Install in Claude Desktop

Local MCP ships as a Claude Desktop Extension. Download, double-click, and Claude Desktop takes care of the rest. No terminal, no JSON to edit.

Recommended for Claude Desktop users

Download Local MCP for Claude Desktop

macOS · notarized universal binary — runs the same local server as the DMG, no Node or terminal required

How to install

  1. 1Click the download button above. Your browser saves a file named local-mcp.mcpb.
  2. 2Double-click the file. Claude Desktop opens with an install dialog.
  3. 3Click Install. The extension appears in Settings → Extensions and Claude can immediately call any of the 237 tools.
  4. 4The first time Claude calls a tool that needs it, macOS will ask permission (Calendar, Contacts, Mail…). That's normal — Local MCP runs entirely on your machine.

Troubleshooting

“This extension is unsigned” warning
You should not see this — the bundled server is signed with our Apple Developer ID and notarized by Apple. If your Claude Desktop version still shows it, click Install Anyway; the bundle behaviour is identical.
Double-click does nothing
Make sure Claude Desktop is installed and has been opened at least once. Then drag the .mcpb file onto the Claude Desktop window.
Download button fails or MCPB registry is down
The installer file is served directly from LMCP — you do not need the public MCPB registry. Retry download or use the full macOS installer.
I want auto-update, the menu bar Tray, or to use Local MCP from Cursor / ChatGPT
Use the full installer instead — it includes the Tray app, LaunchAgent, auto-updates and the cloud connector. Download the macOS installer.

Other install methods

  • macOS .pkg installer — recommended if you also use Cursor, ChatGPT or want auto-update. Download.
  • npx local-mcp — for developers and headless setups. Read the guide.

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