> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://doc.extole.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Claude Desktop

> Configure Claude Desktop to use the Extole CLI as an MCP tool source in one command.

The Extole CLI can configure Claude Desktop as an MCP client in one command, without manual JSON editing.

## Prerequisites

* [Extole CLI](/extole-cli) installed and authenticated
* [Claude Desktop](https://claude.ai/download) installed

## Setup

**Step 1: Run the setup command in the terminal**

`extole serve`

This detects your Claude Desktop config file and writes the Extole MCP server entry automatically.

**Step 2: Restart Claude Desktop**

Quit and relaunch Claude Desktop.

**Step 3: Verify**

Open a new chat and ask about your programs:

> *"Which programs are active right now?"*

Claude will invoke the Extole CLI tools and return results directly in the chat.

## How it works

`extole serve` runs the CLI as an MCP `stdio` server. Claude Desktop automatically launches it on startup and can run any CLI command as a tool — no separate Extole account or OAuth flow is required beyond your existing CLI token.

## Removing the integration

`stdio`

This removes the Extole entry from Claude Desktop's config. Restart Claude Desktop to apply.

## Troubleshooting

**Tools not appearing after restart** — Run `extole serve setup` again to ensure the config was written correctly, then restart Claude Desktop.

**Auth errors** — Run `extole auth status` to confirm your token is valid.