How to Install an MCP in Claude Cowork

Every library entry lists a Name and a Remote MCP server URL. This page shows the three steps you take to plug those values into Claude Cowork. Same process for every connector. About one minute end to end.

Don't have Claude yet? Download the Claude desktop app from Anthropic. Free plan included.

On Claude Code instead of Cowork? See the install differences.

Open the connector panel

In Claude Cowork, open Customize, choose Connectors in the sidebar, then click the + icon next to the Connectors heading to add a custom connector.

If you do not see Customize, you are in standard Claude. Switch to Cowork mode in the Claude desktop app.

Paste the connector details

In the Add custom connector modal, paste the values from the library entry:

Name

Apify (example, copy from the library entry)

Remote MCP server URL

https://mcp.apify.com (example)

Leave the Advanced settings (OAuth Client ID and Secret) blank unless the library entry says otherwise. Almost every MCP handles auth in the browser after you click Add.

Sign in to authorize

Click Add. Claude opens a browser window where the provider asks you to authorize access to your account. Sign in if you are not already, review the requested permissions, and approve. You are returned to Claude with the connector active.

From now on, anything Claude can do with that MCP is available inside your Cowork conversations. You can also disconnect or re-authorize anytime from the same Connectors panel.

Before you add a connector

Anthropic shows a warning before any custom connector is added. The note is worth reading: "Only use connectors from developers you trust. Anthropic does not control which tools developers make available."

Every entry in the library lists the publisher, license, and a link to the canonical project page or GitHub repo. If you are unsure about a connector, follow those links to verify the source before adding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an MCP?

An MCP (Model Context Protocol server) is a packaged add-on that gives Claude new abilities. Install one and Claude can use it from then on. The library reviews MCPs that matter for marketing work.

What's a Remote MCP server URL?

It's the web address of the hosted MCP service. Every library entry that supports Claude Cowork lists its connector URL in the install card. Apify's, for example, is https://mcp.apify.com.

Do I need an account with the provider?

Yes. Most MCPs route through the provider's own authorization. When you click Add, Claude opens the provider's sign-in screen (Apify, Notion, Slack, etc.) and asks you to grant access to your account. You'll need a free account at minimum on the provider's platform.

What are the Advanced settings (OAuth Client ID and Secret)?

Most public MCPs handle OAuth automatically and you can leave Advanced settings blank. A small number of self-hosted or beta MCPs require you to register your own OAuth application with the provider and paste the resulting Client ID and Secret here. The library entry will note this if it applies.

How do I know if a connector is safe to install?

Claude shows a warning before adding any custom connector. The library only reviews MCPs from reputable publishers (official platform connectors or well-maintained open-source projects with clear ownership). When in doubt, check the GitHub repo or publisher URL listed on each library entry.

What if the library entry uses a local install command instead of a URL?

Some MCPs run as a local binary or npx command on your machine instead of as a hosted service. Those won't install through Cowork's custom-connector panel; they need Claude Code or a manual desktop config edit. The library focuses on remote MCPs you can install in Cowork today.

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