block youtube using host file

[pcpete]

I have never had luck being able to block a website using the host file.

127.0.0.1 youtube.com


Any idea why everywhere on the internet says this should work, but it does not when I try it. The only other option I know to use would be a service like opendns. That seems like overkill to block one site

 

[14049752]

If you're using a proxy it won't work. Also, try deleting the Hosts file and recreate it, instead of editing it

 

[DMC Unlimited]

Have added these entries for a client wanting to block specific sites on a single workstation. Works as expected for these. Are you adding the www to your entry?

127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.instagram.com
127.0.0.1 www.twitter.com
127.0.0.1 www.snapchat.com

 

[Mick]

There is a useful little prog (freeware) called HostMan which will make sure you have your syntax etc correct.

 

[Markverhyden]

Have added these entries for a client wanting to block specific sites on a single workstation. Works as expected for these. Are you adding the www to your entry?

127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.instagram.com
127.0.0.1 www.twitter.com
127.0.0.1 www.snapchat.com

The www's are very important. I just tested on my W10 Pro and it worked with www's included.

 

[GTP]

I've been using hosts files for years in every OS I own or use including Windoze, Linux, BSD etc They are very effective at blocking access to sites.
And you can use them to even block specific places like the Chrome Web Store without affecting any other aspects of the browser.
Very effective at blocking Microsofts, nVidia's and many others "Telemetry" sites.

I have several custom lists in my browser of choice; Opera.
Emsisoft Antimalware also allows the direct import of a hosts file, which I also use to great advantage.

I use a tool called MVPS which lets you upload the hosts file in Windows without having to fool with permissions etc.

To quickly and easily reset the file back to original or modify/add entries you can use NetAdapterAIO or just modify the file before uploading it with MVPS.

Editing the hosts file in Linux or BSD is elementary.

 

[Satuit4me]

Recently set this up. The difficulty was there are many ways (devices) to watch YouTube and I didn't find a single means to block. I did utilize DNS filtering for computer access that does work for the moment. OpenDNS works well for this purpose.

 

[pcpete]

Have added these entries for a client wanting to block specific sites on a single workstation. Works as expected for these. Are you adding the www to your entry?

127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.instagram.com
127.0.0.1 www.twitter.com
127.0.0.1 www.snapchat.com

I was not using the www . That makes all of the difference