> ## 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.

# Quick Start Guide

> Get Desktop Commander up and running in minutes - no technical skills required

# Quick Start Guide

Get Desktop Commander working with Claude Desktop in just a few minutes. This guide is designed for non-technical users who want to get started quickly.

## What You'll Need

Before we begin, make sure you have:

1. **Claude Desktop** - Download from [claude.ai/download](https://claude.ai/download)
2. **Claude Pro or Max subscription** - Required for Desktop Commander to work
3. **Node.js** - Download from [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) (we'll walk you through this)

> [!NOTE]
>
> Don't worry if you're not technical - we'll guide you through each step!

## Step 1: Install Node.js

Node.js is required to run Desktop Commander. Here's how to install it:

**Windows**

1. Go to [nodejs.org/download](https://nodejs.org/download)
2. Click the "Windows Installer" button to download
3. Run the downloaded file and follow the installation wizard
4. Accept all default settings - just keep clicking "Next"
5. Restart your computer when installation is complete

**Mac**

1. Go to [nodejs.org/download](https://nodejs.org/download)
2. Click the "macOS Installer" button to download
3. Run the downloaded .pkg file
4. Follow the installation steps, accepting all defaults
5. You may need to enter your password during installation

**Linux**

Open Terminal and run:

```bash theme={null}
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nodejs npm
```

Or for other Linux distributions, visit [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) for specific instructions.

## Step 2: Install Desktop Commander (NPX Method)

The recommended way to install Desktop Commander is using NPX:

**Windows**

1. Press `Windows Key + R`
2. Type `cmd` and press Enter to open Command Prompt
3. Copy and paste this command:

```bash theme={null}
npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest setup
```

4. Press Enter and follow the interactive setup wizard

**Mac**

1. Press `Cmd + Space` and type "Terminal"
2. Press Enter to open Terminal
3. Copy and paste this command:

```bash theme={null}
npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest setup
```

4. Press Enter and follow the setup prompts

**Linux**

1. Open Terminal
2. Run the installation command:

```bash theme={null}
npx @wonderwhy-er/desktop-commander@latest setup
```

3. Follow the interactive setup wizard

> [!NOTE]
>
> The setup wizard will guide you through security settings and configuration options. Choose the defaults if you're unsure - you can change them later.

## Step 3: Restart Claude Desktop

After installation is complete:

1. **Close Claude Desktop completely** (make sure it's not running in the background)
2. **Reopen Claude Desktop**
3. Wait for it to fully load

## Step 4: Test Desktop Commander

Let's make sure everything is working:

1. Open a new chat in Claude Desktop
2. Type this message:
   ```
   Can you show me what I can do with Desktop Commander?
   ```
3. If Desktop Commander is working, Claude will show you a list of files and folders

> [!TIP]
>
> Success! If you see file listings, Desktop Commander is working correctly.

## What Can You Do Now?

Now that Desktop Commander is installed, here are some things you can try:

> **Organize Files**
>
> Ask Claude to help organize your documents, photos, or downloads folder

> **Analyze Data**
>
> Upload a CSV file and ask Claude to analyze it and create charts

> **Automate Tasks**
>
> Ask Claude to help automate repetitive file operations

> **Search Content**
>
> Find files containing specific text or search across your projects

## Need Help?

If something didn't work:

1. **Check our [Troubleshooting Guide](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/support/troubleshooting.md)**
2. **Join our [Discord Community](https://discord.gg/kQ27sNnZr7)** for help
3. **Review the [Installation Guide](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/installation/overview.md)** for detailed instructions

## Next Steps

> **[Use Cases](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/use-cases/overview.md)**
>
> See practical examples of what you can do

> **[Tools Reference](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/tools/overview.md)**
>
> Learn about all available features

> **[Security Settings](https://desktopcommander.mintlify.site/tools/system/get-config.md)**
>
> Customize your security preferences


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