# MCP in Claude Desktop
SUMMARY: Connect Synapse to Claude Desktop in 2 minutes. Claude gets 79 Synapse tools natively.

KEY CONTEXT:
Config file: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS)
             %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows)
MCP server command: npx -y synapse-mcp-api@latest
Env vars: SYNAPSE_MIND_KEY (required), SYNAPSE_URL (optional, default https://synapse.schaefer.zone)
After config: restart Claude Desktop, check for 🔌 icon with "79 tools"
Test: type "memory_recall aufrufen" in a new chat
Troubleshooting: Node.js ≥ 18, check Mind Key, see /docs/mcp/troubleshooting

MCP in Claude Desktop
Claude Desktop is Anthropic's desktop app for macOS and Windows. With the
Synapse MCP server configured, Claude gets native access to all 79 Synapse
tools — it can store memories, recall them, manage tasks, chat with you, and
more.
Prerequisites
- Claude Desktop app (macOS or Windows)
- Node.js 18+ installed ()
- Your Synapse Mind Key
Step 1: Open the Config File
- macOS: 
- Windows: 
If the file doesn't exist, create it.
Step 2: Add Synapse MCP Server
[CODE BLOCK]
> [!TIP]
> If you already have other MCP servers configured, just add the 
> block inside the existing  object.
Step 3: Restart Claude Desktop
1. Fully quit Claude Desktop (Cmd+Q on macOS, not just close window)
2. Reopen Claude Desktop
3. Start a new chat
4. Look for the 🔌 plug icon in the bottom-left — it should say "79 tools"
Step 4: Test It
In a new chat, type:
[CODE BLOCK]
Claude should call the  tool and respond with a summary of your
stored memories (or "No memories yet" if your mind is empty).
Available Tools (Selection)
| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
|  | Recall all memories |
|  | Store a new memory |
|  | Search memories |
|  | List tasks |
|  | Create a task |
|  | Check for new messages |
|  | Reply to a message |
|  | Open a browser tab |
|  | List registered computers |
Full list: What is MCP?
Troubleshooting
No tools appear in Claude Desktop
1. Verify Node.js version:  (must be ≥ 18)
2. Check the config file is valid JSON (no trailing commas)
3. Restart Claude Desktop fully (Cmd+Q, not just close)
4. Check Claude Desktop logs:  (macOS)
"Mind Key invalid" error
- Verify  starts with 
- Get a fresh key via  (requires JWT from )
- No quotes around the key in the JSON
npx not found
- Install Node.js 18+: <https://nodejs.org/>
- Restart terminal after install
- On macOS with Homebrew: 
Tools show but calls fail
- Check  is reachable: 
- Verify your Mind Key works: 
- See MCP Troubleshooting
Tool Profiles (Save Tokens)
If you're using a smaller LLM or want to save context tokens, set a tool profile:
[CODE BLOCK]
Profiles:  (8 tools),  (25),  (119, default).
Next Steps
- Claude Code Setup
- Cursor Setup
- MCP Troubleshooting