Available for Team and Enterprise plans with Claude Desktop.
What are desktop extensions?
Desktop extensions are local MCP servers that run on user devices, providing:- Local tool access without internet dependency
- Enhanced security for sensitive operations
- Custom integrations for internal tools
- Enterprise deployment capabilities
MCPB (MCP Bundles)
MCPB is Anthropic’s utility for building and deploying desktop extensions:- Package MCP servers for distribution
- Handle cross-platform compatibility
- Manage dependencies
- Support enterprise deployment
Key features
- Bundling: Package your MCP server with all dependencies
- Distribution: Deploy to users via your organization’s channels
- Updates: Manage version updates centrally
- Security: Sign and verify extensions
When to use desktop vs remote
| Use Case | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Access to local files/tools | Desktop Extension |
| Internet-hosted services | Remote MCP |
| Sensitive enterprise data | Desktop Extension |
| Public APIs | Remote MCP |
| Offline capability needed | Desktop Extension |
Enterprise deployment
For Team and Enterprise plans, admins can:- Build custom desktop extensions
- Package with MCPB
- Deploy through enterprise software management
- Control which extensions are available to users
Security considerations
Desktop extensions run locally with user permissions:- Access only what the user can access
- No data transmitted unless explicitly designed
- Full audit capability for enterprise
- Revocable by administrators
Getting started
- Review the MCPB documentation
- Build your MCP server
- Bundle with MCPB
- Test locally
- Deploy to your organization