Where is the host file in Windows Server 2016?

Welcome Dev, in this article, we will be discussing the location of the host file in Windows Server 2016. The host file is an important file on your server that helps in translating domain names into IP addresses. This article aims to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to locate and edit the host file in Windows Server 2016. Let’s dive in!

What is a host file?

Before we proceed to the location of the host file on a Windows Server 2016, let’s first understand what a host file is. A host file is a plain text file that maps IP addresses to hostnames, just like a phone book. It is used by your operating system to resolve hostnames to IP addresses. Whenever you type a domain name in your browser, your computer checks the host file to see if the domain name has been mapped to an IP address. If a mapping is found, your computer uses the IP address to connect to the website, if not, it sends a request to the DNS server to resolve the hostname.

Locating the host file in Windows Server 2016

Now that we have a basic understanding of what a host file is, let’s proceed to locate it on your Windows Server 2016. There are two ways to locate the host file: using File Explorer or using Command Prompt.

Using File Explorer

The host file is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc directory. To locate the host file using File Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer on your Windows Server 2016.
2. Navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc directory.
3. You should see a file named “hosts”. This is the host file.

Using Command Prompt

You can also locate the host file using Command Prompt. Follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt on your Windows Server 2016.
2. Type “cd C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc” and press Enter.
3. Type “dir” and press Enter.
4. You should see a file named “hosts”. This is the host file.

Editing the host file

Once you have located the host file, you can edit it using any plain text editor such as Notepad. However, it is important to note that you need administrative privileges to edit the host file on a Windows Server 2016. Follow these steps to edit the host file:

1. Right-click on the Notepad and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Open the host file located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc directory.
3. Add the IP address and domain name that you want to map. For example, “192.168.1.1 www.example.com”.
4. Save the changes to the host file.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the host file?

The host file is used by your operating system to resolve hostnames to IP addresses. It is a plain text file that maps IP addresses to hostnames.

Can I edit the host file on a Windows Server 2016?

Yes, you can edit the host file on a Windows Server 2016 using any plain text editor. However, you need administrative privileges to edit the host file.

What happens if I edit the host file incorrectly?

If you edit the host file incorrectly, it can cause issues with your network connectivity. It is important to make a backup of the host file before making any changes.

How do I restore the host file to its original state?

If you have made changes to the host file and want to restore it to its original state, you can simply delete the lines that you have added and save the changes.

Can I add multiple mappings to the host file?

Yes, you can add multiple mappings to the host file by adding new lines for each mapping.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the host file is an important file on your Windows Server 2016 that helps in resolving hostnames to IP addresses. It is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc directory and can be edited using any plain text editor. Remember to make a backup of the host file before making any changes and to have administrative privileges to edit the file. We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of where the host file is located and how to edit it. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below!