Hosts file on Windows Server 2019 for Devs

Welcome, Devs! In this article, we will explore the importance of the hosts file in Windows Server 2019 and how it can be used to manage domain name resolutions on your server. We will also discuss the various ways you can edit the hosts file, the potential issues that you might encounter and a few frequently asked questions.

What is the hosts file?

The hosts file is a simple text file that maps domain names to IP addresses. It is commonly used to override DNS settings and speed up web browsing or to restrict access to certain websites. The hosts file can be found in the %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\etc folder on a Windows Server 2019.

Why is the hosts file important?

The hosts file is important because it allows you to define custom domain name resolutions that take precedence over the DNS server settings on your server. This can be useful when you want to test websites on a local server before they are published to the public or when you want to block access to certain websites from your network.

It is also useful when you want to configure virtual hosts on your server or when you want to bypass content filters set up by your ISP or network administrator.

How to edit the hosts file

There are several ways to edit the hosts file on a Windows Server 2019:

Method	Steps
Using Notepad	Open Notepad as an administrator (right-click and select “Run as administrator”). Go to File > Open and navigate to the hosts file (%SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\etc). Add your entries in the following format: IP Address [domain name]. Save the file.
Using PowerShell	Open PowerShell as an administrator. Use the following command to open the hosts file: notepad.exe $env:windir\system32\drivers\etc\hosts Add your entries in the following format: IP Address [domain name]. Save the file.

Note that you need to have administrative privileges to edit the hosts file.

Potential issues with the hosts file

While the hosts file is a powerful tool, it can also cause issues if not used correctly. Here are a few potential issues:

• If you enter the wrong IP address for a domain name, you could be redirected to a different website or not be able to access the website at all.
• If you have multiple entries for the same domain name, only the first entry will be used.
• If you are using a content delivery network (CDN) and you override the DNS settings in the hosts file, the website may not work properly.
• If you edit the hosts file frequently, it can become hard to manage and keep track of changes.

FAQ

Can I use wildcards in the hosts file?

Yes, you can use wildcards in the hosts file to map a domain name to multiple IP addresses. For example, you can use * to map all subdomains of a domain name to a specific IP address:

192.168.0.1 *.example.com

Can I use the hosts file to block access to websites?

Yes, you can use the hosts file to block access to websites by mapping their domain names to the loopback address (127.0.0.1). For example:

127.0.0.1 www.example.com

Can I use the hosts file to configure virtual hosts?

Yes, you can use the hosts file to configure virtual hosts on your server. Simply add your domain name and IP address pairs to the hosts file and configure your web server to recognize the domain names.

Can I use the hosts file to speed up web browsing?

Yes, you can use the hosts file to speed up web browsing by mapping frequently accessed domain names to their corresponding IP addresses. This can help reduce the time it takes for your browser to resolve the domain names and load the corresponding web pages.

Thanks for reading, Devs! We hope you found this article informative and useful in managing your Windows Server 2019 hosts file. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.