MCP server not showing in Claude Desktop

When an MCP server does not appear in Claude Desktop, the cause is usually a configuration or launch problem: invalid JSON, an incorrect command or path, a missing package, or a server that fails to start. Validate the config, check the logs, and restart the app.

Check the JSON is valid (no trailing commas), the command and arguments are correct, and the server is installed. A path that is relative or missing will prevent startup. After editing, fully quit and reopen the app.

Claude Desktop exposes a log of MCP configuration and runtime activity. The log reveals whether the server failed to launch, failed to initialize, or was never picked up from the config.