---
title: "Filesystem MCP server – install in Claude Desktop and Cursor"
summary: "Reference MCP server that gives an agent scoped read and write access to a directory on the local filesystem."
canonical: https://unlocksaas.com/mcp-tools/filesystem
updated: 2026-05-22
publisher: "Unlock SaaS"
author: "Maryan"
license: All rights reserved. Quotation with attribution permitted.
---

# Filesystem MCP server

> Reference MCP server that gives an agent scoped read and write access to a directory on the local filesystem.

- Vendor: Anthropic (reference)
- Vendor URL: https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main/src/filesystem
- Category: Reference servers
- Distribution: npm package (runs locally)
- Install handle: @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem
- Official: yes
- Access: Local, free, sandboxed to the directory you pass at startup.

## TL;DR

The Filesystem reference server is one of the canonical MCP examples published by Anthropic. It exposes a sandboxed read and write surface scoped to a directory you pass at startup, so an agent can browse, read, edit, and create files inside that root without ever leaving the sandbox. The right baseline server for any local agent workflow.

## Why an indie SaaS founder cares

If you are pair-programming with Claude on the codebase of your indie SaaS, this is the first MCP server you install. It lets the assistant read and write files in the project root without asking you to copy-paste, while keeping anything outside the chosen root off-limits.

## What an agent can do with it

- **Read files** – Read text or binary file contents anywhere inside the sandboxed root.
- **Write and edit files** – Create new files, overwrite existing files, or apply targeted edits.
- **Browse directories** – List contents, search, and follow the tree without leaving the sandbox.

## Install in Claude Desktop

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem"]
    }
  }
}
```

## Install in Cursor

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem"]
    }
  }
}
```

## FAQ

**Can the server access files outside the directory I configure?**

No – the sandbox root is enforced. Paths outside it are rejected.

**Does the server require a network connection?**

No. Filesystem MCP is local-only.

**How do I install it in Claude Desktop?**

Add an mcpServers entry that runs `npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem /absolute/path/to/your/sandbox` and restart Claude.

Last verified: 2026-05-22.

---

Canonical URL: https://unlocksaas.com/mcp-tools/filesystem
Publisher: Unlock SaaS (https://unlocksaas.com)
Contact: maryan@unlocksaas.com