This is MCP server for Claude that gives it terminal control, file system search and diff file editing capabilities
Short version. Four key things. Terminal commands, diff based file editing, ripgrep based text search in folders, ability to read files from urls
This is server that allows Claude desktop app to execute long-running terminal commands on your computer and manage processes through Model Context Protocol (MCP) + Built on top of MCP Filesystem Server to provide additional search and replace file editing capabilities .
First, ensure you've downloaded and installed the Claude Desktop app and you have npm installed.
Just run this in terminal
npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest setup
For debugging mode (allows Node.js inspector connection):
npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest setup --debug
Restart Claude if running
For macOS users, you can use our automated bash installer which will check your Node.js version, install it if needed, and automatically configure Desktop Commander:
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/wonderwhy-er/DesktopCommanderMCP/refs/heads/main/install.sh | bash
This script handles all dependencies and configuration automatically for a seamless setup experience.
To install Desktop Commander for Claude Desktop automatically via Smithery:
npx -y @smithery/cli install @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander --client claude
Add this entry to your claude_desktop_config.json:
~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json{
"mcpServers": {
"desktop-commander": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander"
]
}
}
}
Restart Claude if running
git clone https://github.com/wonderwhy-er/ClaudeComputerCommander.git
cd ClaudeComputerCommander
npm run setup
Restart Claude if running
The setup command will:
When installed through npx (Option 1) or Smithery (Option 2), Desktop Commander will automatically update to the latest version whenever you restart Claude. No manual update process is needed.
For manual installations, you can update by running the setup command again.
The server provides these tool categories:
execute_command: Run commands with configurable timeoutread_output: Get output from long-running commandsforce_terminate: Stop running command sessionslist_sessions: View active command sessionslist_processes: View system processeskill_process: Terminate processes by PIDblock_command/unblock_command: Manage command blacklistread_file/write_file: Read files from local filesystem or URLs (supports viewing PNG, JPEG, GIF, and WebP images directly in Claude)create_directory/list_directory: Directory managementmove_file: Move/rename filessearch_files: Pattern-based file searchget_file_info: File metadatasearch_code: Recursive ripgrep based text and code searchedit_block: Apply surgical text replacements (best for changes <20% of file size)write_file: Complete file rewrites (best for large changes >20% or when edit_block fails)Search/Replace Block Format:
filepath.ext
<<<<<<< SEARCH
content to find
=======
new content
>>>>>>> REPLACE
Example:
src/main.js
<<<<<<< SEARCH
console.log("old message");
=======
console.log("new message");
>>>>>>> REPLACE
read_file can now fetch content from both local files and URLsread_file with isUrl: true parameter to read from web resourcesFor commands that may take a while:
execute_command returns after timeout with initial outputread_output with PID to get new outputforce_terminate to stop if neededIf you need to debug the server, you can install it in debug mode:
# Using npx
npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest setup --debug
# Or if installed locally
npm run setup:debug
This will:
--inspect-brk=9229 flagTo connect a debugger:
chrome://inspect and look for the Node.js instanceImportant debugging notes:
--inspect-brk flag)Troubleshooting:
This project extends the MCP Filesystem Server to enable:
Created as part of exploring Claude MCPs: https://youtube.com/live/TlbjFDbl5Us
read_file command can now fetch content from URLsThe following features are currently being developed or planned:
Visit our official website at https://desktopcommander.app/ for the latest information, documentation, and updates.
Learn more about this project through these resources:
Claude with MCPs replaced Cursor & Windsurf. How did that happen? - A detailed exploration of how Claude with Model Context Protocol capabilities is changing developer workflows.
Claude Desktop Commander Video Tutorial - Watch how to set up and use the Commander effectively.
This Developer Ditched Windsurf, Cursor Using Claude with MCPs
Join our Discord server to get help, share feedback, and connect with other users.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly3bed99Dy8&lc=UgyyBt6_ShdDX_rIOad4AaABAg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly3bed99Dy8&lc=UgztdHvDMqTb9jiqnf54AaABAg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly3bed99Dy8&lc=UgyQFTmYLJ4VBwIlmql4AaABAg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly3bed99Dy8&lc=Ugy4-exy166_Ma7TH-h4AaABAg
https://medium.com/@pharmx/you-sir-are-my-hero-62cff5836a3e
If you find this project useful, please consider giving it a ⭐ star on GitHub! This helps others discover the project and encourages further development.
We welcome contributions from the community! Whether you've found a bug, have a feature request, or want to contribute code, here's how you can help:
All contributions, big or small, are greatly appreciated!
If you find this tool valuable for your workflow, please consider supporting the project.
Here are answers to some common questions. For a more comprehensive FAQ, see our detailed FAQ document.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join our Discord server for community support, check the GitHub issues for known problems, or review the full FAQ for troubleshooting tips. You can also visit our website FAQ section for a more user-friendly experience. If you encounter a new issue, please consider opening a GitHub issue with details about your problem.
During installation and setup, Desktop Commander collects anonymous usage data to help improve the tool. This includes:
This data is collected using PostHog analytics and is associated with a machine-generated unique ID. No personal information is collected. This helps us understand how the tool is being used and identify common issues.
We are currently working on adding a built-in opt-out option for this data collection in an upcoming release. For now, if you wish to opt out, you can block network connections to eu.i.posthog.com in your firewall settings.
MIT