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License: MIT npm version MCP Compatible npm downloads

🚀 NEW: Universal MCP Installer v1.0.0 — Complete rewrite of cursor-mcp-installer. Now supports 6 AI clients (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, OpenClaw, Claude Code, ChatGPT), cross-platform (macOS, Windows, Linux), real MCP handshake validation, and a branded web dashboard. Upgraded to MCP SDK 1.29.0.

🖥️ Web Dashboard Available! Launch with npx universal-mcp-installer --ui to manage everything from a visual interface. See Using the Dashboard below.

Quick Start Guide

Step 1: Install an MCP Server (One Command)

npx universal-mcp-installer install @modelcontextprotocol/server-memory

That's it. The installer detects which AI clients you have installed and writes the correct config for each one.

Step 2: Or Add as an MCP Tool (Let Your AI Install Other MCP Servers)

Add this to your AI client's MCP configuration:

Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "MCP Installer": {
      "command": "npx",
      "type": "stdio",
      "args": ["-y", "universal-mcp-installer"]
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop (claude_desktop_config.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "MCP Installer": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "universal-mcp-installer"]
    }
  }
}

VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json)

{
  "servers": {
    "mcpInstaller": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "universal-mcp-installer"]
    }
  }
}

Step 3: Restart Your AI Client

Close and reopen your AI client to apply the configuration changes.

Step 4: Ask Your AI to Install Servers

Install the filesystem MCP server

or

Install the web search MCP server

The installer exposes three tools your AI can call:

Tool

Description

detect_system

Returns OS, architecture, available runtimes, and detected AI clients

install_mcp_server

Installs a server by package name, git URL, or local path to selected clients

validate_mcp_server

Validates a server via MCP handshake and returns the result

Related MCP server: hyper-mcp

Using the Dashboard

Launch the visual interface:

npx universal-mcp-installer --ui

This opens web interface in your browser at http://localhost:3939:

1. System Panel — The top section automatically detects your OS and all available runtimes (Node, npm, uvx, Python, git) so you can see at a glance what's available on your machine.

2. AI Clients — Each detected client gets a card showing its name, config file path, and how many MCP servers are already configured. Use the toggle switch on each card to include or exclude it from the next installation. Uninstalled clients appear dimmed.

3. Install — Type a package name (npm package, git URL, or local path), pick a method from the dropdown (Auto / npm / uvx / git / local), and hit the green Install button. The installer resolves the package, writes config to every toggled client, and validates via MCP handshake.

4. Progress & Results — A real-time timeline shows each step (resolving, writing config, validating) with live status updates via WebSocket. Once complete, a health report grid shows pass/fail per client with tool counts, latency, and recovery hints for any failures.

Supported Clients

Client

Config Key

Platforms

Claude Desktop

mcpServers

macOS, Windows, Linux

Cursor

mcpServers

macOS, Windows, Linux

VS Code (Copilot)

servers

All (workspace-level)

OpenClaw / NemoClaw

mcp.servers

macOS, Linux

Claude Code

mcpServers

macOS, Windows, Linux

ChatGPT Desktop

HTTP Bridge

All (via local HTTP proxy)

Where Are the Config Files?

Client

macOS

Windows

Linux

Claude Desktop

~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Cursor

~/.cursor/mcp.json

%USERPROFILE%\.cursor\mcp.json

~/.cursor/mcp.json

VS Code

.vscode/mcp.json (workspace)

.vscode/mcp.json (workspace)

.vscode/mcp.json (workspace)

OpenClaw

~/.openclaw/openclaw.json

-

~/.openclaw/openclaw.json

Claude Code

.mcp.json (project root)

.mcp.json (project root)

.mcp.json (project root)

Features

  • Auto-detection of installed AI clients and their config paths

  • Runtime detection for Node.js, npm, npx, uvx, Python, and git

  • Multiple install methods: npm, uvx, git clone, local path

  • Config safety: backs up existing configs, atomic writes, never clobbers unrelated keys

  • Real MCP handshake validation: spawns the server, sends initialize/initialized, calls tools/list

  • Health reports: structured pass/fail per client with tool count, latency, and recovery hints

  • Known-issue recovery: 13+ error codes with actionable fix suggestions

  • Cross-platform: Windows cmd /c npx wrapping, Linux XDG paths, macOS launchd support

  • Service templates: generate launchd (macOS), systemd (Linux), or Task Scheduler (Windows) configs

