Host file not blocking website I had to put the space there to be able to post it on this board) 127. 1 cnn. com Jan 10, 2025 · However, many Windows 10 and Windows 11 users have encountered issues with their Hosts file not working correctly, leading to problems accessing certain websites or services. Aug 1, 2023 · By adding website URLs to the Hosts file and mapping them to the localhost IP address, you can block access to those sites since they will point to your own computer. From there, do File then Open, and browse to the hosts file located inC:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\ If the hosts file is not visible, make sure in the file type dropdown you change it to all types. with a custom HOSTS file Aug 15, 2024 · How to Block Websites on Windows 10 Blocking websites on Windows 10 can be achieved easily through a few steps. yahoo. It didn't work. org. Delete everything (a blank document works fine), then save it. Hosts file not working on blocking websites on your Windows computer. Aug 31, 2024 · This tutorial will show you how to block websites for all users on the computer using the Hosts file in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Editing the "Hosts" file takes a little work, but this wikiHow article guides you through the process so it's easier to block websites in all your web browsers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve This article provides details on blocking Ads, Banners, Parasites, and Hijackers, web bugs, possibly unwanted programs etc. com") via a search engine - say I search for "reddit news" and then click on the link that pops up on the search engine, it will happily appear in my web browser. See full list on howtogeek. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why the Hosts file may not work, how to troubleshoot the issues, and provide several solutions to restore functionality. Sep 23, 2024 · Blocking websites in Windows 10 involves editing the Hosts file, which directs the browser to a different address. Apr 24, 2025 · Find out how to permanently block a website on different devices for security and productivity with this detailed step-by-step guide. You can carry out this simple process on Windows, Linux, and macOS. com does it need the http in front?), saving it Oct 31, 2024 · The hosts file in Windows is a text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. This can be particularly useful for managing distractions or ensuring safe browsing for children. This is particularly useful for web developers, network administrators, and for troubleshooting internet problems. Jan 13, 2023 · I usually block Safari sites via Terminal on my Mac with sudo nano /etc/hosts command adding websites like 127. As CodenameFlux already wrote modern web browsers' setting might cause them to not use the HOSTS file. For iPad, iPhone, and Mac, use Screen Time to block websites. In this small guide, I will explain step-by-step how to use Command Prompt to edit the Hosts file and block websites in Windows. Find how to get that done properly inside! In this video, I explain how to block and ban any website on the Internet you want, by using a free method found with in Windows, which is a very easy way . hotnews. facebook. Jun 4, 2025 · Learn how to block websites on any Windows PC by editing the hosts file. The host file is located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. When you modify the hosts file, you can effectively redirect web traffic, block specific websites, or manage various networking tasks. Want to block websites with Windows? Hosts file can do that for you and our guide shows you how to block websites in Windows without additional software. While the hosts file is a powerful tool for administrators and tech-savvy users, it can sometimes Jan 31, 2025 · Unblocking a website on Windows 10 can be a straightforward process, depending on the method you choose. Jun 24, 2025 · Learn how to block websites on Windows 10 and 11 using the hosts file. I tried both ALL: domain. Reboot for good measure but you are good to go. When talking to Mar 25, 2020 · I tried blocking some websites with the hosts file and it completely gets ignored. . There were always workarounds to go on YouTube, if you Dec 29, 2019 · How to Block Websites Using the Hosts File in Windows 10 Every Windows version comes with a special Hosts file which helps resolving DNS records. However, some users may encounter issues where the hosts file is not working as expected on Windows 11 or Windows 10. Step-by-step guide with examples, limitations, and better alternatives for IT admins. I am using the format 127. Jun 29, 2023 · Editing hosts files can allow you to block internet ads and risky websites. youtube. com happens to be a host name, which is the reason why you can navigate to it with a browser, and why that entry in the hosts file effects something at all. I'm still unable to access the sites. Jan 13, 2022 · Do you encounter a lot of ads and spam websites while browsing the internet? Do you want to block access to certain websites on your PC? The solution you’re looking for is called hosts file! Jan 10, 2025 · How To Block Websites On Windows Using The Hosts File In the vast digital landscape, there may come a time when you need to restrict access to certain websites on your Windows computer. That works for like 99% of the pages, but right now I am trying to block Youtube (and several other sites). I tried and does not function. It used to block it but no more. I did all possible access ways for the website and still can access it. How