5 Fixes When the Hosts File Is Not Working on Windows

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Basic Fixes:

Fix 1: Flush DNS Cache

The DNS cache stores information about previously visited websites, and if this data becomes outdated or corrupted, it can lead to conflicts with the Hosts file entries. Byflushing the DNS cache, you are clearing this stored information and forcing the system to re-query and update the DNS records.

Step 1:PressWindows+Son your keyboard > typeCommand Prompt> clickRun as administrator> selectYeswhen prompted.

Step 2:Enter the below-mentioned command in your Command Prompt window and hitEnter.

Now, you can see a confirmation message saying, “You’ve successfully flushed the DNS.” Once you see it, restart your device to apply the changes and check if this fixes the problem.

Fix 2: Disable the Proxy

Disabling the proxy lets the system use the hosts file directly. This means it can find website addresses based on the information in the hosts file. This is useful when you want exact control over resolving domain names. It ensures that the information in the hosts file is used first so the system can find addresses more reliably and accurately. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1:Press theWindows + I keys> open theSettingsapp.

Step 2:Head toNetwork & Internet> selectProxy.

Step 3:Under Automatic proxy setup, turn off the toggle forAutomatically detect settings.

Step 4:Under Manual proxy setup, clickEditnext to Use a proxy server.

Step 5:Turn off the toggle forUse a proxy server> clickSave.

Fix 3: Reset the Hosts File

The Hosts file is responsible for mapping hostnames to IP addresses, and if corrupted or misconfigured over time, it can lead to connectivity problems. One viable solution when encountering issues with its functionality is to reset the Hosts file. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1:Press theWindows keyon your keyboard. In the search box, typeThis PC> clickOpen.

Step 2:To find the Hosts file, enter the location below in the address bar and pressEnter.

Step 3:Right-click on thehostsfile and select theDeleteicon.

Step 4:ClickContinueon the pop-up and selectYesin the prompt.

Step 5:Now, head to a new folder. Right-click in the empty area, selectNew, and chooseText Document.

Step 6:Open the file and paste the below information into it.

Step 7:ClickFile> selectSave As.

Step 8: Renamethe file to hosts. Ensure that the Encoding isUTF-8and clickSave.

Step 9:Now,copythe hosts file andpasteit into the new folder.

Grant the required permissions and restart your device. This should fix your Windows Hosts file.

Fix 4: Reset NetBIOS Cache

If the Hosts file is not working properly, resetting the NetBIOS cache can help. The NetBIOS cache is like a storage place for names and their matching IP addresses. If this storage gets messed up, it can cause problems finding addresses, which affects the Hosts file.

Step 1:OpenCommand promptwith admin rights.

Step 2:Type the below mentioned in the CMD window and hitEnter.

Fix 5: Disable DNS Over HTTPS (DOH)

The DoH protocol encrypts DNS queries, potentially bypassing local DNS configurations, such as those specified in the Hosts file. This encryption can interfere with the system’s ability to resolve domain names according to the entries in the Hosts file. To disable it, follow the steps below.

Note:We use Chrome but the steps are similar for other web browsers like Firefox.

Step 1:Launch theChrome browser> click thethree-dot icon> chooseSettings.

Step 2:Navigate toPrivacy and securityfrom the left and chooseSecurityon the right.

Step 3:Scroll down and toggle offUse secure DNS.

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Last updated on 23 July, 2024

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