How to Connect an MCP Server to Claude Desktop

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) enables Claude Desktop to securely interact with local tools or files via local MCP servers. This guide shows you how to install and configure a local filesystem MCP server so Claude can access files on your computer with your approval for each action.

🔧 Prerequisites

• Claude Desktop: Installed on macOS or Windows. If already installed, open the Claude menu → Check for Updates… to ensure you're using the latest version.
• Node.js: Required to run the MCP server.

📦 Installing the Filesystem MCP Server

The filesystem MCP server exposes directory access tools. You can launch it using npx directly.

⚙️ Configure Claude Desktop

Open the Developer settings in Claude Desktop and edit the JSON config file:

• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
• Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Insert a configuration block like this, adjusting paths as needed:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem",
        "/full/path/to/one/folder",
        "/full/path/to/another/folder"
      ]
    }
  }
}

🔄 Restart Claude Desktop

Save the config file and restart the app to apply changes.

✅ Test the Integration

After restart, look for the hammer icon near Claude’s input box. Click it to view the available filesystem tools. Claude will ask for permission before executing anything.

• Try commands like: "List files in my Documents folder" or "Create a file on my desktop".

🛠 Troubleshooting Tips

If it doesn’t work:

• Confirm Node.js is installed: node --version
• Ensure your JSON file is syntactically correct.
• Verify folder paths are absolute and valid.

To debug manually, run the server in terminal:

npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem \
  /full/path/to/folder1 /full/path/to/folder2

🚀 Next Steps

Now that Claude can access local files via the filesystem server, consider setting up other MCP servers—such as GitHub, Slack, or weather tools—to expand its capabilities. MCP allows any compliant client and server to integrate cleanly with Claude Desktop or similar hosts.

🧠 Conclusion

By following this quick start, you have enabled Claude Desktop to securely access and manage files on your local machine via a standardized protocol. Each action requires your explicit consent, keeping control in your hands. Explore more MCP servers or build your own to unlock richer AI integrations!