What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If you see “Access Denied” when editing the hosts file as admin, first make sure the text editor—not just your Windows account—is running with administrator permissions. Open the existing file from inside that elevated editor, then save. The usual path is %WinDir%System32DriversEtchosts.
Why administrator status may not be enough
Being signed in to an administrator account does not automatically make every app run with elevated permissions. Windows can still block an editor that was opened normally from writing to a protected system folder. Microsoft’s access-denied guidance recommends starting Notepad as administrator, then opening the file in that elevated window. Its cited troubleshooting page covers Windows Server editions, so it supports this workflow but does not diagnose every Windows 10 or Windows 11 access-denied error. Microsoft’s access-denied guidance
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Open and save the existing hosts file with elevation
-
Search for Notepad, right-click it, and select Run as administrator. Approve the Windows elevation prompt if one appears.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
In the elevated Notepad window, select File > Open. Navigate to
%WinDir%System32DriversEtc. This commonly resolves toC:WindowsSystem32driversetc, though the Windows directory can differ.#1 Best Overall
CORRSQ 30-in-1 Bootable USB Drive- 1. COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS 11, 10, 8.1 & 7 Designed for compatible 64-bit PCs and laptops that support USB booting. Works with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 installation and recovery options.
- 2. INSTALL, REINSTALL & REPAIR Provides access to installation and recovery options for startup failures, boot errors, system crashes, failed updates, system repair and reinstallation. Results depend on the condition of the computer and the cause of the problem.
- 3. READY-TO-USE BOOTABLE USB Reusable installation and recovery media that helps eliminate the need to download large system files or create bootable media yourself. Insert the USB drive, open the computer’s boot menu and select the appropriate installation or recovery option.
- 4. HELP KEEP OLDER PCS USEFUL Refresh, reinstall or maintain a compatible older computer before deciding whether replacement is necessary. Suitable for home computers, office workstations, PC enthusiasts and technicians who regularly work with supported systems.
- 5. IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY & LICENSE INFORMATION Supports compatible 64-bit computers with UEFI or Legacy BIOS USB booting. No Windows license, activation key or product key is included. Activation may require an existing digital license or a separately purchased valid product key. Back up important files before installation or repair.
-
If
hostsdoes not appear in the Open dialog, change the file-type filter to All files (*.*). Open the existing file namedhosts, not a file namedhosts.txt. -
Make the intended edit and save from the same elevated Notepad window. The hosts file is plain text: put an IP address first, followed by one or more hostnames separated by spaces or tabs. Lines beginning with
#are comments. Microsoft’s hosts-file guidanceRank #2
Hiren’s BootCD PE Recovery & Diagnostic Bootable USB Flash Drive- 🧰 All-in-One Recovery Solution: Includes the latest Hiren’s BootCD PE preinstalled with powerful diagnostic and recovery utilities.
- ⚙️ Repair & Troubleshoot Any PC: Fix boot issues, recover data, clone drives, remove viruses, and reset forgotten Windows passwords.
- 💾 Plug & Play Bootable USB: No installation required. Simply plug into your computer, boot from USB, and start recovering immediately.
- 🚀 Fast & Reliable Performance: Professionally tested 3.0 USB flash drive ensures quick load times and long-term durability.
- 💡 Compatible with Most Systems: Works with desktops, laptops, and all major Windows versions (XP, 7, 8, 10, 11).
If saving is still denied
-
Confirm the app is elevated. Close the editor and start it again with Run as administrator; opening a file from a non-elevated window does not grant it elevated rights.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Check the file and location. Make sure you opened the existing
hostsfile under the WindowsSystem32DriversEtcfolder, rather than a similarly named text file elsewhere.Rank #3
Atelse 8-in-1 MacOS, Bootable Big Sur、Catalina、Mojave、High Sierra、El Capitan、Yosemite、Mavericks、Mountain Lion, USB Drive 3.2, Full Install/Upgrade/Downgrade- ✅8-IN-1 USB drive 3.2: Big Sur 11.7、Catalina 11.15.7、Mojave 11.14.6、High Sierra 11.13.6、El Capitan 10.11.6、Yosemite 10.10.5、Mavericks 10.9.5、Mountain-Lion 10.8.5, Can be fully installed on your Mac
- ✅1. Plug-In USB Drive
- ✅2. Holding the "Option" key , and Power On
- ✅3. it will appear startup menu, choose USB drive from startup menu
- ✅4. After that, the installation will begin.
