Install
A simple CLI to install MCP servers into any client - auth included!
What is Install?
Install is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to simple cli to install mcp servers into any client - auth included!
A simple CLI to install MCP servers into any client - auth included!
This server falls under the Developer Tools category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- A simple CLI to install MCP servers into any client - auth i
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
NPM
npx -y install-mcpManual Installation
npx -y install-mcpConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Install
install-mcp is a command-line tool that simplifies adding MCP servers to any supported AI client with a single command, handling package resolution, configuration file updates, and OAuth authentication automatically. It supports over 18 clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, Warp, and more. Developers who work across multiple AI tools or who want to onboard new MCP servers without manually editing JSON config files will save significant setup time.
Prerequisites
- Node.js 18 or newer with npx available
- At least one supported MCP client installed (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code with Continue, etc.)
- The MCP server package name or URL you want to install
- Relevant API keys or credentials for the MCP server you are installing
Run install-mcp with a package name and target client
Provide the npm package name (or a full command string) and specify which client to configure with --client. install-mcp resolves the package and writes the correct config entry.
npx -y install-mcp @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem --client claude-desktopInstall a remote MCP server from a URL
For remote servers that serve MCP over HTTP, provide the full URL. install-mcp will name the server automatically and handle authentication.
npx -y install-mcp https://mcp.example.com/sse --client cursorAdd custom authentication headers
Use --header to inject API keys or bearer tokens for servers that require custom authentication. Multiple --header flags are supported.
npx -y install-mcp https://api.example.com/mcp --client claude-desktop --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"Install with OAuth flow
For servers that support OAuth, add --oauth yes. install-mcp will trigger the OAuth consent flow and store the resulting tokens in the client configuration.
npx -y install-mcp https://oauth-mcp.example.com --client vscode --oauth yesVerify the installation
Restart the target MCP client and confirm the new server appears in its connected tools list. If the client supports it, list available tools to verify the server is responding.
Install Examples
Client configuration
install-mcp writes config files rather than being configured itself. Here is an example of the output it produces in claude_desktop_config.json after running 'npx -y install-mcp @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem --client claude-desktop'.
{
"mcpServers": {
"filesystem": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/home/user"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
install-mcp is a CLI tool, not an MCP server itself. Use these shell commands to install various MCP servers across different clients.
- npx -y install-mcp @modelcontextprotocol/server-github --client claude-desktop
- npx -y install-mcp @modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres --client cursor
- npx -y install-mcp https://mcp.example.com/sse --client windsurf --oauth yes
- npx -y install-mcp some-mcp-package --client claude-code
- npx -y install-mcp some-package --client vscode --header "X-API-Key: abc123"Troubleshooting Install
Client name is not recognized (error about unsupported client)
Use the exact client identifier. Supported values include: claude-desktop, cline, roo-cline, windsurf, witsy, enconvo, cursor, vscode, gemini-cli, claude-code, goose, zed, opencode, warp, codex, droid, aider, aider-desk. Run 'npx -y install-mcp --help' to see the current list.
Config file not found or permission denied when writing
install-mcp writes to the standard config location for each client. Ensure the client has been run at least once so its config directory exists. On macOS, Claude Desktop config is at ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json.
OAuth flow opens a browser but hangs after authorization
The OAuth redirect needs to land on a local callback server that install-mcp starts temporarily. Ensure no firewall is blocking localhost ports. If the browser does not redirect automatically, copy the callback URL from the browser address bar and paste it in the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Install
What is Install?
Install is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that simple cli to install mcp servers into any client - auth included! It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Install?
Install via npm with the command: npx -y install-mcp. Then add the server configuration to your AI client's JSON config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json).
Which AI clients work with Install?
Install works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Install free to use?
Yes, Install is open source and available under the MIT license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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