---
parser: v2
author_name: John Currie
author_profile: https://github.com/JCurrie27
primary_tag: products>sap-hana\,-express-edition
tags: [ tutorial>beginner, products>sap-hana\,-express-edition ]
time: 2
slug: hxe-ua-hosts
canonical_url: https://developers.sap.com/tutorials/hxe-ua-hosts
---

# Edit the Hosts File
<!-- description --> The `hxehost` IP address is private to the VM. In order for applications on your laptop (like your web browser) to access `hxehost`, add the `hxehost` IP address to your laptop's hostname map.

<!-- loio3040d723d58b48f1a97077c001fe4c7f -->

## Prerequisites
 - **Tutorials:** You have completed [Start SAP HANA, express edition Server](hxe-ua-getting-started-vm)

## You will learn
You'll learn how to configure your host machine to communicate with the server.

---

### Update etc/hosts on Windows


If you installed the VM installation package to a Windows machine, follow this step to update the `etc/hosts` file.

1.   On your Windows laptop, navigate to `C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc` 

2.   In `Administrator` mode, open `hosts` in Notepad. See your operating system Help for information on opening applications in Administrator mode 

3.   In a new uncommented row, add the IP address and `hxehost`. Save your changes 

   Spacing is important. Make sure your hosts file in Notepad looks like this image.

   ![HXE_Hosts_Windows_0](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sap-tutorials/Tutorials/master/tutorials/hxe-ua-hosts/HXE_Hosts_Windows_0.png)

   > Note:
   > If the VM is restarted and assigned a new IP, you'll need to update the Hosts file.
   > 
   > 


### Update etc/hosts on Mac and Linux


If you installed the VM installation package to a Mac or Linux machine, follow this step to update the `etc/hosts` file.

1.   On your Mac or Linux machine, start the Terminal application 

2.   Enter the following command: 

   ```bash
   sudo sh -c 'echo <hxehost IP address> hxehost >> /etc/hosts'
   ```

   > Note:
   > If the VM is restarted and assigned a new IP, you will need to update the Hosts file.
   > 
   >