Filesystem MCP Server
Implements file-system operations through an MCP server built with Node.js.
Published by modelcontextprotocolmodelcontextprotocol/servers
What you are opening
A public repository reference. Follow the original documentation for its supported capabilities and setup.
How to set it up
- Read the pinned README for the tools, arguments and permissions this server exposes.
- Add the server to your client with the matching snippet; replace any placeholder paths first.
- Restart the client, approve the server and try a harmless read before allowing changes.
What is the filesystem MCP server?
The modelcontextprotocol/servers reference implementation is published as @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem. It uses Node.js to expose local file and directory operations through MCP: read text or media, list and search paths, inspect metadata, and write or edit files. It is not a cloud drive or a binary analysis engine.
Allowed directories and MCP Roots
Pass absolute allowed directories in the launch arguments. If a client supplies MCP Roots, those replace the command-line directory list and may change during a session. Use list_allowed_directories to inspect the effective scope. Directory limits do not make the server read-only: write_file and edit_file can overwrite content inside that scope.
First connection and troubleshooting
In the Install tab, choose your client and replace /path/to/allowed/dir before copying the configuration. Start with a test folder and read one non-sensitive file. If startup fails without directories, supply a valid allowed path or configure client Roots. For an access-denied result, check the effective directory list and operating-system permissions before broadening access.
Related workflows
- Filesystem in Claude Code: Compare host setup and existing file tools before connecting.
- Reverse engineering MCP comparison: Use an analysis engine for binaries or APKs; Filesystem can read its exported reports.
FAQ
Which package provides the file system MCP server?
The Node.js reference server is @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem in modelcontextprotocol/servers. This page links to its README at the pinned commit and provides client-specific configuration in the Install tab.
Is server-filesystem MCP read-only?
No. It includes read tools and write-capable tools such as write_file and edit_file. Restrict allowed directories and review tool permissions separately. A path allowlist does not prevent changes within an allowed folder.
Why can Filesystem MCP not access my directory?
Check list_allowed_directories and operating-system permissions. Client-supplied MCP Roots replace the startup directory list, so a command-line path may no longer be allowed. Confirm the intended absolute path before changing the configuration.
Should I add Filesystem MCP to Claude Code?
Only if MCP-based file tools fill a need in your workflow. Check Claude Code’s existing file access first. Use the linked Claude Code MCP guide for host setup, and test a harmless read before permitting file changes.
Before you add it
- Read the instructions and review any scripts before running them.
- Check tool access, required credentials and third-party network requests.
- The source license and any resource-specific terms take precedence.
