How to Install MCP Servers on Claude Desktop

The Complete Guide

Claude Desktop has built-in MCP support. Once you add a server, Claude automatically discovers its capabilities and uses them when relevant. Here's exactly how to set it up.

Step 1: Install Prerequisites

You need Node.js for most MCP servers. Check if it's installed:

bashnode --version

If you get a version number (v18 or higher), you're good. If not, download it from nodejs.org.

Some MCP servers use Python instead. Check their documentation for requirements.

Step 2: Find Your Config File

Claude Desktop stores its MCP configuration in a JSON file:

Mac:

~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Windows:

%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

If the file doesn't exist yet, create it. Start with an empty structure:

json{
  "mcpServers": {}
}

Step 3: Add Your First Server

Each MCP server gets an entry inside mcpServers. Here's the filesystem server as an example:

json{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem",
        "/Users/yourname/Documents"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Key fields:
- The key ("filesystem") is a name you choose — it can be anything
- "command" is what to run (usually npx or python)
- "args" are the arguments passed to the command

Step 4: Add Multiple Servers

You can add as many servers as you want. Separate them with commas:

json{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/Users/yourname/Documents"]
    },
    "brave-search": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@anthropic-ai/mcp-server-brave-search"],
      "env": {
        "BRAVE_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
      }
    },
    "memory": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@anthropic-ai/mcp-server-memory"]
    }
  }
}

Note the "env" field on Brave Search — some servers need API keys or environment variables.

Step 5: Restart Claude Desktop

After editing the config file, completely quit and reopen Claude Desktop. It reads the config on startup.

Step 6: Verify It Works

Look for the MCP icon (a small plug or tools icon) in the Claude Desktop interface. Click it to see which servers are connected.

Then test by asking Claude something that requires the server:

• Filesystem: "List the files in my Documents folder"
• Brave Search: "Search the web for the latest news about AI"
• Memory: "Remember that my favorite color is blue"

If Claude uses the tool, you'll see it indicated in the response.

Troubleshooting

Server not appearing:
- Make sure your JSON is valid (no trailing commas, proper brackets)
- Check that you completely restarted Claude Desktop
- Verify Node.js is installed and accessible

Server fails to start:
- Run the npx command manually in terminal to see error messages
- Check that any required API keys are correct
- Make sure the package name is spelled correctly

Permission errors:
- Ensure the file paths in your config actually exist
- On Mac, you may need to grant terminal/Node.js permission to access certain folders

Popular Servers to Add

Here are config snippets for the most useful MCP servers. Find the full list on a-gnt.com:

GitHub:

json"github": {
  "command": "npx",
  "args": ["@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
  "env": { "GITHUB_TOKEN": "your-token" }
}

PostgreSQL:

json"postgres": {
  "command": "npx",
  "args": ["@modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres", "postgresql://localhost/mydb"]
}

Puppeteer (web automation):

json"puppeteer": {
  "command": "npx",
  "args": ["@anthropic-ai/mcp-server-puppeteer"]
}

Pro Tips

1. Start small. Add one server, verify it works, then add more.
2. Back up your config. Copy the JSON file before making changes.
3. Use a-gnt.com. Every tool listing includes the exact config to paste for Claude Desktop. No guessing.
4. Keep servers focused. Rather than giving filesystem access to your entire drive, limit it to specific folders.