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Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update – Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
The Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue occurs when DNS resolution ignores the hosts file due to new security features. To fix it, verify the hosts file location (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts), ensure it has proper permissions, save it with UTF-8 with BOM encoding, flush DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns), disable DNS over HTTPS, and restart the DNS Client service. If the error persists, check Group Policy, apply registry fixes, or disable SmartScreen. For more Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update Happens

The Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue is a common problem where the hosts file entries are ignored by the system. This typically occurs after updating to Windows 11 version 24H2, which introduced stricter DNS security features. For official Microsoft documentation, refer to the Microsoft DNS over HTTPS documentation.

The Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue can be caused by several factors: DNS over HTTPS (DoH) bypassing the hosts file, file encoding issues (UTF-8 with BOM), incorrect file permissions, SmartScreen interference, or Group Policy restrictions. This issue is similar to other DNS-related problems like DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 11 and IPv6 Partial Connectivity, but it specifically affects local DNS resolution.

Before diving into fixes, ensure you are logged in with an administrator account. If the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue persists, the solution often involves adjusting security settings, resetting DNS configuration, or applying registry fixes. For a broader overview of Windows errors, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

⚠️ Warning: The Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue often involves system-level security changes. Be careful when modifying system files or registry settings.

1. Verify the Hosts File Location and Permissions

The hosts file must be in the correct location with the proper permissions for Windows to read it. If the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue occurs, the file may be in the wrong location or have incorrect permissions.

  1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
  2. Ensure the file is named hosts (no extension).
  3. Right-click the hosts file and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Security tab and ensure SYSTEM and Administrators have Full Control.
  5. Ensure your user account has Read & Execute permissions.
  6. If the file is missing, create a new hosts file from a backup or default template.

✅ Expected Result: Correct file location and permissions often resolve the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue immediately.

2. Fix Hosts File Encoding (UTF-8 with BOM)

Windows 11 24H2 requires the hosts file to be saved with UTF-8 with BOM encoding. If the file is saved in a different format, the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue can occur.

  1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
  2. Go to File > Open and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
  3. In the “Save as type” dropdown, select All Files (*.*).
  4. Open the hosts file.
  5. Go to File > Save As.
  6. In the Encoding dropdown, select UTF-8 with BOM.
  7. Save the file with the same name (hosts).
  8. Restart your PC and test.

💡 Quick Tip: UTF-8 with BOM is essential for Windows 11 24H2. Without it, the system may ignore the hosts file entirely.

3. Flush DNS Cache and Reset Winsock

Stale DNS cache can prevent the system from reading the hosts file. Flushing the DNS cache can resolve the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the following commands in sequence:
    ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
  3. Restart your PC.
  4. Test if the hosts file entries are now working.

✅ Expected Result: Flushing DNS cache often resolves the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue immediately.

4. Disable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in Windows

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) bypasses the hosts file and can cause the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue. Disabling DoH forces Windows to use the hosts file.

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
  2. Click on your active network connection.
  3. Scroll down to DNS server assignment and click Edit.
  4. Select Manual and toggle DNS over HTTPS to Off.
  5. Alternatively, use the Registry:
    HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters
  6. Create a DWORD value EnableAutoDoH and set it to 0.
  7. Restart your PC.

🔁 Alternative Solution: You can also disable DoH in Chrome or Edge by going to chrome://settings/security and turning off “Use secure DNS.”

5. Disable SmartScreen and Windows Defender

Windows SmartScreen and Defender can block hosts file modifications and cause the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue. Temporarily disabling them can help.

  1. Open Windows Security > App & browser control.
  2. Turn off SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge and SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps.
  3. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
  4. Click Manage settings and temporarily turn off Real-time protection.
  5. Test the hosts file.
  6. Re-enable SmartScreen and Defender after testing.

⚠️ Warning: Only disable SmartScreen and Defender temporarily for testing. Re-enable them immediately after troubleshooting.

6. Restart DNS Client Service

The DNS Client service caches DNS records and can cause the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue if it is not reading the hosts file correctly. Restarting it can resolve this.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the following commands:
    net stop dnscache
net start dnscache
  3. Alternatively, open Services.msc, locate DNS Client, right-click, and select Restart.
  4. Test if the hosts file entries are now working.

💡 Quick Tip: Restarting the DNS Client service forces Windows to reload the hosts file.

7. Check Group Policy for Hosts File Restrictions

Group Policy can restrict hosts file usage, causing the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue. Checking and adjusting these policies can resolve it.

