Desktop Commander

5 days ago 5

Work with code and text, run processes, and automate tasks, going far beyond other AI editors - without API token costs.

All of your AI development tools in one place

No need to buy separate tools for coding, file access, terminal commands, DevOps, and automation. Desktop Commander puts it all in one chat.

Local file storage and processing

All your files remain safely on your local machine. Only the necessary data is sent to Claude's LLM for processing and analysis.

Unlimited token access

Work without worrying about API token limits or per-token costs. Use Desktop Claude client to gain access to unlimited tokens. We recommend Claude Max subscription for the best experience.

Smart file system integration

Claude understands your project structure with intelligent file search and can make precise surgical changes to your codebase.

Full terminal access

Execute any command line operation directly through Claude's interface for seamless development, testing, and deployment workflows.

Cross-platform compatibility

Works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux with native support for each operating system's capabilities.

Customizable configuration

Tailor security settings, file access permissions, and command execution rules to match your specific requirements and comfort level.

USE CASES

See how Desktop Commander serves different professionals with their specific needs

AI Software Engineer

Build products faster without coding skills.

Create and update big projects
Code review
Knows your codebase
Code security audit
Add test coverage
Improve SEO

AI DevOps

Streamline environment setup, server configuration, and deployment processes.

Configure local environments
Configure Ansible/Terraform
Install and configure Dockerfiles
Explore remote server logs
Configure remote servers with SSH

AI Technical Writer

Maintain consistent documentation and streamline content creation processes.

Create and update project documentation
Generate release notes
Review and optimize content SEO
Keep project documentation up to date
Create UML and flow diagram from the code

AI UX/UI Designer

Manage design assets and streamline the implementation of designs into code.

Convert Figma files to product
Create clickable prototype faster
Resize and update images
Process design files faster, smarter, and at scale

AI Assistant

Organize files and automate document processing.

Organize files on your computer
Organize your knowledge in obsidian
Review and summarize documents
Check documents for errors

Installation

Getting started with Desktop Commander MCP is quick and easy

There are multiple options for installing DesktopCommanderMCP

Smithery Install

Install automatically via Smithery:

npx -y @smithery/cli install @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander --client claude

NPX Install

Install using npx directly:

npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest setup

For macOS users, you can also use this bash script:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/wonderwhy-er/DesktopCommanderMCP/refs/heads/main/install.sh | bash

Bash Install (macOS)

For macOS users, use our automated bash installer which will:

Check your Node.js version and install it if needed
Set up Desktop Commander automatically
Configure all necessary dependencies

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/wonderwhy-er/DesktopCommanderMCP/refs/heads/main/install.sh | bash

This is the simplest installation method for macOS users.

Manual Configuration

Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{ "mcpServers": { "desktop-commander": { "command": "npx", "args": [ "-y", "@wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander" ] } } }

Local Installation

Clone and build locally:

git clone https://github.com/wonderwhy-er/DesktopCommanderMCP cd DesktopCommanderMCP npm run setup

Remember to restart Claude after installation.

Trusted by Developers

Join thousands of developers who have transformed their Claude experience with Desktop Commander.

User Testimonials

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Desktop Commander MCP User Testimonials

Media & Coverage

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Desktop Commander MCP

Claude Desktop Commander is an MCP (Model Context Protocol) tool that allows Claude Desktop to access and control your computer's file system and terminal. It enables Claude to explore, read, and write files, execute commands, and manage processes - expanding Claude's capabilities beyond just conversation to become a comprehensive assistant that can work with your entire operating system.

Unlike tools like Cursor or Windsurf which are primarily designed as coding IDEs, Claude Desktop Commander works with Claude to provide a more flexible, solution-centric approach. Key differences include:

Claude reads full files during exploration, ensuring it captures the complete structure
Coding tools like Windsurf & Cursor chunk and index files, sometimes missing key relationships
Claude generates and displays diagrams directly in chat
Claude Desktop Commander allows you to work across your entire system, not just within coding environments

Claude Commander is free and open source for personal use. For companies with annual revenue more than 1M USD and more than 10 people, we are charging $20 per license. To use DesktopCommander, you also need a Claude Pro, which costs $20 or / Claude Max subscription for $100 per month.

Claude Desktop Commander works with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Work is ongoing to improve Windows support, WSL integration, and enhance compatibility with various Linux distributions.

Claude Desktop Commander operates within a configurable security framework:

File access can be restricted to specific directories you designate
Command blocking allows you to prevent execution of sensitive commands
Claude only performs actions your user account has permission to execute
No data is sent to external servers beyond what you share in Claude conversations

You can customize security settings by asking Claude about configuration options. Always review actions Claude proposes before approval, especially when working with important files or system configurations.

Yes, users have reported success with very large codebases (one user mentioned 44k files with 11 million code lines). The tool can work across multiple projects and services simultaneously, making it suitable for complex development environments.

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.

Tools like Cline are great options that integrate directly with VSCode. The main differences are:

Claude Desktop Commander works across your entire system, not just within the editor
It can handle automation, terminal commands, and long-running processes
It has a fixed cost with Claude Pro subscription rather than potential API charges
It provides a more flexible approach not tied to a specific editor

Many users employ both, using the right tool for different tasks.

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