wsl-setup.md•2.23 kB
# WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) Setup Guide
This guide provides detailed instructions for setting up Zen MCP Server on Windows using WSL.
## Prerequisites for WSL
```bash
# Update WSL and ensure you have a recent Ubuntu distribution
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
# Install required system dependencies
sudo apt install -y python3-venv python3-pip curl git
# Install Node.js and npm (required for Claude Code CLI)
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
# Install Claude Code CLI globally
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
```
## WSL-Specific Installation Steps
1. **Clone the repository in your WSL environment** (not in Windows filesystem):
```bash
# Navigate to your home directory or preferred location in WSL
cd ~
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/BeehiveInnovations/zen-mcp-server.git
cd zen-mcp-server
```
2. **Run the setup script**:
```bash
# Make the script executable and run it
chmod +x run-server.sh
./run-server.sh
```
3. **Verify Claude Code can find the MCP server**:
```bash
# List configured MCP servers
claude mcp list
# You should see 'zen' listed in the output
# If not, the setup script will provide the correct configuration
```
## Troubleshooting WSL Issues
### Python Environment Issues
```bash
# If you encounter Python virtual environment issues
sudo apt install -y python3.12-venv python3.12-dev
# Ensure pip is up to date
python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip
```
### Path Issues
- Always use the full WSL path for MCP configuration (e.g., `/home/YourName/zen-mcp-server/`)
- The setup script automatically detects WSL and configures the correct paths
### Claude Code Connection Issues
```bash
# If Claude Code can't connect to the MCP server, check the configuration
cat ~/.claude.json | grep -A 10 "zen"
# The configuration should show the correct WSL path to the Python executable
# Example: "/home/YourName/zen-mcp-server/.zen_venv/bin/python"
```
### Performance Tip
For best performance, keep your zen-mcp-server directory in the WSL filesystem (e.g., `~/zen-mcp-server`) rather than in the Windows filesystem (`/mnt/c/...`).