-
Consider device management or changed permissions. A work or school device may have policies that restrict edits, and local file permissions can vary. The error alone does not establish which condition applies. Ask the device administrator for help rather than changing ownership or broadly weakening permissions.
Alternative: Microsoft PowerToys Hosts File Editor
PowerToys includes a Hosts File Editor, but it still needs the permissions required to save changes. Its documentation says the tool can be read-only when disabled and can show “Failed to save hosts file” when an edit is attempted without administrator permissions. Choose it if you already use PowerToys and prefer its interface; for a straightforward one-time change, elevated Notepad avoids installing or opening another utility. Microsoft PowerToys Hosts File Editor documentation
Rank #4
- [Win OS Install or reinstall] — Boot from the USB to install or reinstall Win 11, 10, or 7 Home & Pro editions. Includes OS installations and reinstallations media plus WinPE Utility Suite.
- [WinPE Repair & Recovery Tools] — Boot into the included WinPE utility suite to backup system and important files, troubleshoot startup problems, repair boot issues, recover data, recover Win User accounts password, and diagnose common PC problems.
- [All-in-One PC Rescue USB] — Combines Win 11, 10, and 7 installation media with PC repair, recovery, and diagnostic tools on one bootable 64GB USB drive, helping you troubleshoot and restore a computer without needing multiple discs or downloads.
- [Support] — Full instructions are included in packaging plus a printable copy of the instructions with troubleshooting information on the device. Also, a video “How to boot from a bootable USB drive.mp4” to help guide you through starting a PC from a USB drive. If you need help using the USB please contact us for assistance, we are here to help.
- [Video] - If you are new to booting from a USB drive or need a refresher see our video "How to boot from USB drive" both in description and on USB device.
Reset the file only if you want Windows’ default contents
Microsoft’s reset instructions apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Keep a backup of the current file before replacing it, since custom entries may be intentional.
Recommended Free Tools
-
Prepare the default hosts-file contents using Microsoft’s instructions and save the replacement as
hosts, with no file extension. In Save As, select All files (*.*) so the editor does not append.txt.Best Value
32GB Bootable USB Drive 3.0 for Latest Windows 11 pro/Home,Widows10 pro/Home USB Installer Dollar,Multi-Language,UEFI and Legacy,System Install,Password Reset,Data Recovery.Fix Desktop & Laptop.- ✅Important Note 1: This not an automatic repair tool. Follow the instructions in Figures 3 and 4 to set up booting from USB drive to enter USB PE system, Supported UEFI and Legacy.System files for Installation Only, No License.
- ✅Important Note 2: None of the functions require booting into a regular Windows system. It is recommended not to plug it into a normal system as an ordinary USB flash drive, since some tools may be falsely detected as viruses by antivirus software.Remove the USB drive after system repair/Installation is completed.
- ✅Backup important data by this USB PE system before installing Windows, The data that needs to be backed up is usually located on the desktop of the system's "C:" drive.
- ✅Bootable USB 3.0 for Installing Windows 11/10/ (64Bit Pro/Home/Education ), Latest Version, Multilingual package support(For specific operation instructions, please refer to the manual.),No TPM Required.Key not included.
- ✅Windows Password Reset : If BitLocker is enabled on the hard drive, you must disable BitLocker before resetting the Windows password.
-
In the
driversetcfolder, rename the current fileHosts.oldto retain a backup. -
Copy or move the prepared replacement file into the folder. Approve the administrator prompt if Windows displays one.
Follow the full Microsoft reset procedure for the default contents appropriate to your Windows version.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
