HostsMan for Windows

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Key Details of HostsMan

Edit, merge, and manage your Hosts file with ease.
Last updated on December 26, 2018
There have been 5 updates
Virus scan status:
Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffDecember 26, 2018

Hosts files translate human-readable domain names--"yoursite.com"--to machine-readable IP addresses. HostsMan is a free yet powerful and comprehensive tool for managing, merging, updating, disabling, editing, protecting, and duplicating hosts files from a single interface. It packs some useful extras, too.

We chose to install HostsMan and its documentation but not the optional HostsServer, a local HTTP server for browsing with custom hosts files, or the HostsOptimizer, which is designed to prevent delays caused by the DNS Client Service. HostsMan's installer also gave us the option to disable our DNS Client Service and make a backup of our current hosts files on installation; we chose the latter option. HostsMan's tiny interface has just three icons: Disable Hosts, Update Hosts, and Open Hosts. The program also has a system tray icon for quick access to most functions. The File menu includes an Import/Export option, while the Hosts menu accesses updates, duplicates scans, backups, and exclusion lists. We found some interesting extras in the Tools menu, such as the HostsMan Editor, a DNS cache flusher, and a Command Prompt option. HostsMan created a basic hosts file list when we clicked the scan button. The program displayed the number of hosts names in its small primary window. When we clicked the big H icon, HostsMan disabled all hosts, turning the icon from green to red. Clicking the icon again toggled the hosts on and the icon back to green. We clicked the Folder icon and opened the HostsMan editor, which displayed our hosts files in a list view. We were able to edit and modify these files in various ways, including directly editing IP addresses. We could even insert entries and type in comments. The Possible Hijacks button seemed interesting, and we like the ability to open hosts directly in Notepad.

HostsMan does much more than we can explain in limited space, but it proved easy to use at every turn, with plenty of documentation and assistance. It adds a powerful capability to Windows, and while it's not for beginners, those who need it will wonder how they got along without it.

What’s new in version 4.1.96

Version 4.1.96 includes built-in hosts file updater, enable or disable hosts file, built-in hosts editor, hosts file backup manager, and exclusion list.

HostsMan for Windows

Used HostsMan for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: August 14, 2013

Latest update: December 26, 2018

Version: 4.1.96

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows XP
Windows 8
Windows Server
Windows Vista
Windows 7

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 38,563

Downloads Last Week: 5

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.3/5

9 User Votes

Does it's job
slix19February 24, 2012
Pros
Small, does it's job, easy to use.
Cons
None really, but default backup option might be good rather than unchecked by default plus ability to run automatically in Vista/7.
Summary
Does it's job well. Might be nice to have a compatible version running in the background in Vista/7 (needs admin rights to run so can't run properly at startup). If you update manually now and then though it's fine. Maybe the SHOUTING 'bookerking' ticked one of the ad blocking options - these are reported to block some sites falsely. Also if you have a customised hosts file for some reason (web dev, ad servers, corporate) and you don't choose backup and the 'Merge' option it will cause problems. This is down to the knowledge of the user though, not a fault of the software as such - it does it's job and pretty well. May be backup by default would be good rather than an option, an perhaps a warning? Certainly not justified calling it 'HORRIBLE'.
Messed Up My PC on WIN7 64bit
bookerkingAugust 15, 2011
Pros
None JUST HORRIBLE
Cons
COULD NOT ACCESS THE INTERNET AND HAD TO JUMP THROUGH HOOPS TO FIX MY ISSUE...A SIMPLY UNINSTALL DID NOT FIX MY ISSUE.
Summary
I HAD TO DO A IPCONFIG /FLUSHDNS AND RESET THE HOSTFILE.
Keep Malware Out
Burnout_90November 18, 2009
Pros
Blocks websites and annoying ads using IP, easy navigation, large database (HPHosts), updates frequently, small download.
Cons
If legit website is redirected from a blocked ad website, it will not show up. Have to run as admin in order to enable. (will turn gray indicating hosts are disabled)
Summary
HostsMan is probably the best program I've downloaded. It blocks websites using your default IP so when browsing, the reported page will not be able to connect. It has a default large database, using reported websites from HPHosts with currently over 120,000 blocked websites. It updates almost everyday, and adds many websites in just one update. The program does not take much, with less than 10MB when installed. But, IP redirection is a problem. If a legit website is previously redirected by an ad blocked website, it will not load. For example, a legit sponsored ad search result on Google is clicked. Normally, it will first be directed to an ad website, then redirected to the link. In HPHosts, it blocks the first ad website, so you can not proceed to that legit website. It also requires admin rights to run, but is no big problem.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Nov 18, 2009<p/>EDIT: Not HPHosts, I meant Hostsman in the last bit.
Great to add to your anti-malware arsenal
windyplainSeptember 3, 2009
Pros
I've used this for years without problems. This fixes some bugs & it works even better than ever.
Cons
I'm not sure.
Summary
Works like a charm :-)
An essential overlooked security app
Saturnreturn04May 27, 2007
Pros
i find it strange that download.com don't mention a hosts file in their articles about online security. one of the most essential pieces of online security there is is a hosts file. you place the ip address/http address etc of something you want to block from ever connecting to your computer into it, and it never will. this program is one of a few great ones that lets you create your own hosts file, or download one already made. it's best to download an already made one (i recommend the MVPS one from the choices it gives you), and then import anything into you it you want afterwards (you will however have to re-add these things when you do an update). I've been using the MVPS hosts file with this app for nearly a year now, and it has blocked so many online threats from connecting to my computer i dread to think what may have happened without it. it's also great for blocking adverts, as a lot of addresses of adds are included in the already made hosts files. this is great for speeding up browsing as you dont have to wait for the adds to load up, it also blocks pop up adds. <p>a hosts file should always be a part of any article on internet security, though it is very overlooked, and rarely does. this is something that i cant understand, and has to change.
Cons
Nothing, it's all good
Summary
Excellent ad/spyware blocker
TopperNovember 28, 2006
Pros
Adds block rules to your Hosts file for known spyware, malware, and ad sites. Easy to use and lots of features with the included editor. Allows you to update and merge multiple hosts lists at once.
Cons
Summary
Best HOSTS file monitor/editor
CableguyTKJanuary 22, 2006
Pros
Its free. <p>Provides free updates with well-known HOSTS file sources. <p>Provides a built in editor to allow for quick editing of the HOSTS file without manually opening it. <p>Provides a quick lock on the HOSTS file to prevent any program or virus form changing the HOSTS. <p>Provides a tool to do an IP look up on a DNS and vice versa. <p>Minimizes to the system tray. <p>Very nice XP-looking interface. <p>Runs very fast.
Cons
Not many. <p>I guess automatic updates would be a nice addition.
Summary
really handy, block the crap!
hereiamreviewingNovember 30, 2005
Pros
Very handy for updating hosts file. You can easily prevent a lot of spyware, malware, spying, ads, etc from bugging you and infecting your computer. Recommended by MVPS hosts website. Check it out at: <p>mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Cons
Summary
good
pixhuelNovember 14, 2005
Pros
es el unico que me ha solucionado los problemas de hijacks en el pc
Cons
Summary

Developer’s Description

By Abelhadigital.com

Edit, merge, and manage your Hosts file with ease.

HostsMan lets you manage your Hosts file with ease. Features: online update of hosts file; enable/disable usage of hosts file; open Hosts file with one click; merge two hosts files; built-in hosts editor; prevent other programs of writing to the hosts; scan hosts for errors, duplicates and possible hijacks; find how many host names; easily install newly downloaded hosts file; create encrypted backups.