HOST File Editor

HOST File Editor is a simple-to-use application that enables you to edit the Windows Hosts file and verify the syntax.

Although it comes packed with an intuitive set of options, the app caters to advanced computer users, due to the sensitivity of working with the Hosts file.

Installation is not a prerequisite, so all you have to do is extract the program files to a custom location on the HDD and click the executable to run. Needless to say, administrative rights are necessary.

There is also the alternative of saving HOST File Editor to a USB flash disk or similar storage unit, in order to run it on any machine effortlessly, as long as it has .NET Framework installed.

The interface is represented by a regular window with a plain and simple layout, where you can add IP addresses and select one from the list, as well as write entries to immediately add them to the Hosts file. Saving the new changes is done with the click of a button, and modifications are immediately committed.

You can save data to a new file instead of overwriting the Hosts file, as well as restore settings to their default values. HOST File Editor is very light on the system performance, running on a very low quantity of CPU and RAM. It does not affect the overall performance of the computer.

Since it can be minimized to the taskbar, it does not interrupt normal user activity either. We have not come across any problems throughout our evaluation, since the app did not hang, crash or pop up error dialogs. HOST File Editor serves its purpose and it should please all user levels.