Claude Desktop ​

Claude Desktop is Anthropic's native desktop application and the original reference client for the Model Context Protocol. It implements the full MCP specification — tools, resources, prompts, and sampling — making it the most complete MCP client available. If an MCP feature exists, Claude Desktop supports it.

Cl
Claude Desktop
Anthropic · claude.ai/download
TRANSPORT
stdio · Streamable HTTP ✓
PLATFORM
Windows · macOS
MCP VIA
JSON Config

The Reference MCP Implementation ​

As the first application to ship with MCP support, Claude Desktop implements every part of the protocol. This matters because many MCP clients only support a subset — typically just tools. Claude Desktop also handles:

  • Resources — the model can read files, database records, or documents exposed by MCP servers
  • Prompts — MCP servers can provide reusable prompt templates that appear in the Claude Desktop UI
  • Sampling — the server can request Claude to generate text on its behalf, enabling multi-step workflows
  • Tool chaining — Claude can call multiple tools in sequence without user intervention

This full-protocol support makes Claude Desktop the best place to test and validate MCP servers during development. If your server works here, it will work everywhere.

Configuration ​

1. Create a Vinkius Token ​

In Vinkius Cloud, select your server → Connection Tokens → Create. Copy the URL.

2. Edit claude_desktop_config.json ​

Open the config file:

  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
  • Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Add your server:

json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "vinkius": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/{TOKEN}/mcp"
    }
  }
}

3. Restart Claude Desktop ​

Quit and reopen the app. A small hammer icon in the chat toolbar indicates MCP servers are connected. Click it to see the list of available tools.

Multiple servers

Add as many entries as you need to the mcpServers object. Each gets its own namespace and tool list.

FAQ ​

What MCP features does Claude Desktop support? All of them: tools, resources, prompts, sampling, and notifications. It is the reference implementation of the full MCP specification.

Where is the config file located? On macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json. On Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json.

Can I use both stdio and HTTP servers? Yes. Claude Desktop supports both transports simultaneously. Vinkius Cloud uses Streamable HTTP, while local servers typically use stdio.

Does Claude Desktop require a subscription? You need a Claude Pro, Team, or Enterprise subscription, or an API key. There is no free tier.