Claude Desktop Commander MCP

What is Claude Desktop Commander MCP?

Claude Desktop Commander MCP is a server that enables the Claude Desktop app to execute long-running terminal commands, manage processes, and perform diff-based file editing on your local computer. It extends the MCP Filesystem Server to combine system command execution with file operations. It is designed for users of the Claude Desktop application who need to interact with their local system programmatically.

How to use Claude Desktop Commander MCP?

Install via Smithery (npx -y @smithery/cli install @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander --client claude), run the built-in setup command (npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander setup), add the server manually to claude_desktop_config.json, or clone the repository and run npm run setup. After installation, restart Claude Desktop. The server exposes tools in three categories: Terminal (e.g., execute_command, read_output, list_sessions), Filesystem (e.g., read_file, write_file, search_files), and Edit (e.g., edit_block for surgical text replacements).

Key features of Claude Desktop Commander MCP

• Execute terminal commands with output streaming
• Command timeout and background execution support
• Process management (list and kill processes)
• Session management for long-running commands
• Full filesystem operations: read/write, move, search, metadata
• Surgical text replacements for small code changes
• Full file rewrites for major changes
• Pattern-based file search and replacements

Use cases of Claude Desktop Commander MCP

• Run long-running builds or scripts while Claude returns control immediately
• Edit code files using search/replace blocks for precise changes
• Manage system processes (list, kill, monitor) from within Claude
• Perform file operations (read, write, move, search) through conversational AI
• Automate development workflows by combining terminal commands and file editing

FAQ from Claude Desktop Commander MCP

How do I install Claude Desktop Commander MCP?

You can install via Smithery, the npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander setup command, manually editing claude_desktop_config.json, or by cloning the repository and running npm run setup. The setup command installs dependencies, builds the server, and configures Claude's desktop app.

Can I run commands that take a long time?

Yes. The execute_command tool returns after a configurable timeout with initial output, while the command continues in the background. Use read_output with the PID to retrieve new output later, and force_terminate to stop it.

How do I edit files with Claude Desktop Commander MCP?

Use the edit_block tool for surgical text replacements (best for changes under 20% of the file) using a SEARCH/REPLACE block format. For larger changes, use write_file for a full file rewrite. Multiple files and pattern-based replacements are supported.

What dependencies does Claude Desktop Commander MCP require?

You need the Claude Desktop app (download from claude.ai) and Node.js/npm installed on your system.

Can I restrict which commands are allowed?

Yes. The server includes block_command and unblock_command tools to manage a command blacklist, allowing you to prevent certain commands from being executed.