HOSTS File

What are HOSTS files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a HOSTS file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your HOSTS files.

What is a HOSTS file?

The HOSTS file extension indicates to your device which app can open the file. However, different programs may use the HOSTS file type for different types of data.

While we do not yet describe the HOSTS file format and its common uses, we do know which programs are known to open these files, as we receive dozens of suggestions from users like yourself every day about specific file types and which programs they use to open them.

We are continually working on adding more file type descriptions to the site, so if you have information about HOSTS files that you think will help others, please use the Update Info link below to submit it to us - we'd love to hear from you!

How to open HOSTS files

Important: Different programs may use files with the HOSTS file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your HOSTS file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the app ourselves yet, our users have suggested a single HOSTS opener which you will find listed below.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of HOSTS files. Remember, different programs may use HOSTS files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about HOSTS file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.