> ## 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. # Smithery Installation > Install Desktop Commander using the Smithery package manager (Recommended) # Smithery Installation (Recommended) Smithery is a package manager specifically designed for MCP tools, making it the easiest and most reliable way to install Desktop Commander. ## Why Smithery? > **Automatic Setup** > > Handles all configuration automatically - no manual editing required > **Easy Updates** > > Simple update command keeps Desktop Commander current > **Clean Uninstall** > > Complete removal with configuration cleanup > **MCP Optimized** > > Built specifically for Model Context Protocol tools ## Prerequisites Before installing, ensure you have: * **Claude Desktop** installed from [claude.ai/download](https://claude.ai/download) * **Claude Pro or Max subscription** (required for Desktop Commander) * **Node.js v18.18.0+** from [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) ## Installation Steps **1. Visit Smithery Website** Go to the Desktop Commander Smithery page: **[https://smithery.ai/server/@wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander](https://smithery.ai/server/@wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander)** **2. Login to Smithery** If you haven't already, create an account or login to Smithery **3. Select Your Client** On the right side of the page, select **Claude Desktop** as your client **4. Install with Provided Key** After selecting Claude Desktop, Smithery will show you a unique installation key. Follow the instructions to install using this key. **5. Restart Claude Desktop** Close Claude Desktop completely and reopen it ## What Smithery Does When you install through Smithery's web interface: ### Web-Based Configuration * **Visual Interface**: Easy-to-use web interface for installation * **Client Selection**: Choose Claude Desktop from supported clients * **Unique Keys**: Generated installation keys for secure setup * **Account Management**: Track installations through your Smithery account ### Automatic Setup * **Configuration Management**: Updates your Claude Desktop configuration automatically * **Version Management**: Handles Desktop Commander versions and updates * **Error Handling**: Provides clear feedback if installation issues occur * **Cross-Platform**: Works consistently across Windows, Mac, and Linux ## Installation Process The Smithery web interface guides you through each step: 1. **Account Setup**: Login or create your Smithery account 2. **Server Selection**: Navigate to Desktop Commander's page 3. **Client Configuration**: Select Claude Desktop as your target client 4. **Key Generation**: Smithery generates a unique installation key for you 5. **Installation Instructions**: Clear instructions for using the generated key 6. **Verification**: Confirmation that installation was successful ## Verification After installation, verify Desktop Commander is working: **1. Open Claude Desktop** Start a fresh Claude Desktop session **2. Test Basic Functionality** Try this simple test: ``` Can you list the files in my home directory? ``` **3. Confirm Success** If Claude shows you a file listing, Desktop Commander is working correctly! > [!TIP] > > Success! If you see file listings, Desktop Commander is installed and working. ## Updates and Maintenance ### Automatic Updates ✅ **Auto-Updates**: Desktop Commander automatically updates when you restart Claude Desktop ### Manual Updates 🔄 **Manual Update**: Visit the [Smithery page](https://smithery.ai/server/@wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander) and reinstall to get the latest version immediately ### Managing Installation * **View Status**: Check your installations on your Smithery dashboard * **Reinstall**: Use the same process to reinstall or update * **Uninstall**: Remove the installation through Smithery interface ## Platform-Specific Notes **Windows** **Recommended**: Use PowerShell instead of Command Prompt for better compatibility **Common Issues**: * Windows Defender may scan NPX packages (this is normal) * Some corporate networks block NPM - contact your IT team * If you get permission errors, try running PowerShell as Administrator **Mac** **Compatibility**: Works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs **Common Issues**: * May need to accept security prompts for Node.js execution * Homebrew users can also install Node.js with: `brew install node` * If Gatekeeper blocks execution, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy **Linux** **Package Managers**: Works with all major Linux distributions **Common Issues**: * Ensure you have write permissions to the Claude config directory * Some distributions package Node.js separately from npm * AppImage version of Claude may have different config paths ## Troubleshooting Smithery Installation > **Installation fails with permission errors** > > **Windows**: Run PowerShell as Administrator > > **Mac/Linux**: Check file permissions, but avoid using `sudo` with npm > > **Solution**: Ensure your user has write access to the Claude config directory > **Claude configuration not found** > > 1. Make sure Claude Desktop has been run at least once > 2. Check if Claude is installed in a non-standard location > 3. Manually create the config directory if needed > 4. Use the manual installation method as an alternative > **Network or proxy issues** > > 1. Check your internet connection > 2. Configure NPM proxy settings if behind corporate firewall > 3. Try using a VPN if regional restrictions apply > 4. Contact your network administrator for npm registry access > **Node.js version issues** > > 1. Verify Node.js version with: `node --version` > 2. Update Node.js to v18.18.0 or higher > 3. Clear npm cache: `npm cache clean --force` > 4. Restart terminal after Node.js update ## Why We Recommend Smithery Smithery provides the most reliable installation experience because: 1. **Automated Configuration**: No manual JSON editing required 2. **Error Recovery**: Automatic rollback if installation fails 3. **Update Management**: Seamless updates with dependency handling 4. **Multi-Platform**: Consistent experience across Windows, Mac, and Linux 5. **MCP Focused**: Built specifically for Model Context Protocol tools ## Next Steps > **[Quick Start Guide](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/quickstart.md)** > > Learn basic usage with simple examples > **[Security Configuration](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/tools/system/get-config.md)** > > Customize your security settings > **[Use Cases](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/use-cases/overview.md)** > > Discover what you can accomplish > **[Troubleshooting](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/support/troubleshooting.md)** > > Get help with common issues This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.