Frequent Question: Where Is Hostname Saved in Linux?
Contents

The static hostname is stored in /etc/hostname, see hostname(5) for more information. The pretty hostname, chassis type, and icon name are stored in /etc/machine-info, see machine-info(5). This holds true for most “linux” distros.

How do I find my hostname in Linux?

The procedure to find the computer name on Linux:

  1. Open a command-line terminal app (select Applications > Accessories > Terminal), and then type:
  2. hostname. hostnamectl. cat /proc/sys/kernel/hostname.
  3. Press [Enter] key.

What file is your system hostname stored in?

Before the invention of DNS, your computer’s hostname was managed through the HOSTS file located at /etc/hosts . Anytime that a new computer was connected to your local network, all other computers on the network needed to add the new machine into the /etc/hosts file in order to communicate over the network.

Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.

Share this article
Twitter Facebook Pinterest