How do I set up the Filesystem MCP server?

Add the Filesystem server to your MCP config using the command: npx with the package @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem. See the full config below.

What does the Filesystem MCP server do?

Provides read and write access to files and directories on the local filesystem.

Filesystem MCP Server — Config Template & Setup Guide

claude_desktop_config.json

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

Setup Instructions

Ensure Node.js 18+ is installed on your system.
Copy the config block above into your claude_desktop_config.json file (typically at ~/.config/claude/claude_desktop_config.json on macOS/Linux or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json on Windows).
Restart your AI client to apply the config.