Desktop Extensions for MCP

One-click installable packages that bundle MCP servers with all dependencies, eliminating installation complexity for users through the .dxt format.

Desktop Extensions for MCP

Desktop Extensions solve the MCP installation problem by bundling entire MCP servers—including all dependencies—into single installable packages. They transform the complex multi-step installation process into a simple one-click experience.

The Problem They Solve

Traditional MCP server installation requires:

Developer tools (Node.js, Python, etc.)
Manual JSON configuration editing
Dependency management and version conflicts
No discovery mechanism for finding servers
Complex update procedures

How Desktop Extensions Work

Before	After
Install Node.js, npm install packages, edit config files, restart host	Download .dxt file, double-click, click "Install"
Multiple failure points	Single streamlined process
Technical expertise required	Accessible to all users

Architecture Overview

Desktop Extensions are ZIP archives containing:

extension.dxt
├── manifest.json         # Extension metadata and configuration
├── server/              # MCP server implementation
│   └── [server files]   
├── dependencies/        # All required packages/libraries
└── icon.png            # Optional extension icon

Key Features

Bundled Dependencies - No external runtime requirements
Automatic Updates - Extensions update without user intervention
Secure Configuration - Sensitive data stored in OS keychain
Cross-Platform - Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
User-Friendly Configuration - Visual UI for setup parameters

Extension Types

Type	Description	Example
Node.js	JavaScript/TypeScript servers	File system access, API integrations
Python	Python-based servers	Data analysis, machine learning tools
Binary	Compiled executables	System utilities, specialized tools

Development Workflow

# Initialize extension
npx @anthropic-ai/dxt init

# Configure manifest.json
# Bundle server files and dependencies

# Package extension
npx @anthropic-ai/dxt pack

# Test locally
# Drag .dxt file into Claude Desktop Settings

User Configuration

Extensions can declare required user inputs:

{
  "user_config": {
    "api_key": {
      "type": "string",
      "title": "API Key",
      "description": "Your service API key",
      "sensitive": true,
      "required": true
    },
    "allowed_directories": {
      "type": "directory",
      "title": "Allowed Directories",
      "description": "Directories the server can access",
      "multiple": true,
      "required": true
    }
  }
}