The Windows Hosts file plays a crucial role in mapping hostnames to IP addresses. However, if this file becomes compromised or contains unwanted entries, it can lead to connectivity issues or security vulnerabilities. This guide will walk you through the process of resetting your Hosts file to its default state in Windows 11 and 10, ensuring your system’s network functionality remains intact.
What is the Windows Hosts File?
The Hosts file is a plain text file that serves as a local DNS (Domain Name System) lookup table. It allows your computer to resolve domain names to IP addresses without querying external DNS servers. While this can be useful for custom network configurations, it’s also a potential target for malware or unwanted modifications.
Locating the Hosts File
Before we begin the reset process, it’s important to know where the Hosts file is located:
Step 1: Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E.
Step 2: In the address bar, type or paste the following path and press Enter:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
You should now see the Hosts file in this folder, along with other system files.
Method 1: Manually Resetting the Hosts File
This method involves creating a backup of your current Hosts file and then creating a new one with default settings.
Step 1: Right-click on the Hosts file and select “Rename”. Change the name to “hosts.bak”. This creates a backup of your current file.
Step 2: Open Notepad as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the Start menu, select “Run”, type “notepad”, and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Step 3: In Notepad, copy and paste the following default Hosts file content:
# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host
# localhost name resolution is handle within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost
Step 4: Click “File” > “Save As”. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc, set the file name as “hosts” (without any extension), and save it.
Step 5: If prompted about replacing the existing file, click “Yes” to confirm.
Method 2: Using a Pre-made Default Hosts File
If you prefer not to manually create the file, you can download a pre-made default Hosts file.
Step 1: Download the default Hosts file from a trusted source.
Step 2: Extract the downloaded file to your desktop.
Step 3: Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc in File Explorer.
Step 4: Rename the existing Hosts file to “hosts.bak” as a backup.
Step 5: Move the downloaded Hosts file from your desktop to the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc folder.
Step 6: If prompted for administrator permission, click “Continue” to complete the process.
Verifying the Reset
After resetting your Hosts file, it’s important to verify that the changes have taken effect:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter to flush the DNS cache:
ipconfig /flushdns
Step 3: Restart your computer to ensure all changes are applied.
Why Reset the Hosts File?
Resetting the Hosts file can resolve several issues:
- Remove malicious entries added by malware.
- Fix website access problems caused by incorrect Hosts file entries.
- Restore default network behavior if custom entries are no longer needed.
- Troubleshoot DNS-related connectivity issues.
Maintaining Your Hosts File
To keep your Hosts file secure and functional:
- Regularly check for unauthorized changes.
- Use reputable security software to prevent malware infections.
- Create backups before making any modifications.
- Only add entries you fully understand and trust.
Resetting your Windows Hosts file is a straightforward process that can resolve various network-related issues. By following these steps, you’ve restored your system’s default DNS lookup behavior, potentially fixing connectivity problems and removing any malicious entries. Remember to exercise caution when modifying system files and always keep backups of your original configurations.