Filesystem MCP Server
Secure file system access for AI agents with configurable permissions
Filesystem MCP Server by Anthropic lets AI models read, write, and search files on your local machine through a controlled permission system. It supports directory listing, file creation, and glob-based search patterns, making it essential for coding assistants that need to explore and modify project files safely.
Filesystem MCP Server Configuration
{
"mcpServers": {
"filesystem": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem",
"/path/to/allowed/directory"
]
}
}
}How to setup Filesystem MCP Server?
- 1
Install Node.js 18+ on your system if not already installed.
- 2
Decide which directories the AI should have access to (never grant root access).
- 3
Add the configuration JSON above to your Claude Desktop config file.
- 4
Restart Claude Desktop. The filesystem tool will appear in the tools panel.
- 5
Test by asking Claude to list files or read a specific file from the allowed directory.
Is Filesystem MCP Server free to use?
Yes, it is completely free and open-source under the MIT license. You can use it in personal and commercial projects without any cost.
How to setup Filesystem MCP Server?
Install Node.js, add the npx configuration to your Claude Desktop config file pointing to your allowed directory, then restart Claude Desktop. The server starts automatically when Claude needs file access.
Is Filesystem MCP Server safe?
It uses an allowlist-based permission system. You explicitly define which directories the server can access. Files outside those directories cannot be read or modified, providing a strong security boundary.
Filesystem MCP Server vs Competitors
| Feature | Filesystem MCP Server | Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Directory Allowlisting | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| File Write Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Glob Search Patterns | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Official Anthropic Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Windows Compatible | ✅ Yes | ❌ Partial |
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