Installation Overview

Choose the best installation method for your system and experience level

Installation Overview

Desktop Commander offers multiple installation methods to suit different experience levels and system configurations. Choose the method that works best for you.

Prerequisites

Before installing Desktop Commander, ensure you have:

Required Software

• Claude Desktop - Download from claude.ai/download
• Claude Pro or Max subscription - Desktop Commander requires a paid Claude plan
• Node.js v18.18.0 or higher - Download from nodejs.org

Installation Methods

Choose the installation method that best fits your experience level and requirements:

NPX Installation (Recommended)

Best for most users

Install directly using NPX with interactive setup wizard. Always gets the latest version with customizable configuration options.

Smithery

Web interface

Visual web interface for MCP tool management. Good for users who prefer GUI-based installation and management.

Bash Script (macOS)

macOS users

One-command installation script for macOS that handles Node.js installation and system integration automatically.

Docker Installation

Maximum security

Run Desktop Commander in complete isolation with Docker containers. Zero risk to your host system with full functionality.

Manual Installation

Advanced users

Complete manual configuration for users who want full control over every aspect of the installation process.

Installation Method Comparison

Method	Difficulty	Security	Auto-Updates	Best For
NPX	Easy-Medium	Good	Yes	Recommended - Most users
Smithery	Easy	Good	Yes	Users preferring web interface
Bash Script	Easy	Good	Yes	macOS users
Docker	Medium-Hard	Excellent	Manual	Security-focused users
Manual	Hard	Customizable	No	Advanced users, troubleshooting

Platform Support

Desktop Commander works on all major operating systems:

macOS

Status: Full support

• Native macOS integration
• Homebrew package manager support
• Automatic installer script available
• Works with both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
• Docker support: Full Docker Desktop compatibility

Windows

Status: Full support with ongoing improvements

• Native Windows support
• WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) integration
• PowerShell and Command Prompt compatibility
• Windows-specific security configurations
• Docker support: Docker Desktop for Windows compatibility

Linux

Status: Full support

• Support for major distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, etc.)
• Package manager integration (apt, yum, dnf)
• Docker container support for isolation
• Bash and other shell support
• Docker support: Native Docker engine compatibility

Security Considerations

Desktop Commander operates with configurable security settings:

Desktop Commander can access your file system and run terminal commands. Always review what Claude is doing and configure appropriate security settings for your use case.

Default Security Features

• Blocked Commands: Dangerous system commands are blocked by default
• Directory Access: You can restrict access to specific directories
• Command Filtering: Customize which commands can be executed
• Process Isolation: Each terminal session runs in isolation

Security Levels by Installation Method

Standard Installation

Security Level: Good

• Runs with your user permissions
• Configurable directory restrictions
• Command blocking enabled by default
• Process isolation within user space

Docker Installation

Security Level: Excellent

• Complete container isolation from host system
• No access to host files unless explicitly mounted
• Network isolation with controlled port exposure
• Easy cleanup with no traces left on host system
• Resource limits can be applied

Recommended Security Practices

1. Start with restricted permissions and expand as needed
2. Review Claude’s actions before confirming file changes
3. Use directory restrictions for sensitive projects
4. Regularly review your configuration settings

Docker Support

For maximum security and isolation, Desktop Commander can run in Docker containers:

Docker Benefits

• Complete isolation from your host system
• Zero risk to your personal files
• Consistent environment across different machines
• Easy cleanup and reset

Next Steps

Choose your installation method based on your needs:

NPX

Recommended - Direct installation with interactive setup

Smithery

Web interface - GUI-based installation and management

Bash Script

macOS - One-command installation for Mac users

Docker

Maximum security - Isolated container environment

Manual

Advanced - Full control for experienced users

Uninstall

Remove - Complete uninstallation guide

Getting Help

If you encounter issues during installation:

• Check our troubleshooting guide
• Join our Discord community
• Review GitHub issues