Fixing Hosts File Saving as .TXT in Windows – Complete Technical Guide for System Administrators

The hosts file in Windows is a critical system file used for local DNS resolution. It allows administrators and developers to map domain names to specific IP addresses without relying on external DNS servers.

However, one of the most common issues faced while editing this file is that it gets incorrectly saved as a .txt file, making it ineffective.

This article provides a complete technical explanation, root cause analysis, and step-by-step solutions to properly edit and save the hosts file without errors.

What is the Hosts File?

The hosts file is a plain text file without any extension located at:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

Key Functions:

• Overrides DNS resolution
• Used for:
  • Website blocking
  • Local development (e.g., pointing domains to localhost)
  • Testing server migrations
  • Security filtering

Common Problem: Hosts File Saving as .txt

Symptoms:

• File gets saved as:

  hosts.txt

• Changes do not take effect
• DNS resolution remains unchanged

Root Causes

1. Default File Type Behavior

Windows Notepad automatically appends .txt when:

• File type is set to Text Documents (*.txt)

2. Lack of Administrative Privileges

The hosts file is a protected system file, requiring elevated permissions.

3. Hidden File Extensions

Windows hides extensions by default, causing confusion between:

• hosts (correct)
• hosts.txt (incorrect)

4. Read-Only Attribute

The file may be set as read-only, preventing overwrite.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Open Notepad as Administrator

• Search Notepad
• Right-click → Run as administrator

Step 2: Open Hosts File Properly

• File → Open

• Navigate to:

  C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

• Change file type to:

  All Files (*.*)

Step 3: Edit the File

Example entries:

127.0.0.1   example.com
127.0.0.1   www.example.com
192.168.1.10   testserver.local

Step 4: Save Without .txt

Correct Method:

• Press Ctrl + S (recommended)

Alternative (Save As):

• File name:

  hosts

• Save as type:

  All Files (*.*)

Fixing Already Saved .txt File

Method 1: Rename File

1. Enable:
   • View → File name extensions

2. Rename:

   hosts.txt → hosts

3. Confirm system warning

Method 2: Copy Replace

• Copy correct file into:

  C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

• Replace existing file (Admin rights required)

Additional Troubleshooting

Issue: Access Denied

✔ Solution:

• Ensure Notepad is running as Administrator

Issue: File Not Updating

✔ Flush DNS:

ipconfig /flushdns

Issue: Antivirus Blocking

✔ Temporarily disable antivirus or add exception

Issue: Read-Only File

✔ Fix:

• Right-click → Properties → Uncheck Read-only

Best Practices

• Always backup hosts file before editing
• Use Ctrl + S instead of Save As
• Keep entries clean and documented
• Avoid duplicate entries

• Use comments:

  # Block social media
  127.0.0.1 facebook.com

Advanced Use Cases

1. Website Blocking

127.0.0.1 youtube.com

2. Local Development

127.0.0.1 myproject.local

3. Testing DNS Changes

192.168.0.50 staging.website.com

Conclusion

The issue of the hosts file saving as .txt is primarily caused by incorrect save settings and lack of administrative permissions. By following proper steps—especially using "All Files" option and admin privileges—you can ensure the file remains valid and functional.

Understanding this small but critical detail can save significant troubleshooting time in networking, development, and system administration tasks.

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