How to install MCP servers on Windows?
▸ TL;DR
Same as macOS: install Node.js (with npm in PATH), open Claude Desktop / Cursor / Claude Code, install via Unyly one-click. Windows-specific: use PowerShell as admin if `where node` returns nothing, and prefer the official Node.js installer (not Chocolatey) for PATH simplicity.
See install guidesFull answer
MCPs work identically on Windows once Node.js is in PATH. Steps: (1) Install Node.js from nodejs.org — accept the default PATH setup. (2) Open PowerShell, run `where node` — should return a path. If it doesn't, restart your shell or add Node to PATH manually. (3) Open Claude Desktop. Config lives at %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json. (4) Use Unyly for one-click install — it writes the right config. (5) Quit Claude completely (right-click tray → Quit) and reopen. Common issues: PowerShell execution policy blocking npm, antivirus quarantining npm packages, or PATH not refreshed. Fixes: `Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser RemoteSigned`, whitelist node.exe in AV, restart.
Related questions
Can I use MCP in Cursor?
Yes. Cursor supports MCP servers natively. Install via Unyly (one-click cursor:// deeplink) or hand-edit ~/.cursor/mcp.json. After install, reload Cursor (Cmd+Shift+P → Reload Window).
Which clients support MCP?
Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (with MCP extension), Continue.dev, Cline, Zed. The list grows monthly. Unyly generates install instructions for the major clients automatically.