Windows MCP Config Paths: Where to Find and Edit the Right File

Need to find or edit your MCP configuration on Windows? This Windows-specific guide shows you exactly where each MCP client stores its config files, how to open and edit them safely, and how to avoid common Windows path pitfalls.

Understanding Windows Config Paths

On Windows, MCP clients store configuration files in different locations depending on the client. Some use your user profile directory, others use AppData folders. This guide covers all common locations.

Windows Path Conventions

• %USERPROFILE% = C:\Users\YourUsername
• %APPDATA% = C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming
• %LOCALAPPDATA% = C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local
• Hidden folders start with a dot (e.g., .cursor)
• Paths use backslashes (\) not forward slashes

MCP Client Config Locations on Windows

Claude Desktop

Config File Path:

%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Full Example:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

How to Open

Method 1: Run Dialog

1. Press Win+R to open Run dialog
2. Type: %APPDATA%\Claude
3. Press Enter
4. Open claude_desktop_config.json in a text editor

Method 2: File Explorer Address Bar

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click the address bar
3. Type: %APPDATA%\Claude
4. Press Enter
5. Open claude_desktop_config.json

Cursor

Config File Path:

%USERPROFILE%\.cursor\mcp.json

Full Example:

C:\Users\YourUsername\.cursor\mcp.json

Hidden Folder

The .cursor folder is hidden by default. To see it:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Go to View tab
3. Check "Hidden items" checkbox
4. Navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername\.cursor

How to Open

1. Enable "Hidden items" in File Explorer (View tab)
2. Navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername
3. Open the .cursor folder
4. Open mcp.json in a text editor

Windsurf

Config Location:

Windsurf may use either:

• Settings UI (configured through Windsurf's interface)
• Config file: %APPDATA%\Windsurf\mcp.json (if using file-based config)

Check Settings UI First

1. Open Windsurf
2. Go to Settings → MCP Servers
3. Check if Corcava MCP is configured there
4. If not, add it through the UI (preferred method)

Continue

Config File Path:

%APPDATA%\Continue\config.json

Full Example:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Continue\config.json

Step 1: Enable Hidden Files

Many config files are in hidden folders. Enable viewing hidden files first:

Enable Hidden Items in File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click the View tab in the ribbon
3. Check the "Hidden items" checkbox
4. Hidden folders (like .cursor) will now be visible

Step 2: Navigate to Config File

Use one of these methods to quickly navigate to config files:

Method 1: Run Dialog (Fastest)

1. Press Win+R
2. Type the path (e.g., %APPDATA%\Claude)
3. Press Enter
4. File Explorer opens directly to that folder

Method 2: File Explorer Address Bar

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click the address bar (or press Alt+D)
3. Type the path (e.g., %USERPROFILE%\.cursor)
4. Press Enter

Method 3: Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell
2. Type: cd %APPDATA%\Claude (or appropriate path)
3. Press Enter
4. Type: notepad claude_desktop_config.json (or your editor)

Step 3: Edit Config File Safely

Before editing, take these safety precautions:

Safety Checklist

• ✅ Close the MCP client before editing (Cursor, Claude Desktop, etc.)
• ✅ Make a backup copy of the config file
• ✅ Use a JSON-aware editor (VS Code, Notepad++, not Notepad)
• ✅ Validate JSON syntax before saving
• ✅ Save the file before closing

Recommended Editors

• VS Code: Best choice, JSON validation built-in
• Notepad++: Good alternative, syntax highlighting
• Windows Notepad: Works but no JSON validation

Create Backup

Quick Backup Steps:

1. Right-click the config file
2. Select "Copy"
3. Right-click in the same folder
4. Select "Paste"
5. Rename the copy to config.json.backup

Step 4: Validate JSON Syntax

Invalid JSON will prevent the MCP client from loading your config:

Common JSON Errors on Windows

• Trailing commas (not allowed in JSON)
• Missing quotes around keys
• Wrong line endings (Windows uses CRLF, but JSON doesn't care)
• BOM (Byte Order Mark) at start of file

Validate Before Saving

Validation Methods

• VS Code: Shows JSON errors with red squiggles
• Online: Copy/paste to JSONLint
• PowerShell: Get-Content config.json | ConvertFrom-Json (validates syntax)

Step 5: Common Windows-Specific Issues

Issue 1: File Not Found

Symptom

Config file doesn't exist at expected location

Fix

1. Check if the parent folder exists (e.g., .cursor folder)
2. If not, create it manually
3. Create the config file with initial content: {}
4. Add your MCP server configuration

Issue 2: Permission Denied

Symptom

Cannot save changes to config file

Fix

1. Right-click the file → Properties
2. Uncheck "Read-only" if checked
3. Click Security tab
4. Ensure your user has "Write" permissions
5. If needed, run your editor as Administrator

Issue 3: Path Confusion

Symptom

Editing wrong file or can't find the right path

Fix

• Use environment variables (%APPDATA%, %USERPROFILE%)
• Verify you're in the correct user's folder
• Check if you have multiple user accounts on the machine
• Use Run dialog (Win+R) for accurate paths

Issue 4: File Locked

Symptom

Cannot edit file because it's in use

Fix

1. Close the MCP client completely (check Task Manager)
2. Wait a few seconds
3. Try editing again
4. If still locked, restart Windows

Quick Validation Checklist

Before Restarting Your MCP Client

• ✅ Found the correct config file for your client
• ✅ Enabled "Hidden items" in File Explorer (if needed)
• ✅ Made a backup copy of the original config
• ✅ Validated JSON syntax (no errors)
• ✅ Saved the file successfully
• ✅ Closed the MCP client before editing
• ✅ Verified file permissions allow writing

Quick Reference: All Windows Paths

Related Troubleshooting

• Config JSON Errors - Fix JSON syntax mistakes in config files
• Cursor Config Issues - Fix Cursor config not applying after edits
• macOS Config Paths - Find config files on macOS
• Troubleshooting Index - Browse all troubleshooting guides