All about HOSTS Files

The HOSTS file type is primarily associated with Text Editor.

HOSTS	File extension: HOSTS
	File type:	configuration file

What is a HOSTS file?

HOSTS files mostly belong to Text Editor. HOSTS files are basic text configuration files used for mapping hostnames to IP addresses.
They allow an operating system to resolve local hostnames before reaching out to external DNS services.
Many systems, like Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows, use these files to ensure that local names point to specific IP addresses.

Local hostname resolution: This file provides a quick, manual mapping that directs your computer to the right IP address. For more details, see Microsoft Support.
Alternate IP mapping: In some cases, this file serves as an OS DNS lookup table, editable with any text editor.

The file is plain text and can be opened with a simple text editor but may require administrative rights to modify.
FilExt.com tip: It also plays a role in security and troubleshooting by redirecting or blocking domains via specific IP entries.

How to open HOSTS files

You need a suitable software like Text Editor to open a HOSTS file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your HOSTS file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a HOSTS file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online HOSTS Text Viewer

Choose your .hosts file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from HOSTS files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

If you want to extract texts from HOSTS file or capture a screenshot, you can use our free Online HOSTS File Viewer:

To do so, click the "Choose your .hosts file to view" button above.
Your HOSTS file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert HOSTS files:

Text Editor
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. HOSTS files are often referred to as Text Editor simple text files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Operating System (OS)
A *.HOSTS file is a plain-text file used by operating systems to map hostnames to IP addresses. It acts as a local Domain Name System (DNS) resolver, allowing a user to specify custom hostname mappings that override the mappings provided by external DNS servers. Each line in the file typically represents a single mapping, with the IP address followed by the hostname. This allows users to redirect traffic for specific domains or block access to certain websites by redirecting them to a non-existent IP address. The *.HOSTS file is an integral part of the TCP/IP protocol suite and is supported across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This file format is classified as Network Configuration.

Technical Data for HOSTS File Extension

File classification:

Simple text file

Related files:

conf, hosts.txt, file, etc, sam, online, program, undefined, txt, ini, cfg

a hosts configuration file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with HOSTS files

Associate the HOSTS file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open configuration files. Because only the current version supports the latest HOSTS file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available Text Editor update.
To make sure that your HOSTS file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .HOSTS file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.