WindowsLinuxmacOS

Where Does Sunshine Store Config?

Sunshine's config directory per OS, apps.json location, and the custom path override.

Last updated

Sunshine keeps its host config and apps list in one directory per OS. Linux and macOS use the XDG style sunshine folder in home config, while Windows uses a config folder under Program Files.

Most people should prefer the web UI at localhost:47990 over hand editing. Manual edits are for headless setups and autostart units, where the file path must match what the service launches.

Where Sunshine stores this, by platform

Windows
%ProgramFiles%\Sunshine\config

sunshine.conf plus apps.json here. Pass a full file path as the first arg to use another location. Service installs run this copy, so edit it elevated.

Linux
~/.config/sunshine

Config plus apps.json. Docker uses /config instead. Autostart unit commonly at ~/.config/systemd/user/sunshine.service calling /usr/bin/sunshine.

macOS
~/.config/sunshine

Same XDG style path as Linux despite Mac conventions. Audio streaming needs extra sinks like BlackHole since macOS restricts system audio capture.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Sunshine apps list?

As apps.json beside sunshine.conf in the same config directory. The web UI edits it safely. Manual edits need a restart and valid JSON or streams fail to list.

How do I run Sunshine with another config file?

Pass the full path as the first argument, like sunshine ~/sunshine_config.conf. The file is created if missing, so double check the path before starting headless.

Notice an outdated path? Let us know.