  • Web dashboard: branded React UI with real-time WebSocket progress updates

Prerequisites

  • Node.js v18 or later

  • At least one supported AI client installed

Optional:

  • uv/uvx for Python MCP servers

  • git for installing from repositories

CLI Reference

# Detect your system, runtimes, and installed AI clients
npx universal-mcp-installer detect

# Install an MCP server to all detected clients
npx universal-mcp-installer install @modelcontextprotocol/server-memory

# Install to specific clients only
npx universal-mcp-installer install my-server --clients cursor,claude-desktop

# Install with environment variables
npx universal-mcp-installer install my-server --env API_KEY=sk-123

# Install from a git repository
npx universal-mcp-installer install https://github.com/user/mcp-server.git

# Install from a local directory
npx universal-mcp-installer install ./my-local-server --method local

# Validate an MCP server by running the handshake
npx universal-mcp-installer validate npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-memory

# Launch the web dashboard
npx universal-mcp-installer --ui

CLI Options

Option

Description

--clients <ids>

Comma-separated client IDs: cursor, claude-desktop, vscode, openclaw, claude-code, chatgpt

--method <method>

Install method: auto, npm, uvx, git, local

--env KEY=value

Environment variable (repeatable)

--args <arg>

Server argument (repeatable)

--no-validate

Skip MCP handshake validation after install

--port <number>

Dashboard port (default: 3939)

API Endpoints (Dashboard Mode)

When running with --ui, a local API is available:

Endpoint

Method

Description

/api/system

GET

System info, runtimes, detected clients

/api/clients

GET

Client detection details

/api/install

POST

Trigger installation

/api/validate

POST

Trigger MCP handshake validation

/ws

WebSocket

Real-time progress events

Development

# Clone and install
git clone https://github.com/matthewdcage/cursor-mcp-installer.git
cd cursor-mcp-installer
npm install

# Build the server
npm run build

# Build the dashboard
cd dashboard && npm install && npm run build && cd ..

# Run tests (real MCP handshake, no mocks)
npm test

# Watch mode
npm run dev

Project Structure

src/
  index.ts               MCP server entry (stdio)
  cli.ts                 CLI entry (npx)
  detect/                OS, runtime, client detection
  clients/               Config writers per AI client
  install/               Package resolution (npm, uvx, git, local)
  validate/              MCP handshake + health reports
  api/                   HTTP/WebSocket API for dashboard
  utils/                 Config I/O, logging, errors, platform utils
dashboard/               React + Vite + Tailwind web UI
tests/                   Unit, integration, E2E tests
docs/                    Localized official MCP docs

Changelog

v1.0.0 (Universal Rewrite)

  • Complete rewrite from cursor-mcp-installer (v0.1.3) to universal-mcp-installer

  • Upgraded MCP SDK from ^1.0.1 to ^1.29.0 (28 minor versions)

  • Added support for 6 AI clients (was Cursor-only)

  • Added real MCP handshake validation (was none)

  • Added cross-platform support with platform-specific config paths

  • Added CLI with detect, install, validate commands

  • Added web dashboard with React + Tailwind + WebSocket

  • Added 50+ real tests (was echo "No tests specified")

  • Added known-issue error recovery database

  • Added service template generation (launchd, systemd, Task Scheduler)

  • Replaced rimraf/spawn-rx with Node built-ins

  • Fixed: require.resolve in ESM context

  • Fixed: console.error/console.warn corrupting stdio JSON-RPC stream

  • Full TypeScript source (was compiled JS-only artifact)

License

MIT

Available Tools

3 tools
add_to_cursor_configC

Add any MCP server to Cursor's configuration

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
argsNoArguments to pass to the command
commandNoCommand to execute (e.g., node, npx, python)
envNoEnvironment variables to set, delimited by =
nameYesDisplay name for the MCP server in Cursor
pathNoPath to the MCP server on disk (optional, used instead of command+args)

