Preparing Your Machine for AI Agents
Prerequisites and Account Setup
Before installing Claude Desktop, ensure you have an active Claude account. If you don't have one yet, visit the Claude AI website and complete the registration process using either an email address or Google account. Verify your email, confirm you're over 18, select "personal use" for most cases, and start with the Free plan.
Node.js Installation
Node.js is essential for running MCP agents and must be installed before proceeding.
If you're not comfortable with command line or encounter issues:
- Visit Download page;
- Download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux);
- Run the downloaded installer and follow the setup wizard;
- Accept default settings during installation.
Check if Node.js is Already Installed
Open Terminal (Mac) or Command Prompt (Windows) and type:
node -v
If Node.js is Not Installed
- For Mac, run in Terminal:
brew install node
If you get "command not found: brew", you need to install Homebrew first:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
Then run brew install node again;
- For Windows, run in Command line:
winget install OpenJS.NodeJS
Verify installation by running
node -v again to see the version number.
Claude Desktop Set Up
- Visit the Claude Desktop download page;
- Select your operating system (Mac or Windows);
- Download and run the installer;
- Follow the setup wizard steps;
- Launch Claude Desktop and click "Get Started";
- Sign in using your existing Claude account credentials;
- Complete the authentication process through the web interface;
- Click "Open Claude" to launch the desktop version.
The Claude Desktop interface consists of three main areas:
- Left Panel: chat history and project management;
- Center Panel: main conversation area with prompt input bar;
- Bottom Toolbar: file attachment (+), search and tools list, and version selection.
The interface may evolve as development continues rapidly.
To configure MCP agents, access the Developer settings:
- Use keyboard shortcut:
Cmd + ,(Mac) orCtrl + ,(Windows) or navigate through the Settings tab; - Move to "Developer" tab;
- Click "Edit Config" to open the configuration file.
The configuration file is named claude-desktop-config.json. If the file appears empty (containing only two curly brackets {}), this is normal and ready for MCP server configurations.
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Prerequisites and Account Setup
Before installing Claude Desktop, ensure you have an active Claude account. If you don't have one yet, visit the Claude AI website and complete the registration process using either an email address or Google account. Verify your email, confirm you're over 18, select "personal use" for most cases, and start with the Free plan.
Node.js Installation
Node.js is essential for running MCP agents and must be installed before proceeding.
If you're not comfortable with command line or encounter issues:
- Visit Download page;
- Download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux);
- Run the downloaded installer and follow the setup wizard;
- Accept default settings during installation.
Check if Node.js is Already Installed
Open Terminal (Mac) or Command Prompt (Windows) and type:
node -v
If Node.js is Not Installed
- For Mac, run in Terminal:
brew install node
If you get "command not found: brew", you need to install Homebrew first:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
Then run brew install node again;
- For Windows, run in Command line:
winget install OpenJS.NodeJS
Verify installation by running
node -v again to see the version number.
Claude Desktop Set Up
- Visit the Claude Desktop download page;
- Select your operating system (Mac or Windows);
- Download and run the installer;
- Follow the setup wizard steps;
- Launch Claude Desktop and click "Get Started";
- Sign in using your existing Claude account credentials;
- Complete the authentication process through the web interface;
- Click "Open Claude" to launch the desktop version.
The Claude Desktop interface consists of three main areas:
- Left Panel: chat history and project management;
- Center Panel: main conversation area with prompt input bar;
- Bottom Toolbar: file attachment (+), search and tools list, and version selection.
The interface may evolve as development continues rapidly.
To configure MCP agents, access the Developer settings:
- Use keyboard shortcut:
Cmd + ,(Mac) orCtrl + ,(Windows) or navigate through the Settings tab; - Move to "Developer" tab;
- Click "Edit Config" to open the configuration file.
The configuration file is named claude-desktop-config.json. If the file appears empty (containing only two curly brackets {}), this is normal and ready for MCP server configurations.
Thanks for your feedback!
