Where Does DOSBox-X Store Its Config File?
DOSBox-X reads dosbox-x.conf from the program folder first, then a versioned user config. Paths on Windows, macOS and Linux.
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DOSBox-X hunts for its config in order: a dosbox-x.conf in the current directory, then the program directory, then a versioned file in your user folder. That order decides which settings win when several copies exist, so check the program folder first when edits seem ignored.
Skip the GUI save dialog for precision. Run config -wcd -all inside DOSBox-X to write the full config to the correct user location, or dosbox-x -printconf to reveal it. The graphical Configuration tool edits the live session best; -conf and -defaultdir flags pin exact files for multi-setup rigs.
Where DOSBox-X stores this, by platform
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\DOSBox-X\dosbox-x-[version].conf
Versioned user config, used only when no program-folder copy exists. Launch with -conf plus an explicit path to stop guessing which file loads.
~/Library/Preferences/DOSBox-X [version] Preferences
Same fallback role with Apple's naming style. The GUI Save button can drop dosbox-x.conf in the home folder instead, so prefer config -wcd -all.
~/.config/dosbox-x/dosbox-x-[version].conf
Honors XDG_CONFIG_HOME when set. Flatpak builds may instead write ~/dosbox-x.conf until you run config -wcd -all once to teach them the right spot.
Frequently asked questions
Which DOSBox-X config file is actually loading?
Run dosbox-x -printconf outside the emulator to print the user config path. Remember program-folder copies take precedence. Remove or rename strays until only the intended file remains.
How do I generate a full DOSBox-X config?
Inside DOSBox-X run config -wcd -all. That writes every option to the proper user location. The Configuration tool's Save dialog can land elsewhere, so verify with -printconf afterwards.
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