Does The Hosts File Work? The hosts file allows the computer to look up other computer names, like localhost, or domain names, like helpdeskgeek. Jan 13, 2025 · Blocking a website on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that involves editing your computer’s Hosts file. With Jul 30, 2024 · Blocking websites on Windows 10 is a straightforward process. name (does it mater if it's just domain. This means that as far as DNS goes www. Jul 19, 2025 · How to Fix Hosts File Not Working in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide The hosts file in Windows 11 plays a crucial role in managing domain name resolutions locally on your computer. Dec 5, 2024 · Learn how to block websites on Windows 10 by editing the hosts file, setting up parental controls, or using third-party software in this step-by-step guide. You can go thru the motions and nothing gets blocked. Once visible, select the hosts file. link text I could not access the link (blocked in office) but i think this may help you edit your host file "“WWW” has become the universal standard for the default host. With a few simple steps, you should be able to access blocked websites quickly and safely. ro 127. I use Windows 7/64 bit. ideas why? Does it work for you? FIOS also disabled all website blocking in their router config page and on my Verizon website. com) into IP addresses. Learn how to block pop-ups and banner ads and limit access to specific websites by editing hosts files. g tenforums. Generally, you can achieve this by adjusting your browser settings, modifying the hosts file, or using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). com. Prerequisites Before getting started, make sure Aug 28, 2024 · How to Block Websites on Windows 11 To block websites on Windows 11, you’ll modify the Hosts file, a system file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. This method is quick, effective, and doesn’t require any additional software. Learn how to block access to specific websites from the hosts file in Windows and strengthen your security while browsing the web. All you can do now is block all internet access with them, AFAIK. It is commonly used to block or redirect certain websites, to test website changes before going live, or to access development servers. After all, remembering a long series of numbers and periods is a lot harder than remembering Google. 0 and maybe even adding a local HTTP-Server that shows "This site is blocked". I made the blocklist, and copied it to /etc/hosts. I restarted my computer, cleared the cache, different browsers, nothing works. 1 Sep 5, 2022 · Also see: How to Block Adult Websites in Windows 11 How to Block a Website with Hosts file in Windows 11 The hosts file is a Windows system file located in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. I flashed my DNS Using the HOSTS file is still a viable method but you need to know what you are doing. An HTTP (S) proxy has no virtual network interface and no virtual private network. Spread the loveThe Windows hosts file is a powerful tool that allows you to override DNS lookups for specific domains. com and the IP number for them is right beside the name in the file. ro And I still manage to access these websites. It effectively acts as a manual DNS server, allowing you to redirect certain websites or block access to others. 1 instead of 0. Also you need to exclude the HOSTS file from Windows Defender (or whatever AntiVirus you are using) since it might flag a custom HOSTS file as hijacked and change it back to default. This method allows you to redirect any domain name you wish to block to an invalid IP address. Jun 19, 2020 · It was easy to keep all that information in a plain old text file. It is just as common to define a site with no host as well. Apr 12, 2022 · In this comprehensive tutorial, we will show you the detailed steps to block websites via the Hosts file on your Windows 11 PC. However I recently noticed that if I access a blocked site (say "reddit. 3 days ago · Block Websites Using the Hosts File in Windows The most well-known method for blocking a specific website on a Windows computer is to redirect traffic to that website to an invalid IP address by adding a fake entry to the hosts file. I am not using proxies. However, sometimes changes to the hosts file have no effect. Apr 17, 2023 · Hi Team, I have created a Windows form application, which needs to block the URL with the host file. Using this trick, you can block certain web sites from opening in the web Apr 10, 2025 · Looking to block a computer's access to particular websites? The HOSTS file is the best tool. I put these lines in my C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts file: 127. Jul 23, 2024 · Hosts file not working on Windows? Get fixes here! Learn to troubleshoot common issues, reset permissions, and restore functionality. 