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter (Windows Pro/Enterprise only).
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > DNS Client.
  3. Find “Turn off DNS over HTTPS” and set it to Enabled.
  4. Find “Configure DNS over HTTPS” and set it to Disabled.
  5. Apply changes and restart your PC.

🔁 Alternative Solution: For Windows Home edition, use the Registry Editor to modify these settings.

8. Apply Registry Fix for Hosts File

A registry fix can resolve the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue by ensuring the system reads the hosts file correctly.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters
  3. Find DatabasePath. Ensure it points to:
    %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\etc
  4. Navigate to:
    HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters
  5. Create a DWORD value HostsFilePath (if it doesn’t exist).
  6. Set its value to %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
  7. Restart your PC.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Backup your registry before making changes.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error persists, try these advanced solutions.

Check for Malware

Malware can modify the hosts file. Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Run the built-in network troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections > Run.

Perform a System Restore

If the issue started after the 24H2 update, use System Restore to revert. See How to Use System Restore Windows 11.

Disable IPv6

IPv6 can sometimes bypass the hosts file. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right-click your connection, select Properties, uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and restart.

Check for DNS Leaks

If using a VPN, check for DNS leaks using online tools. For more, see How to Fix DNS Leak Test.

Create a New Hosts File

If the hosts file is corrupted, create a new one. Rename the existing hosts file to hosts.old, create a new hosts file using Notepad with UTF-8 with BOM encoding, add your entries, and save.

For more networking troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Conclusion

The Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue is a common problem caused by new security features. The most reliable solutions are verifying the hosts file location and permissions, fixing file encoding (UTF-8 with BOM), flushing DNS cache, disabling DNS over HTTPS, and restarting the DNS Client service. If the error persists, disable SmartScreen, check Group Policy, apply registry fixes, or perform advanced troubleshooting like scanning for malware or creating a new hosts file.

Regular system maintenance, such as keeping your system updated and periodically checking hosts file integrity, can prevent the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue from recurring. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub and check out related articles on DNS Server Not Responding, IPv6 Partial Connectivity, and Windows 11 Update Stuck.

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FAQ

Why is my hosts file not working after Windows 11 24H2 update?

The Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue is caused by new security features like DNS over HTTPS (DoH), SmartScreen, file encoding issues, or Group Policy restrictions that bypass or ignore the hosts file.

How do I fix hosts file not working in Windows 11 24H2?

Verify the hosts file location and permissions, save it with UTF-8 with BOM encoding, flush DNS cache, disable DNS over HTTPS, restart the DNS Client service, and disable SmartScreen temporarily.

Does Windows 11 24H2 ignore the hosts file?

Yes, Windows 11 24H2 can ignore the hosts file if DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is enabled, the file encoding is incorrect, or Group Policy restricts hosts file usage.

How do I disable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11 24H2?

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > your network > Edit DNS server assignment, set to Manual, and toggle DNS over HTTPS to Off. Or use the Registry to set EnableAutoDoH to 0.

What encoding should the hosts file use in Windows 11 24H2?

The hosts file must be saved with UTF-8 with BOM encoding to be recognized by Windows 11 24H2. Save it using Notepad with the correct encoding option.

Can SmartScreen block the hosts file in Windows 11 24H2?

Yes, SmartScreen can block hosts file modifications. Temporarily disabling SmartScreen can resolve the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue.

How do I restart the DNS Client service in Windows 11?

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run net stop dnscache followed by net start dnscache. Or restart it from Services.msc.

Does Group Policy affect the hosts file in Windows 11 24H2?

Yes, Group Policy can restrict hosts file usage. Check policies under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > DNS Client.

Can a VPN cause the hosts file not to work in Windows 11 24H2?

Yes, VPNs can override DNS settings and bypass the hosts file. Disconnect your VPN to test if it resolves the Hosts File Not Working After Windows 11 24H2 Update issue.

What should I do if the hosts file still doesn’t work after all fixes?

If the error persists, run a malware scan, use the Windows Network Troubleshooter, perform a System Restore, or create a new hosts file with the correct encoding and permissions.

HowToFixPro Editorial Team

We’re a team of system administrators, technical writers, and platform specialists who genuinely enjoy solving the problems most users find frustrating. From persistent Windows errors and Android sync failures to browser crashes and network drops — we’ve seen it all, and we document every fix properly. Our guides are built on official documentation, direct testing, and real troubleshooting experience. No filler, no guesswork — just reliable, step-by-step solutions you can trust.

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