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 to provide search and replace file editing capabilities.
Last updated: N/A
What is Desktop Commander MCP?
Desktop Commander MCP is a server that enables the Claude desktop application to interact with your computer's file system and execute terminal commands. It leverages the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to provide Claude with the ability to search, update, and manage files, as well as run terminal commands, enhancing Claude's capabilities for coding, automation, and system administration.
How to use Desktop Commander MCP?
To use Desktop Commander MCP, you need to install it using one of the provided methods (npx, bash script, Smithery, manual configuration). After installation, Claude can utilize the provided tool categories (Terminal Tools, Filesystem Tools, Edit Tools) to interact with your system. Refer to the Usage section in the README for specific command examples and parameters.
Key features of Desktop Commander MCP
Execute terminal commands with output streaming
Process management (list and kill processes)
Full filesystem operations (read/write files, create/list directories, move files/directories, search files, get file metadata)
Code editing capabilities (surgical text replacements, full file rewrites, multiple file support, pattern-based replacements)
vscode-ripgrep based recursive code or text search in folders
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
Enabling Claude to interact with local files and applications
FAQ from Desktop Commander MCP
What is Claude Desktop Commander?
What is Claude Desktop Commander?
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