1 site. By tweaking the settings in the system’s Hosts file, you can restrict access to specific websites. com And 127. Whether it’s to enhance productivity, maintain online safety for children, or avoid distractions, one effective way to block websites is by modifying the hosts file. bak) and make changes to block a… Aug 27, 2024 · Learn how to edit the hosts file in Windows 11 with our step-by-step guide. Oct 1, 2025 · Blocking websites with the "hosts" file is a good way to prevent any browsers from opening them, but people can still get around the block by using the mobile version of the website (s) in question. example. This involves locating the Hosts file, editing it with administrator privileges, and adding the websites you wish to block. and org. cnn. Jan 16, 2025 · Block websites from all web browsers by editing the "Hosts" files on Windows and Mac. Knowing this, you can block access to any website by modifying your HOSTS file. 1 hotnews. org May 26, 2016 · For the vast majority of users however, it should be said that, disabling DNS over HTTPS is probably not a good thing to do for privacy reasons. While it’s primarily used for blocking or redirecting websites, troubleshooting, or development purposes, many users encounter issues where the hosts file doesn Jan 5, 2021 · I'm trying to use Windows' hosts file to block a specific website, but my problem is that while using a VPN it doesn't get blocked at all, and without a VPN it gets blocked on Chrome but not on Fir Mar 3, 2019 · The file hosts in C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc blocks every website, that I put in there except YouTube. How to Fix Hosts File Not Working in Windows 11 The Windows hosts file is a fundamental component of the system’s networking configuration. A simple, free, step-by-step guide to improve focus and enhance security. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to block a website in Windows 10 and 11 by adding a few lines to the Windows hosts file using Notepad. This application will create a backup file (. The host file lives on today. This file handles mappings of IP addresses to host names in Windows 11. Jun 30, 2023 · When you go to a website, you type in a website name, which is automatically resolved to the site's IP address and loaded. Sep 19, 2024 · I have a HOSTS file which has a fairly comprehensive list of sites/addresses to block and it generally works fine. In addition to your network configuration, the file can be used to define a domain=IP address pairing which will have priority above the value provided by the DNS server. It acts as a local DNS resolver, allowing users to map hostnames to IP addresses manually. Does anyone know why? The lines below are from my host file (without the space between . com & yahoo. Jan 7, 2012 · I'm trying to block a group of web sites. Apr 29, 2021 · Because a VPN uses a virtual interface and does not inherently change how your device uses DNS or any other network services, it also does not bypass your device's hosts file which is a fundamental part of your device's network stack. This method is effective and doesn’t require additional software. It's been awhile but either way I don't need to put all the possible ways, just what I type, no? e. By adding specific entries to this file, you can prevent access to chosen websites. Dec 12, 2019 · · Editing hosts file to block sites not working · Why does the hosts file in Windows 10 no longer block YouTube? · My host file is not working on Windows 10 · Hosts File not working correctly · Domain blocked in Windows hosts file, but the site is still accessible · Blocking a website using "hosts" file doesn't work when using a VPN Dec 18, 2022 · Host file not blocking site Hey! Ive been using the host file to block 1000's of sites for years and it works great. Customize your network settings quickly and efficiently. If you find yourself in this situation, here are eight ways to fix the hosts file not working on Sep 23, 2019 · If you have a list of websites that you have to block or don't want to use a firewall, then you can skip them completely and sort out everything yourself. In just a few steps, you can prevent access to specific websites on your computer. Can anyone help me with this? I blocked the sites by using Sep 6, 2020 · The problem here is that the hosts file (as the name implies) contains host name entries, not domain name entries. com should still be blocked if I type it like that even if I left the other ways Jan 16, 2017 · I am attempting to block a website using the hosts file in win10. Nov 27, 2019 · I blocked some site in Hosts File, but when I tried unblocking it by deleting the indicated sites. Th Apr 30, 2023 · Windows : blocking website via hosts file not working? To Access My Live Chat Page, On Google, Search for "hows tech developer connect" I have a hidden feature that I promised to tell you about. Windows 10: HOSTS file blocking telemetry is now flagged as a risk | bleepingcomputer You must be signed in as an administrator to edit the Hosts file. This article tells you 6 common solutions and the best way to fix this. Oct 21, 2023 · I used the modify HOSTS file method Followed this to try a test block of reddit, but it never worked. Dec 14, 2024 · Blocking websites on Windows using the hosts file is an effective way to control access to certain sites. You can use the built-in hosts file to restrict access to specific sites. Because of this to Jan 8, 2025 · How to Fix Hosts File Not Working in Windows 11 The hosts file in Windows is a critical component for converting hostnames (like www. 0. 1 www. 1 facebook. Follow the steps below to learn how to do this. However, there are cases where it can be counter-productive, and ignoring custom domain entries in the hosts file is one of them. com 127. 1 ecosia. com are two totally different sites, even though they resolve to the same place. Oct 7, 2023 · (The hosts file is actually the predecessor of DNS) Additional Thoughts: You might want to consider rerouting to 127. Except for one site: ecosia. Nov 1, 2023 · The most efficient way to make a whitelist of approved websites in Windows 10 is to modify hosts file. site. dktei aelpd vnlevxx hwie izt ofqhjw htulj vbscme uieefq hdlmmpsr bjgj tgvj fiizool fidvlu kkirv