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Desktop Commander MCP

An open-source TypeScript MCP server that connects Claude and other AI systems to local desktop capabilities, including terminal control, filesystem search, file management and diff-based editing.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Desktop Commander MCP — OpenViST project profile in MCP & Tooling.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use Desktop Commander MCP when an AI assistant needs to work with local files, repositories, terminal commands or supported documents through MCP rather than relying only on conversational output.

Who it is for

  • Developers working with local code repositories
  • Users building Claude-connected terminal automation
  • People seeking AI-assisted desktop file and document workflows
  • Teams or individuals running self-hosted MCP tooling

Documented uses

  • Search project files and file contents
  • Run and manage terminal processes
  • Apply targeted or broad file edits
  • Inspect and manage local files and directories
  • Read, create and modify supported document formats
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The project is distributed as a public repository under the MIT license. The documented Claude Desktop npx setup requires Node.js; a macOS bash installer is also documented.

  • Whether the intended AI client supports the documented MCP connection route
  • Whether local terminal and filesystem access is appropriate for the workflow
  • Whether Node.js is available for the npx installation method
  • Whether Docker isolation is needed, since the documentation distinguishes guardrails from sandboxing
  • Whether the workflow benefits from process management, recursive search or diff-based editing

Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.

Source-based practical guide

Set up Desktop Commander MCP in Claude Desktop with npx

Install and configure Desktop Commander MCP for Claude Desktop using the documented npx setup route.

Before you start

  • Claude Desktop
  • Node.js
  • A terminal

Steps

  1. Run the command below in a terminal.

    Documented command
    npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest setup

  2. Use the documented --debug option if Node.js inspector access is needed, or --no-onboarding to disable onboarding prompts.

  3. Restart Claude if it is running.

Expected outcome

Desktop Commander MCP is configured for use in Claude Desktop through the npx installation route.

Guide limitations

  • This route requires Node.js.
  • The guide covers setup and restart, not a task-specific execution workflow.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
Active
Sources checked
1 October 2026
Original website title
wonderwhy-er/DesktopCommanderMCP · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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