// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

DESKTOP COMMANDER MCP TOOLS

19 tools from the Desktop Commander MCP MCP Server, categorised by risk level.

// ALL 19 DESKTOP COMMANDER MCP TOOLS

READ 10 tools

Read get_file_info Retrieve detailed metadata about a file or directory including size, Read list_allowed_directories Returns the list of directories that this server is allowed to access. Read list_blocked_commands List all currently blocked commands. Read list_directory Get a detailed listing of all files and directories in a specified path. Read list_processes List all running processes. Returns process information including PID, Read list_sessions List all active terminal sessions. Read read_file Read the complete contents of a file from the file system. Read read_multiple_files Read the contents of multiple files simultaneously. Read read_output Read new output from a running terminal session. Read search_files Recursively search for files and directories matching a pattern.

WRITE 5 tools

Write block_command Add a command to the blacklist. Once blocked, the command cannot be executed until unblocked. Write create_directory Create a new directory or ensure a directory exists. Can create multiple Write edit_block Apply surgical text replacements to files. Best for small changes (<20% of file size). Write move_file Move or rename files and directories. Can move files between directories Write write_file Completely replace file contents. Best for large changes (>20% of file) or when edit_block fails.

DESTRUCTIVE 2 tools

Destructive force_terminate Force terminate a running terminal session. Destructive kill_process Terminate a running process by PID. Use with caution as this will

EXECUTE 2 tools

Execute unblock_command Remove a command from the blacklist. Once unblocked, the command can be executed normally. Execute execute_command Execute a terminal command with timeout. Command will continue running in background if it doesn

// FAQ

How many tools does the Desktop Commander MCP MCP server have? +

The Desktop Commander MCP MCP server exposes 19 tools across 4 categories: Read, Write, Destructive, Execute.

How do I enforce policies on Desktop Commander MCP tools? +

Route the Desktop Commander MCP server through the PolicyLayer gateway. Define allow, deny, or approval rules per tool in the dashboard; they are enforced on every call before it reaches the server.

What risk categories do Desktop Commander MCP tools fall into? +

Desktop Commander MCP tools are categorised as Read (10), Write (5), Destructive (2), Execute (2). Each category has a recommended default policy.

Enforce policy on every Desktop Commander MCP tool call.

Start from Desktop Commander MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

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