Reset hosts file

Last updated on Jun 2, 2025

Learn how to reset an incorrectly configured hosts file and resolve connectivity issues.

The operating system hosts files that map host names to IP addresses. An incorrectly configured hosts file can affect your computer's ability to connect to Adobe's activation servers.

You can reset the hosts file using the Limited Access Repair tool or manually if the tool does not work.

Reset hosts file using the Limited Access Repair tool

Download the Limited Access Repair tool:

Windows: Limited Access Repair tool for Windows
macOS: Limited Access Repair tool for macOS

Extract the downloaded file, then run the Limited Access Repair tool in Admin mode.

Windows: Right-click the tool and select Run as Administrator.
macOS: Double-click the tool and enter the admin credentials to continue.

Accept the license agreement.

Select Continue. The tool fixes your hosts file and displays the number of entries fixed.

Select Close.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app, or relaunch it if is already open. Then go to Apps > Updates. Find an app you want to update, and select Update.

Note:

Updating your apps will help you to gain immediate access to new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes.

Reset the hosts file manually

If your connectivity issue isn't fixed even after you run the Limited Access Repair tool, reset the hosts file manually. Follow the steps for your operating system.

Reset hosts file on Windows

Navigate to C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc.

Open hosts file with a text editor such as Notepad.

Note:

Run Notepad as an administrator when opening the file.

Check for any Adobe-related entries in the hosts file.

The hosts file includes localhost information and, in case of errors, Adobe-related entries. — The hosts file contains important system-related data.

Note:

If the hosts file doesn't contain Adobe-related entries, no further troubleshooting is required. However, if there are Adobe-related entries, proceed to the next step.

Move the hosts file to the desktop.

Reopen the hosts file using Notepad and delete all Adobe-related entries.

Note:

Make sure that you don't delete any other entries.

Save the changes you made in the hosts file.

Move the file from the desktop to the original location and select the Replace option:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc

The hosts file shiws only localhost information after you have removed all Adobe-related entries. — The updated hosts file should not include any Adobe-related entries. Make sure not to edit any other entries.

This resets the hosts file. You can now update or install your app successfully.

Reset the hosts file on macOS

To find the hosts file, open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder. In the box, type the mentioned location and then press Return:

/private/etc/hosts

The Go to Folder window allowing you to type in the folder and file path to reach the folder or file directly. — The etc folder contains several non-editable files, including the hosts file.

Note:

If you are unable to locate the file, it means that the hosts file is hidden. Type this command in Terminal to unhide the file, then repeat the step:

chflags nohidden /etc/hosts

Open hosts file with a text editor such as TextEdit.

Check for any Adobe-related entries in the hosts file.

Note:

If the hosts file does not contain Adobe-related entries, no further troubleshooting is required. However, if there are Adobe-related entries, proceed to the next step.

Move the hosts file to the desktop.

Open the hosts file again using Textedid and delete all Adobe-related entries.

Note:

Make sure that you don't delete any other entries.

Save the changes you made in the hosts file.

Move the file from the desktop to the original location and select the Replace option:

/private/etc/hosts