What is a local MCP server?
A local MCP server runs on your computer, so your AI app can use your files and local tools. The MCP docs use one for file access in Claude Desktop.
A local MCP server is a program that runs on your own computer. Your AI app starts it and talks to it directly, so it can reach your files and local tools. Unlike a remote server, it has no web address.
Also called local MCP, stdio MCP server, MCP server on my computer, run MCP server locally.
The MCP docs call this a "local" server when it uses the stdio transport. That means the app launches the program and they pass messages through its standard input and output. No network is involved.
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The docs use Claude Desktop starting the filesystem server as the example. A local server usually serves one app on one machine.
The opposite is a remote MCP server, which runs online and is reached by web address. The docs use the Sentry server as the remote example.
Related:Remote MCP serverMCP serverMCP clientMCP connectorMCP architecture
A local MCP server is a program that runs on your own computer, so your AI app can reach your files and local tools. The one thing to know first: it runs with your user account's permissions, so it can do anything you can do.
The official guide adds a server to Claude Desktop through its config file, under Settings > Developer > Edit Config, and then restarts the app. Many local servers need Node.js installed. The guide says to grant access only to folders you are comfortable with Claude reading and changing.
Claude's custom connectors cannot use a local server, because they reach your server from Anthropic's cloud. For Claude Desktop, package a local server as a desktop extension. Claude Code can run local servers directly. For a hosted alternative, see remote MCP servers and what a connector is.
Our advice: pick a local server when the job needs your machine, such as reading a folder.
Good for
- Claude Desktop and Claude Code users who need file or terminal access
- People who want data to stay on their computer
- Developers testing a server they are building
Comparison
Our advice: choose local when the server must touch your files or tools. Choose remote when the vendor offers one, since you only paste an address and sign in.
| Option | Runs | Talks over | Serves | How you add it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local serverThis page | Your computer | stdio | One app | Config file (Claude Desktop) |
| Desktop extension | Your computer | Not applicable | Claude Desktop | Install file |
| Remote server (custom connector) | Online | Streamable HTTP | Many apps | Paste URL |
Questions
What is a local MCP server?
A program on your own computer that your AI app starts and talks to directly. It can reach your files and local tools.
What is the difference between a local and a remote MCP server?
A local server runs on your machine and talks over standard input and output. A remote server runs online and talks over Streamable HTTP. The MCP docs say a local server typically serves a single client, and a remote one typically serves many.
How do I run an MCP server locally in Claude Desktop?
Open Settings > Developer > Edit Config, add the server to the config file, then fully quit and restart Claude Desktop. The official guide walks through the filesystem server. Many local servers need Node.js.
Can I use a local MCP server with Claude's custom connectors?
No. Custom connectors reach your server from Anthropic's cloud, so the server must be online. To use a local server, use Claude Desktop, a desktop extension or Claude Code.
Is a local MCP server safe?
It is as safe as the program you run. It uses your account's permissions, so it can read and change anything you can. Only install servers you trust and give them access to the folders they need.
Does a local MCP server need the internet?
Not to talk to your app, since they pass messages directly on your machine. The server may still call online services if its job needs them.
Why is my local MCP server not showing up?
Fully quit and restart Claude Desktop, check the config file for typos, and use absolute paths. The guide also says to run the server command yourself to see errors, and to read the logs in ~/Library/Logs/Claude on macOS.
What is stdio in MCP?
The way a local server and its app talk, through the program's standard input and output. The MCP spec lists it as one of two standard ways to carry messages, next to Streamable HTTP.
Sources
Docs, issue trackers and discussions this page is built from.
Show all 6Hide
- Architecture overview · modelcontextprotocol.io
- Connect to local MCP servers · modelcontextprotocol.io
- Use connectors to extend Claude's capabilities · support.claude.com
- Connect Claude Code to tools via MCP · code.claude.com
- Build an MCP server for Claude · claude.com
- Transports · modelcontextprotocol.io