Windows Host File Location ((hot)) (2026)

In modern versions of Windows, including and Windows 11 , the hosts file is stored in a deep system directory. Standard Path: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

If your Windows installation is on a drive other than C: , you can use the environment variable %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\etc to find it regardless of the drive letter. How to Access and Edit the Hosts File windows host file location

The Windows hosts file is a critical system component used to map hostnames to IP addresses. Whether you are a developer testing a local site or a power user looking to block specific web domains, knowing the is the first step toward advanced network control. Default Windows Host File Location In modern versions of Windows, including and Windows

hosts (Note: This file has no extension ; it is not a .txt file). Whether you are a developer testing a local

Because the hosts file is a system-level document, you cannot simply double-click and save changes like a normal text file. You must use to modify it. Method 1: Using Notepad (Recommended)