?
Yes. Many users redirect ad-serving domains to 127.0.0.1 to stop ads from loading. Just remember, large ad lists can slow down browsing, so keep your file clean.
Where is the hosts file stored on Linux?
On Linux systems, you’ll find it in /etc/hosts. You’ll need root access to make any changes safely.
Final Thoughts
The hosts file gives you direct control over how your computer connects to websites and servers. Whether you want to block unwanted domains, test new sites, or fix DNS issues, a few precise edits can make a big difference.
Still, accuracy matters! Even a single wrong line can break connections or slow down performance. If you want expert handling, faster results, and stronger security, let Pure Website Design manage the setup for you. Our team ensures every change works safely and boosts your site’s reliability.
