Claude Desktop is Anthropic's native app for macOS and Windows. Beyond a faster, dedicated Claude window, its standout feature is native MCP support — you can connect local MCP servers so Claude works with your files, databases, and tools right from the desktop.
Why it matters
It's the easiest way to try MCP without writing any integration code: install the app, point it at an MCP server, and Claude can use those tools in conversation. For many people it's the first place MCP "clicks".
Good to know
- Native MCP config makes local tools available with minimal setup.
- Available for macOS and Windows.
- A good companion to the Filesystem and Postgres MCP servers in this directory.