Filesystem MCP Server

What it does

Reference MCP server that lets an AI read, write, edit, move and search files and directories, restricted to the folders you allow.

Who it's for

People who want Claude Desktop or another chat app to work with files on their computer.

How to set it up

1. Install Node.js.

2. Add the server, listing as many allowed folders as you need. On Windows, launch it through cmd /c npx.

   jsonCopy

   {
     "mcpServers": {
       "filesystem": {
         "command": "npx",
         "args": [
           "-y",
           "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem",
           "/path/to/allowed/folder"
         ]
       }
     }
   }

3. Only list folders you're happy for the AI to access. If your client supports MCP Roots, it can set the allowed folders for you. Restart the client afterwards.

Check the official docs for the latest steps.

Example prompts

Find every markdown file in my notes folder that mentions 'invoice'.

Show me a directory tree of my project folder, excluding node_modules.

Read my README and suggest a clearer intro, then preview the edit before applying it.

Demo