How do I set up the GitHub MCP server?

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

What does the GitHub MCP server do?

Interact with GitHub repositories, issues, pull requests, and the GitHub API.

GitHub MCP Server — Config Template & Setup Guide

claude_desktop_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "server-github": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"
      ],
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-token-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Environment Variables

Variable	Required	Description
`GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN`	✓ Required	GitHub personal access token with the required repo scopes.

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).
Set the GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN environment variable: GitHub personal access token with the required repo scopes.
Restart your AI client to apply the config.

claude_desktop_config.json

Environment Variables

Setup Instructions

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