---
title: "Memory MCP server – install in Claude Desktop and Cursor"
summary: "Reference MCP server that gives an agent a persistent key-value knowledge graph it can read and write across sessions."
canonical: https://unlocksaas.com/mcp-tools/memory
updated: 2026-05-22
publisher: "Unlock SaaS"
author: "Maryan"
license: All rights reserved. Quotation with attribution permitted.
---

# Memory MCP server

> Reference MCP server that gives an agent a persistent key-value knowledge graph it can read and write across sessions.

- Vendor: Anthropic (reference)
- Vendor URL: https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main/src/memory
- Category: Reference servers
- Distribution: npm package (runs locally)
- Install handle: @modelcontextprotocol/server-memory
- Official: yes
- Access: Local, free, persists to a JSON file you control.

## TL;DR

The Memory reference server is Anthropic's canonical example of a stateful MCP. It stores entities, relations, and observations in a local knowledge graph the agent can query, extend, and prune across conversations. The right baseline server when you want the assistant to remember things between chats without you re-explaining context.

## Why an indie SaaS founder cares

If you find yourself re-pasting your founder bio, product positioning, or current focus into every new chat, install this server and let the assistant build up a private knowledge graph about your business it can consult automatically.

## What an agent can do with it

- **Persist entities and relations** – Store named entities and the relationships between them across sessions.
- **Read the graph** – Query the graph by entity, relation, or free-text observation.
- **Update or prune** – Add, modify, or remove observations as facts change.

## Install in Claude Desktop

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

## Install in Cursor

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

## FAQ

**Where does Memory store its data?**

In a local JSON file at the path you configure. You own the file, so you can back it up, version it, or delete it at will.

**Is the data sent anywhere?**

No. The server is local. Only the assistant in your chat reads from it during a session.

Last verified: 2026-05-22.

---

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