Filesystem MCP Server

The Filesystem MCP Server lets the AI operate directly on a local directory you allow: read files, write files, list directories, search, and rename. No more pasting file contents into the AI.

For example, "sort the screenshots in Downloads into date-based subfolders" — the AI calls this server and does the organizing itself. It's one of MCP's official reference implementations.

See this server's health data →

What it does for you

Lets your AI read and write files in a directory you allow — no copy-paste; it opens, edits, and organizes files itself.

Capabilities

Read file contents
Write / edit files
List directories and search files
Move / rename files

Once installed, try asking your AI

Say this directly in Claude / Cursor or any client with this server connected

›“Sort the screenshots in ~/Downloads into date-based subfolders”
›“Read this project's README and summarize what it does”

Install / Connect

claude mcp add filesystem -- npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem

Follow the official README; env and args vary per server.

Works with these clients

Claude Desktopnpx
Claude Codenpx
Cursornpx
VS Codenpx
Windsurfnpx

Derived from the registry manifest (package type and transport) — we have not installed it ourselves. Check the official README before relying on it.

Why use it

Good for: anyone who wants the AI to organize files, batch-process documents, or read a local project.

Clear security boundary: it can only access the directories you explicitly allow in the config — nothing else. Its health and maintenance data is shown below.