Desktop Commander MCP
by wonderwhy-er
Desktop Commander MCP allows Claude desktop app to execute terminal commands and manage processes on your computer. It extends the MCP Filesystem Server with search and replace file editing capabilities, enabling AI-powered file management and command execution.
Last updated: N/A
What is Desktop Commander MCP?
Desktop Commander MCP is a server that extends the capabilities of the Claude Desktop app by enabling it to execute terminal commands, manage processes, and perform advanced file operations, including search and replace. It leverages the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to facilitate communication between Claude and your local system.
How to use Desktop Commander MCP?
First, install Desktop Commander using one of the provided methods (npx, bash script, Smithery, manual configuration). Then, configure Claude to use the server. Once installed, you can use Claude to interact with your file system and execute terminal commands using the available tools, such as execute_command, read_file, edit_block, and others. Refer to the documentation for specific tool usage examples and configuration options.
Key features of Desktop Commander MCP
Execute terminal commands with output streaming
Process management (list and kill processes)
Full filesystem operations (read/write, create/list directories, move files/directories, search files)
Code editing capabilities (surgical text replacements, full file rewrites)
vscode-ripgrep based recursive code or text search in folders
Support for reading files from URLs
Use cases of Desktop Commander MCP
Exploring and understanding complex codebases
Generating diagrams and documentation
Automating tasks across your system
Working with multiple projects simultaneously
Making surgical code changes with precise control
FAQ from Desktop Commander MCP
What is DesktopCommanderMCP?
What is DesktopCommanderMCP?
It's an MCP tool that enables Claude Desktop to access your file system and terminal, turning Claude into a versatile assistant for coding, automation, codebase exploration, and more.
How is this different from Cursor/Windsurf?
How is this different from Cursor/Windsurf?
Unlike IDE-focused tools, Claude Desktop Commander provides a solution-centric approach that works with your entire OS, not just within a coding environment. Claude reads files in full rather than chunking them, can work across multiple projects simultaneously, and executes changes in one go rather than requiring constant review.
Do I need to pay for API credits?
Do I need to pay for API credits?
No. This tool works with Claude Desktop's standard Pro subscription ($20/month), not with API calls, so you won't incur additional costs beyond the subscription fee.
Does Desktop Commander automatically update?
Does Desktop Commander automatically update?
Yes, when installed through npx or Smithery, Desktop Commander automatically updates to the latest version when you restart Claude. No manual update process is needed.
What are the most common use cases?
What are the most common use cases?
Exploring and understanding complex codebases, Generating diagrams and documentation, Automating tasks across your system, Working with multiple projects simultaneously, Making surgical code changes with precise control