Where Is the Claude Desktop Config File?
Claude Desktop config file location on Windows and macOS, the JSON file where MCP servers and app settings live.
Last updated
Claude Desktop keeps its settings in a file called claude_desktop_config.json. MCP server definitions live there, which makes this the first path to learn when extending the app.
The file may not exist until you change a setting or create it by hand. On both platforms it sits inside the app data folder for Claude.
Where Claude Desktop stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
Create the JSON file here if it is missing. Quit Claude Desktop before editing so your changes load on next launch.
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
Use Go > Go to Folder in Finder and paste the path, since Library is hidden. Same rule applies: edit while the app is closed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I edit this file to add MCP servers?
Yes. This is the standard way to add MCP servers: add a servers entry with the command and arguments, save, then restart Claude Desktop. A malformed file stops the app reading any config, so validate JSON after editing.
I edited the config but nothing changed. Why?
Quit Claude Desktop first, then reopen it. The app reads the config at startup, so edits made while it runs are picked up on the next launch.
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