How to Change Host File Windows Server 2016

Greetings Dev, if you are reading this article, you are probably looking for a guide on how to change host file on your Windows Server 2016. Fortunately, you have come to the right place. This article will provide you with clear and detailed instructions on how to change host file on your Windows Server 2016. So, let’s get started.

What is a Host File?

Before we dive into the guide, it’s important to understand what a host file is. A host file is a file in the operating system that maps hostnames to IP addresses. In simpler terms, it’s like a phonebook which helps the computer to locate any website or application. By changing the host file, you can direct the computer to a different IP address or website than what is originally associated with the hostname.

Why Change a Host File?

The most common reason to change a host file is to bypass a DNS lookup or to block a website. Sometimes, DNS servers can fail to resolve a hostname, and by changing the host file, you can manually map the hostname to its IP address. Additionally, by adding the IP address of a website to the host file, you can block access to that website on your server.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Host File Windows Server 2016

Step 1: Locate the Host File

The first step in changing the host file is to locate it. In Windows Server 2016, the host file is located in the following directory:

Operating System	Host File Path
Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP	C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
Windows Server 2016/2012/2008/2003	C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

Once you have located the host file, open it using a text editor like Notepad.

Step 2: Add or Modify Entries in the Host File

Now that you have opened the host file, you can add or modify entries. Each entry in the host file consists of an IP address and a hostname followed by a space or a tab. For example:

192.168.1.1example.com

This entry maps the hostname ‘example.com’ to the IP address ‘192.168.1.1’.

If you want to add a new entry, simply add it to the end of the file. If you want to modify an existing entry, locate it in the file and make the necessary changes.

Step 3: Save the Host File

After you have added or modified the entries in the host file, save it and close the text editor. The changes you made will take effect immediately.

FAQs

Q1. Can I Use the Host File to Redirect Domains?

Yes, you can use the host file to redirect domains. Simply add an entry in the host file with the IP address and the domain name you want to redirect it to. For example:

192.168.1.1www.example.com

This entry will redirect any requests to ‘www.example.com’ to the IP address ‘192.168.1.1’.

Q2. Can I Use the Host File to Block Websites?

Yes, you can use the host file to block websites. Simply add an entry in the host file with the IP address ‘0.0.0.0’ followed by the domain name you want to block. For example:

0.0.0.0www.badwebsite.com

This entry will block any requests to ‘www.badwebsite.com’.

Q3. Do I Need Administrative Privileges to Modify the Host File?

Yes, you need administrative privileges to modify the host file. Otherwise, you won’t be able to save the changes you made.

Conclusion

Changing the host file on your Windows Server 2016 is a simple and effective way to map hostnames to IP addresses, redirect domains, and block websites. By following the guide above, you can easily modify the host file and customize the way your computer interacts with the internet.

We hope this article has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.