I needed to edit the hosts file in Windows 8 so that I could sandbox the backend server the app we’re developing accesses. Since most of the tutorials to do so in Windows mention running the Notepad app as administrator were not considering the new Start menu interface, I figured I’d fill the gap.

1. Select “search” from the mini contextual menu one can bring up by hovering at the bottom-left of the screen (or swiping slightly on the right-side of the screen on touch devices).
2. Search for “Notepad”
3. Right-click on the Notepad app and select “Advanced” in the app bar
4. Select “Run as administrator

Here are some screenshots, for the visual people in the crowd. :)