Access Denied: How to edit hosts file in Windows 8
In this tutorial we explain how to edit hosts file without the permissions issue e. g. Access Denied
Edit hosts file in Windows 8
The Hosts File in Windows is used to map hostsnames to IP addresses. Hosts file needs administrator privileges for editing. You can follow the steps mentioned below to edit it easily.
1. In the Metro Start Menu, click on the lower left corner. The Start menu pops up. Click on Search.
2. In the Apps Search Box, type notepad. The Notepad icon will appear on left.
3. Right click on the Notepad icon. A tick will appear over it and a bar will pop up from the bottom. Click on Advanced and select Run as Administrator.
4. The Notepad will launch with administrator privileges. Click on File –> Open.
5. Browse to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and select hosts file.
6. You can now edit the hosts file.
If your hosts file gets messed up you can have it repaired by copying and pasting the default file content available here.
Even editing the hosts file with admin rights doesn’t work for me. I still get the message that the file is protected. “Access denied”
Platform: Windows 8 Pro 64 Bit
idem as Roland
Doesn’t work, still access denied !
damn I hate this windows ><
Platform: Windows 8 64 Bit
Yeah, these instructions are incomplete. This shows you how to open and edit the hosts file, but not how to save it.
Hey this worked for me ! but **(NOTE)** after opening the etc. folder at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc . Nothing was showing till I choose (All Files) from the dropdown box. Then it shows all files there (and hosts file also).
The way I used to edit the host file was copy it to my desktop and use notepad to edit it then copy it back to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and over write the original file.
Thanks Gass.
Hey and my system is WINDOWS 8 PRO-64 BIT.
Roland I have Platform: Windows 8 Pro 64 Bit and while I had no problem adding an edit to my host file with the method above. I did have a problem trying to remove that edit. Windows Defender in Win8 protects your host file and if you have installed a Internet security suit then chances are Windows Defender is already turned off. Just disable your Internet security suit and try the editing. This worked for me.
Right click on etc folder -> properties -> remove read only tick. open notepad as admşnşstrator , change , save.
Linux LiveCD – best solution
GASS has it right. As soon as I disable Defenders Realtime Protection I was able to edit the file correctly. Thanks Gass!
Judd