Best for
- Local assistants that need to work inside explicitly approved directories
- Individuals and development teams that want path-based data boundaries
F
84FMRS · B
A reference implementation with clear path boundaries and straightforward setup; reliability reserves runtime-verification points until a handshake is recorded at a fixed revision.
This server gives models controlled access to browse, read, write, and manage local files and directories. Access is limited to explicitly allowed paths, making it a foundational MCP server for local workflows.
Tools
read_file
Read the complete contents of a specified file
write_file
Write to an existing file or create a new one
list_directory
List files and subdirectories in a directory
create_directory
Create a new directory
move_file
Move or rename a file
search_files
Recursively search for files by name pattern
Setup
Add the server entry below to your client configuration, then replace the example path with the local directory you want to allow.
claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"filesystem": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem",
"/Users/you/Documents"
]
}
}
}
Fit and risk
Not for
- Highly sensitive environments that cannot allow model access to local file contents
- Shared remote file-service use cases
Required permissions
- Read access to every local directory listed in the configuration
- Filesystem write access when write or move tools are enabled
Risks and side effects
- Sensitive files inside an allowed directory may enter model context
- Write and move tools change real files; keep scopes narrow and maintain backups
Troubleshooting
- Confirm Node.js and npx are available
- Check that every configured path exists and is accessible to the current user
- Fully restart the client after changing its configuration
Use cases
Organize local project files and archive old versions
Let an assistant inspect log files while troubleshooting
Batch rename images or documents
Supported clients
Claude DesktopFull support
CursorFull support
ClineFull support
WindsurfPartial support