How to install an MCP server

Find the server, then either run one command (Claude Code, Codex and Gemini CLI) or paste a JSON block into your client config (Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code) and restart. Local servers need Node.js or Python installed. ChatGPT only works with hosted servers that have a URL.

1. Check what you need

Local servers run with npx (needs Node.js) or uvx (needs Python and uv). Remote servers only need a URL. Every MCP server page here shows which kind it is.

2. Install it in your assistant

Claude Code: claude mcp add name -- command
Claude Desktop: edit claude_desktop_config.json, restart
Cursor: edit ~/.cursor/mcp.json
VS Code: edit .vscode/mcp.json (key is servers)
Codex: codex mcp add name -- command
Gemini CLI: gemini mcp add name command
ChatGPT: remote servers only, added in settings

3. Add keys if the server asks for them

Many servers need an API key for the service they connect to. Put it in the env section of the config, never in a shared file you commit to git.

4. Check it loaded

Restart the client and look for the server's tools. If it does not appear, see MCP server not showing up.