TDQS

C2.9/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It states the action ('Add') but doesn't explain what this entails—whether it modifies configuration files, requires specific permissions, has side effects, or what happens on success/failure. For a configuration mutation tool, this is a significant gap in transparency.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, clear sentence that efficiently conveys the core purpose without unnecessary words. It's front-loaded and wastes no space, making it easy for an agent to parse quickly.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a tool that mutates configuration (implied by 'Add') with 5 parameters, no annotations, and no output schema, the description is insufficient. It doesn't address behavioral aspects like permissions, side effects, or error handling, nor does it help differentiate from sibling tools, leaving the agent with incomplete context for safe and effective use.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all 5 parameters thoroughly. The description adds no additional parameter semantics beyond what's in the schema, such as explaining relationships between parameters (e.g., 'path' vs 'command+args') or usage examples. Baseline 3 is appropriate when schema does the heavy lifting.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('Add') and resource ('any MCP server to Cursor's configuration'), making the purpose immediately understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'install_local_mcp_server' or 'install_repo_mcp_server', which likely handle more specific installation scenarios.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus its siblings ('install_local_mcp_server', 'install_repo_mcp_server'), nor does it mention any prerequisites, alternatives, or exclusion criteria. This leaves the agent without context for tool selection.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

install_local_mcp_serverC

Install an MCP server whose code is cloned locally on your computer

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
argsNoThe arguments to pass along
envNoThe environment variables to set, delimited by =
pathYesThe path to the MCP server code cloned on your computer

TDQS

C2.9/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action is 'Install', implying a write operation, but doesn't cover permissions needed, side effects (e.g., system changes), error handling, or output format. This leaves significant gaps for a tool that likely modifies the local environment.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, efficient sentence that directly states the tool's purpose without unnecessary words. It is front-loaded and appropriately sized, making it easy to parse quickly.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the complexity of an installation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description is insufficient. It lacks details on behavioral traits (e.g., what 'Install' entails operationally), prerequisites, or expected outcomes, leaving the agent with incomplete context for safe and effective use.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all three parameters (path, args, env) with clear descriptions. The description adds no additional parameter semantics beyond what's in the schema, such as examples or constraints, resulting in the baseline score for high schema coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('Install') and the resource ('an MCP server whose code is cloned locally on your computer'), making the purpose understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'install_repo_mcp_server' beyond the 'cloned locally' detail, which is implied but not contrasted.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'install_repo_mcp_server' or 'add_to_cursor_config'. It mentions the resource is 'cloned locally', which hints at a prerequisite, but lacks explicit when/when-not instructions or named alternatives.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

install_repo_mcp_serverC

Install an MCP server via npx or uvx

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
argsNoThe arguments to pass along
envNoThe environment variables to set, delimited by =
nameYesThe package name of the MCP server

TDQS

C2.9/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden but lacks behavioral details. It states the installation action but doesn't disclose critical traits like required permissions, side effects (e.g., system changes), error handling, or output format. This leaves significant gaps for an agent to understand the tool's behavior.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, efficient sentence with zero waste. It's front-loaded with the core action and methods, making it easy to parse quickly without unnecessary elaboration.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the complexity of installing software (a mutation operation with potential side effects), no annotations, and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It lacks details on prerequisites, success/failure outcomes, and behavioral context, making it insufficient for safe and effective tool invocation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all parameters (name, args, env). The description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema provides, such as examples or usage context for parameters. Baseline 3 is appropriate as the schema handles parameter documentation adequately.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('Install') and resource ('MCP server'), specifying the installation methods ('via npx or uvx'). However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'install_local_mcp_server', which likely handles local installations versus this tool's package-based approach.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives is provided. The description mentions installation methods but doesn't clarify scenarios where 'install_repo_mcp_server' is preferred over 'install_local_mcp_server' or other siblings, leaving usage context ambiguous.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Disambiguation5/5

Each tool has a clearly distinct purpose: adding servers to config, installing from local code, and installing from remote repositories. There is no overlap or ambiguity between these three installation-related operations.

Naming Consistency4/5

The tools follow a consistent verb_object pattern (add_to..., install_..., install_...), though 'add_to_cursor_config' uses a prepositional phrase while the others use adjective-noun modifiers. This minor deviation doesn't significantly impact readability.

Tool Count5/5

Three tools is perfectly appropriate for an MCP installer server. Each tool covers a distinct installation scenario (config addition, local install, remote install), and there are no missing or redundant tools for this focused purpose.

Completeness5/5

The toolset provides complete coverage for MCP server installation workflows: adding to configuration, installing from local sources, and installing from remote repositories. There are no obvious gaps in the installation lifecycle for this domain.

Maintenance

ActivityInactive
ResponsivenessUnresponsive

Resources

Unclaimed servers have limited discoverability.

Looking for Admin?

If you are the server author, to access and configure the admin panel.

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