# Claude Desktop Setup

Source checked: 2026-06-19
Official source: https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11175166-get-started-with-custom-connectors-using-remote-mcp

Claude Desktop setup may use remote custom connectors or the Core MCPB desktop extension depending on current Claude support and user plan.

Claude Desktop is not Claude Code. Do not use `claude mcp add`, `claude mcp remove`, or Claude Code local config commands unless the user explicitly asks to configure Claude Code instead.

Human handoff for MCPB:

1. Download the Core desktop extension from Core Settings.
2. Open Claude Desktop.
3. Open Settings -> Extensions.
4. Install the downloaded Core extension.
5. Paste the Core connector key only if Claude asks for it.
6. Restart Claude Desktop if tools do not appear.

Do not assume the user is comfortable editing JSON files.