What is MCP? Install your first MCP server

Connect Claude Desktop to your files using the official Filesystem MCP server.

October 3, 202610 minIntermediate

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets AI apps use external tools and data through “servers”. The official reference servers live in modelcontextprotocol/servers — see them on our Plugins page.

1. Install Node.js

Download the LTS version from nodejs.org. This gives you npx.

2. Open the Claude Desktop config

In Claude Desktop: Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json.

3. Add the Filesystem server

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

Only list folders you are happy for the AI to read and write.

4. Restart and test

Restart Claude Desktop and ask: “List the files in my folder and summarize the newest one.”

Safety

Treat MCP servers like apps: install only from sources you trust, and grant the smallest access needed.

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