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Windows 10 is commenting out my hosts file entries. This happens periodically so every 1 hour.

Although I manage to save the changes but they will be commented out after around 1 hour.

I never experienced such thing on any Windows version before so maybe there is something I need to do in Windows 10 to prevent this from happening.

I have Bitdefender Total Security 2016 installed.

g2mk
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Sul Aga
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2 Answers2

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To prevent the hosts entries from being commented out by Bitdefender 2016 do the following:

In the main Bitdefender interface click on the human icon (from the upper right corner) and choose General Settings > Advanced tab > "Scan hosts file" button.

Screenshot of this option

Donald Duck
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oussaka
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    Could you possibly include a screenshot of this option? – Burgi May 08 '16 at 13:51
  • True, but it leaves your hosts file vulnerable. So be cautions about this workaround. (Webroot solves this by locking the hosts file. You have to unlock it before every change you need to make. Cumbersome, but more secure.) – Vbakke Aug 31 '21 at 07:32
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    This option has been moved in recent versions to Protection > Vulnerability > Settings. – Bryan B Dec 05 '22 at 23:46
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Sul,

Cause: Bitdefender Total Security 2016 is causing this problem

Fix: Right click on hosts file, properties, security, give only read access to "ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES" user/group.

Reference: http://www.bitdefender.com/security/hosts-file-hijacking-becomes-impossible-in-windows-8.html

Ravi Kumar Lachubukta
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  • "ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES" has read and read & execute permission. I am unable to change them as they are grayed out. I can deny read & execute but this in turn will deny ready – Sul Aga Dec 26 '15 at 23:21
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    Sul, On the top right, hit Human icon, hit "General Settings", then "Advanced", takeoff selected flag on "Scan host files" – Ravi Kumar Lachubukta Mar 27 '16 at 02:20
  • This one is no longer effective. – Harlin Nov 13 '20 at 01:59
  • This will block Bitdefender from commenting out intentional entries. But will this block unintentional entries? Is this a bit like solving a jammed door, by not closing it? – Vbakke Aug 31 '21 at 07:42