Use Desktop Commander MCP to read and edit local files, run terminal commands and inspect process output from an MCP client.
Desktop Commander connects an MCP assistant to local files and terminal processes. It supports reading and editing documents, starting commands and inspecting the output of running sessions. The local npm package runs on Node.js.
Name the working directory and the result you need. The assistant can inspect relevant files, start a development command and read its output before proposing an edit. Keep the command and observed result with the explanation so the same investigation can be repeated.
The current package manifest requires Node.js 22.12.0 or later. Register npx -y @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest as a stdio server. The repository also describes a separate Remote Device flow for web clients. Its allowedDirectories setting applies to file operations; terminal commands are not confined to those directories.
Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| read_file | Read a local file. |
| write_file | Write file content. |
| start_process | Start a terminal process. |
| read_process_output | Read output from a running session. |
| get_config | Inspect server configuration. |
{
"mcpServers": {
"desktop-commander": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest"
]
}
}
}Node.js 22.12.0 or later, as declared by the current package manifest. See the repository for Docker and Remote Device alternatives.
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