Remote Desktop Commander — Claude Code MCP server: how to install
A hosted MCP connector that links AI assistants to your local filesystem, terminal sessions, and running processes. Useful when automating tasks on a remote machine.
claude mcp add --transport http remote-desktop-commander https://mcp.desktopcommander.app/mcpWhat Remote Desktop Commander does
This hosted bridge relays tool calls from your AI client to your personal machine over HTTP and OAuth 2.0. To enable access, you start a background runner on the target system using npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest remote and complete a browser verification code. Shutting down that terminal immediately cuts all remote access.
The connector provides capabilities for file inspection, document editing, and process management. An agent can list folder trees, modify text or PDF assets, start background CLI tasks, and read interactive terminal output. You can also attach multiple workstations to one profile and switch between them by name.
Every command executes with the OS privileges of your local account. The runner requires Node.js 18 or newer across macOS, Windows, or Linux. Keep the background terminal open while working.
What it helps with
- inspect and update local project files through remote AI tools
- spawn background terminal processes and read their console output
- switch control between multiple linked computers in a single session
- edit PDF documents and directories directly on disk
Example prompts for the agent
- Show the contents of my home directory and find config files updated today.
- Start a Python session on my machine and print the active numpy version.
- Make a directory named playground in Documents and add a script that checks system time.
How to install Remote Desktop Commander
Platform CLI: remote server
claude mcp add --transport http remote-desktop-commander https://mcp.desktopcommander.app/mcpPlatform CLI: remote server
codex mcp add remote-desktop-commander --url https://mcp.desktopcommander.app/mcpConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"remote-desktop-commander": {
"url": "https://mcp.desktopcommander.app/mcp"
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"remote-desktop-commander": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://mcp.desktopcommander.app/mcp"
}
}
}Platform CLI: remote server
gemini mcp add -t http remote-desktop-commander https://mcp.desktopcommander.app/mcpStep 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 Remote Desktop Commander
How to install Remote Desktop Commander in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add --transport http remote-desktop-commander https://mcp.desktopcommander.app/mcp in your terminal. Next, start the runner on your target computer with npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest remote and approve the pairing request.
What is Remote Desktop Commander used for?
It grants AI models remote access to your disk, terminal, and active processes. The assistant can run scripts and organize files even when you work from a different computer or mobile device.
What are the system requirements for the device agent?
Your target computer needs Node.js 18 or later. It supports macOS, Linux, and Windows environments, running inside an active terminal window.
