What is DNS-HOSTS-REDIRECT?
This diagnosis detects unauthorized local DNS redirect entries added to the Windows Hosts file, preventing access to security updates and redirecting legitimate sites to phishing portals.
Common Causes
- Local malware execution utilizing administrator permissions to bypass write protections.
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
-
1
Locate the hosts file inside System32\drivers\etc\ and reset its contents to the default empty layout.
Start with "Locate the hosts file inside System32\drivers\etc\ and reset its contents to the default empty layout." — this resolves DNS-HOSTS-REDIRECT in the majority of reported cases and is the fastest path to stability.
-
2
Flush the local DNS resolver cache to clear corrupted lookup tables.
If the first step didn't fully resolve the issue, "Flush the local DNS resolver cache to clear corrupted lookup tables." targets the next most common root cause. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully and restart your PC afterward.
-
3
Change network adapter settings to use secure public DNS servers (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8).
For persistent DNS-HOSTS-REDIRECT occurrences, "Change network adapter settings to use secure public DNS servers (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8)." addresses less common but documented causes. This step may require administrator privileges.
Commands & Diagnostics
ipconfig /flushdns
notepad.exe C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
Frequently Asked Questions
The DNS-HOSTS-REDIRECT error is most commonly caused by local malware execution utilizing administrator permissions to bypass write protections.. Other contributing factors include driver conflicts or outdated software. Identifying the exact root cause is the first step toward a permanent fix.
The most effective first step is to locate the hosts file inside system32\drivers\etc\ and reset its contents to the default empty layout.. If that doesn't resolve the issue, work through the remaining steps in our guide above — each one targets a specific known cause of DNS-HOSTS-REDIRECT. Most users resolve this error within 15–30 minutes.
DNS-HOSTS-REDIRECT is a high-severity error. While it won't immediately damage your PC, repeated occurrences can indicate a deeper hardware or software problem worth addressing quickly.
In most cases, yes. Our step-by-step guide above resolves DNS-HOSTS-REDIRECT without requiring a clean Windows installation. A reinstall is only recommended as a last resort if all other steps have been exhausted.
Still Need Help?
Search our full database of 535+ documented PC errors for more solutions and step-by-step repair guides.
Search Error Database