> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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](https://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](https://nodejs.org)

## Installation Methods

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

> **[NPX Installation (Recommended)](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/npx.md)**
>
> **Best for most users**
>
> Install directly using NPX with interactive setup wizard. Always gets the latest version with customizable configuration options.

> **[Smithery](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/smithery.md)**
>
> **Web interface**
>
> Visual web interface for MCP tool management. Good for users who prefer GUI-based installation and management.

> **[Bash Script (macOS)](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/bash-script.md)**
>
> **macOS users**
>
> One-command installation script for macOS that handles Node.js installation and system integration automatically.

> **[Docker Installation](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/docker.md)**
>
> **Maximum security**
>
> Run Desktop Commander in complete isolation with Docker containers. Zero risk to your host system with full functionality.

> **[Manual Installation](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/manual.md)**
>
> **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:

> [!WARNING]
>
> 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](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/npx.md)**
>
> **Recommended** - Direct installation with interactive setup

> **[Smithery](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/smithery.md)**
>
> **Web interface** - GUI-based installation and management

> **[Bash Script](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/bash-script.md)**
>
> **macOS** - One-command installation for Mac users

> **[Docker](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/docker.md)**
>
> **Maximum security** - Isolated container environment

> **[Manual](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/manual.md)**
>
> **Advanced** - Full control for experienced users

> **[Uninstall](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/uninstall.md)**
>
> **Remove** - Complete uninstallation guide

## Getting Help

If you encounter issues during installation:

* Check our [troubleshooting guide](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/support/troubleshooting.md)
* Join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/kQ27sNnZr7)
* Review [GitHub issues](https://github.com/wonderwhy-er/DesktopCommanderMCP/issues)


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.