Where is the hosts file on Mac, Windows, and Linux?

You need to open the hosts file. You already know why. You just cannot remember the path.

Here it is for each OS, plus how to open it without fighting permissions.

Paths

OS Path macOS /etc/hosts Linux /etc/hosts Windows C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

On Unix systems /etc/hosts is often a symlink into the real file. Edit the path above. Do not hunt for a second copy in your home folder.

Open it on macOS

Terminal:

sudo nano /etc/hosts

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Or open it in your editor with elevated rights:

sudo code /etc/hosts
# or
sudo vim /etc/hosts

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Save, then flush DNS:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

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Finder will not let you edit /etc casually. Use the terminal or an editor launched with sudo.

Open it on Windows

1. Open Notepad as Administrator
2. File → Open
3. Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
4. Change the file type filter to All Files
5. Open hosts

Without admin rights Windows will open the file but refuse to save.

Then flush DNS:

ipconfig /flushdns

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Open it on Linux

sudo nano /etc/hosts
# or
sudo vim /etc/hosts

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Flush depends on the stack. Common options:

sudo resolvectl flush-caches
# or
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

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What a normal line looks like

127.0.0.1   localhost
127.0.0.1   myapp.test
# 203.0.113.10  staging.example.com

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Rules that save time:

• IP first, hostname second
• Spaces or tabs both work
• # comments out the rest of the line
• One hostname per line is easier to read than a long list

Quick check after editing

# macOS / Linux
ping -c 1 myapp.test
# or
getent hosts myapp.test

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Windows:

ping myapp.test

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If the IP in the reply is wrong, the hosts line did not apply yet. Flush DNS and try again before changing the app.

Common mistakes

• Editing a copy in Downloads instead of the system file
• Saving without admin rights (Windows especially)
• Leaving a # in front of the line you meant to enable
• Forgetting the DNS flush
• Using a real public TLD like .com for local names when .test would avoid surprises

Bookmark the path for your OS. You will need it again.

If you switch hosts a lot, a small desktop manager helps keep profiles and DNS flush in one place: Locahl.