Getting Started with Local MCP Servers on Claude Desktop (original) (raw)

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open protocol that enables seamless integration between LLM applications and external data sources and tools. With the introduction of desktop extensions, installing and managing local MCP servers has become significantly easier.

Desktop Extensions

Desktop extensions provide a streamlined way to install and manage local MCP servers through single-click installable packages. Instead of manually configuring JSON files and managing dependencies, you can now install local MCP servers on your computer as easily as browser extensions.

Installing desktop extensions from the directory

Installing custom desktop extensions

Admin Controls for Desktop Extensions

Owners and Primary Owners of Team and Enterprise plans can manage team access to desktop extensions using two controls:

These controls allow organizations to fully customize their registries by adding only the extensions the team needs to access, and removing any others.

Enabling/disabling specific extensions on Team and Enterprise plans

Owners and Primary Owners of Team and Enterprise organizations can manage which desktop extensions are enabled for your organization and accessible to other members via Claude Desktop. See Enabling and using the desktop extension allowlist

for specific instructions.

Create and upload custom extensions for your organization

Custom desktop extensions uploads allow Team and Enterprise plans to leverage organization-specific workflows that aren’t available in the public directory. After creating a custom desktop extension, Owners and Primary Owners can navigate to Settings > Extensions within Claude Desktop and click “Advanced settings” to access the Extension Developer section:

Click “Install Extension…” and select the .mcpb file. Follow the prompts to install and configure your custom desktop extension. For more in-depth information, please refer to our desktop extension developer documentation.

Enterprise Policy Controls

Troubleshooting desktop extension installation issues

Extension won't install

Extension appears installed but tools aren't available

Extension configuration issues

Permission or security errors

Developer FAQ

How do I check if my MCP servers are properly connected in Claude Desktop?

Click the "+" button on bottom the chat box within Claude Desktop, then select "Connectors." This will show you connected MCP servers and their tools. Alternatively, you can visit Developer settings (under Desktop app) to see connection status and look at the logs for any MCP servers.

How do I convert my existing MCP server to a desktop extension?

What programming languages are supported for desktop extensions?

Desktop extensions support Node.js, Python, and binary MCP servers. Claude Desktop includes a built-in Node.js environment, so Node.js installation isn't required.

How do I handle sensitive configuration like API keys?

Mark configuration fields as "sensitive": true in your manifest.json. Claude Desktop will automatically encrypt these values using the operating system's secure storage (Keychain on macOS, Credential Manager on Windows).

Can I distribute my custom desktop extension privately?

Yes, you can share .mcpb files directly with specific users or teams. For broader distribution, you can submit extensions to the official directory.

How do I debug issues with my desktop extension?

Enable debug logging in Claude Desktop settings, check the extension logs in the Extensions settings panel, and refer to the MCP debugging guide for protocol-specific troubleshooting.

What happens when my extension needs updates?

Extensions from the official directory update automatically by default. For privately distributed extensions, users will need to install updated .mcpb files manually.

Interested in learning more about MCP?

For more in-depth information on building your own MCP clients and servers, we recommend reviewing the following resources:

If you need further guidance, visit our guide on How to Get Support for additional support options.

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