MSBuild MCP Server

What is MSBuild MCP Server?

It is a lightweight MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that automates MSBuild projects and solutions builds. It dynamically locates MSBuild on Windows and exposes customizable build configuration options for LLM-driven tool invocation.

How to use MSBuild MCP Server?

Ensure Python 3.11+, Visual Studio or Build Tools, and uv are installed. Register the server by adding the provided JSON configuration to your MCP client’s settings file (e.g., .vscode/mcp.json for VSCode, ~/.cursor/mcp.json for Cursor, or ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json for Windsurf). Then restart your tool to activate the server.

Key features of MSBuild MCP Server

• Dynamic MSBuild executable discovery across Visual Studio installations.
• Customizable build configuration (platform, verbosity, parallel CPU count, NuGet restore, extra arguments).
• Clear, filtered error reporting on build failures.
• Seamless integration with popular MCP clients (VSCode, Cursor, Windsurf).
• Supports .sln, .csproj, and .vcxproj files for C#, C++, and other MSBuild-compatible languages.

Use cases of MSBuild MCP Server

• Automate build workflows directly from an AI-powered coding assistant.
• Trigger MSBuild builds with custom settings without leaving the editor.
• Provide LLM-based tools with real-time build feedback for iterative development.

FAQ from MSBuild MCP Server

What are the prerequisites to run the server?

Python 3.11 or higher, Visual Studio or Visual Studio Build Tools (for MSBuild), and uv (recommended) are required.

How do I register the server in my MCP client?

Place the following JSON in your client’s MCP configuration file:

{ "command": "uvx", "args": ["msbuild-mcp-server@latest"] }

Specific file paths depend on the client (e.g., .vscode/mcp.json for VSCode, ~/.cursor/mcp.json for Cursor).

Which MCP clients are compatible?

The server has been tested with VSCode, Cursor, and Windsurf, and supports any MCP-compatible client.

What project file types does the server support?

It works with .sln, .csproj, and .vcxproj files, covering C#, C++, and other MSBuild-compatible projects on Windows.

Does the server require an internet connection or cloud service?

No. The server runs locally; it only uses the locally installed MSBuild and does not send data externally.