Complete Beginner's Guide to Installing MCP Servers

Installing Your First MCP Server

This guide walks you through installing an MCP server with Claude Desktop — the most popular MCP client.

Prerequisites

1. Claude Desktop — Download here (macOS or Windows)

2. Node.js 18+ — Required for npx-based servers

3. Python 3.10+ — Required for uvx-based servers (optional)

Step 1: Choose a Server

Browse MCPHub's directory and pick a server. For this tutorial, we'll use the Filesystem server — one of the most useful and safest to start with.

Step 2: Find the Config File

Claude Desktop stores MCP configuration at:

macOS: `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`

Windows: `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`

Step 3: Edit the Config

Open the file (create it if it doesn't exist) and add:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem",
        "/Users/yourname/Documents"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Replace /Users/yourname/Documents with the directory you want Claude to access.

Step 4: Restart Claude Desktop

Quit and reopen Claude Desktop. You'll see a 🔌 icon in the chat indicating MCP servers are active.

Step 5: Test It

Try asking Claude:

"List the files in my Documents folder"

"What's in my Downloads directory?"

"Search my files for anything containing 'project proposal'"

Adding More Servers

You can stack multiple servers in the same config:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/path/to/files"]
    },
    "github": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
      "env": { "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "ghp_your_token" }
    }
  }
}

Troubleshooting

Server won't start?

Check that Node.js is installed: `node --version`

Try running the command directly in your terminal

Tools not showing up?

Fully quit Claude Desktop (not just close the window)

Check the config JSON is valid (no trailing commas)

Permission errors?

Ensure the path in args exists and is readable

On macOS, grant Full Disk Access to Terminal in System Preferences

Explore the full directory at MCPHub — there are hundreds of servers waiting to extend Claude's capabilities.