F
Install Command
npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem /allowed/pathClaude Desktop Config
{
"mcpServers": {
"filesystem": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/Users/me/Documents"]
}
}
}Filesystem MCP is an officially maintained MCP server in the File System category, developed by Anthropic. It runs locally on your machine, keeping your data private and giving you full control over the connection. This lets Claude read, write, and organize files as part of any automated workflow.
About Filesystem MCP
The official Filesystem MCP server from Anthropic gives AI assistants controlled access to your local file system.
Features
- Read and write files with configurable allowed paths
- List directory contents
- Create, move, and delete files
- Recursive directory operations
- Path restriction for security
Security
All access restricted to explicitly configured directories.
Who Should Use Filesystem MCP?
- 1Give Claude read/write access to files and folders on your machine
- 2Automate file organization, renaming, and batch processing tasks
- 3Let AI assistants generate, edit, and manage project files
- 4Search and summarize documents across directories
How to Install Filesystem MCP
Before you start
You will need Node.js (v18 or later) installed on your machine — download it from nodejs.org if you haven't already.
- 1Open a terminal (Terminal on Mac, Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows).
- 2Paste the install command above and press Enter — Node.js will download and run the server automatically.
- 3Add the server to your Claude Desktop config file (see the JSON snippet above) and restart Claude.
The Claude Desktop config snippet above can be copied and pasted directly into your claude_desktop_config.json file — no editing required.
How Filesystem MCP Compares
✦It is an officially maintained server — unlike community alternatives, it is built and supported by the original project team, ensuring compatibility with upstream changes.
✦It runs entirely on your local machine, so no data leaves your environment — important for teams with privacy or compliance requirements.
✦It is distributed as an npm package, making version management and updates straightforward with a single `npm update` command.
Tags
filesystemfileslocalanthropicofficial