FileSystem MCP Server — Claude Code MCP server: features and setup
Gives an AI agent access to selected project folders and files. Use it to inspect or read files; writing requires a separate setting.
claude mcp add filesystem-server -- uvx vs-filesystem-mcp-serverWhat FileSystem MCP Server does
The server can list allowed directories, read files with permitted extensions, and check whether configured folders are accessible. Set its access rules in config.json or pass them as launch arguments. Directories and file types must be selected explicitly.
File writing is off by default. Enable allow_write to use write_file and write_file_binary; otherwise, the agent can read files but cannot write them. The server handles Windows and Unix path separators. Installing from source requires Python 3.10+ and uv.
What it helps with
- list files in an allowed project folder
- read files with selected extensions only
- check whether a configured directory is accessible
- write a file after enabling write access
Example prompts for the agent
- List the contents of
D:/projects. - Read
.pyand.mdfiles from the allowed directories. - Check the configured folders and save the result to a file.
How to install FileSystem MCP Server
Platform CLI
claude mcp add filesystem-server -- uvx vs-filesystem-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from vs-filesystem-mcp-server <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add filesystem-mcp-server -- uvx vs-filesystem-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from vs-filesystem-mcp-server <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"filesystem-mcp-server": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"vs-filesystem-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from vs-filesystem-mcp-server <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"filesystem-mcp-server": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"vs-filesystem-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from vs-filesystem-mcp-server <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add filesystem-mcp-server uvx vs-filesystem-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from vs-filesystem-mcp-server <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about FileSystem MCP Server
How do I install FileSystem MCP Server in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add filesystem-server -- uvx vs-filesystem-mcp-server. Then configure the allowed directories and file extensions.
What does FileSystem MCP Server do?
It lets an agent inspect selected folders, read files with permitted extensions, and check whether configured directories are accessible.
Can the server write files?
Yes. Writing starts disabled; enable allow_write to activate write_file and write_file_binary.
