I use HOSTS file as an ad blocker. However, there are times (rarely) when I want HOSTS file out of the loop when web surfing. Is there an easy way to turn HOSTS on and off?
Yes, use an adblocker then turn it on/off as you please or turn it off for specific sites that don't work well with adblockers.
@Spartan -- Thanks for the comment. I have tried several ad blockers. I prefer to use a modified MVPS HOSTS file.
You could use an ad blocker... and go to: https://filterlists.com/ MVPS Hosts (Domains) is currently on page 119. I assume it is the same list you could use through an ad blocker. Enabling or disabling the ad blocker or this list would probably be easier than switching out the HOSTS file.
It's job has not changed or got any harder. 1 of the sources has changed and does not work anymore, but that is not a bug in Hostsman. You can add any standard blocklists to it and create your own curated blocklist. Here is my current selection. The advantage of using HOSTS blocking is broader security improvement. You web browsers are not the only things that use the internet, just the ones you look at. If you block access to known malware and tracking sites at a network level, then standalone software and malware will also be blocked. If you want to block all the Windows 10 trackers you are wasting your time doing it in the browser.
