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Claude Desktop MCP Config: File Location & Setup Guide

· 11 min read
Tony Lewis
MCPBundles
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The Claude Desktop config file is at:

  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
  • Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
  • Linux: ~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

If that's all you needed, you're done. If you want the full setup guide — how to add MCP servers, common config mistakes, and troubleshooting — keep reading.

I spent two hours staring at Claude Desktop wondering why my MCP server wouldn't connect. The config looked perfect. The server ran fine standalone. But Claude showed no tools. The problem? A single trailing comma in my JSON config that Claude silently ignored. This is everything I wish the docs had told me upfront.

New to MCP? Start with Introduction to MCP to understand what it is and how it works.

Claude Desktop MCP setup guide with .mcpb file installation and manual config
Set up MCP servers with Claude Desktop using .mcpb files or manual config. Find locations, examples, and troubleshooting tips.