Can local models use MCP servers?

Yes, if the model supports tool calling. LM Studio passes MCP tools to the loaded model and shows a confirmation dialog before each tool call runs.

Is it safe to use MCP servers with LM Studio?

MCP servers can run code and access files or APIs on your machine. Only install servers from sources you trust, and keep the per-call confirmation on for tools that write data.

Can local models use MCP servers?

Yes, if the model supports tool calling. LM Studio passes MCP tools to the loaded model and shows a confirmation dialog before each tool call runs.

Is it safe to use MCP servers with LM Studio?

MCP servers can run code and access files or APIs on your machine. Only install servers from sources you trust, and keep the per-call confirmation on for tools that write data.

Desktop App

How to Install MCP Servers in LM Studio

How to add MCP servers to LM Studio so local models can call tools — the mcp.json file, the Cursor-compatible format, and approving tool calls.

Configuring LM Studio

Config file: mcp.json

macOS / Linux path~/.lmstudio/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/path/to/allowed/dir"],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

Step-by-step Installation Guide

1
Open mcp.json from LM Studio
In LM Studio, open the Program tab in the right sidebar and choose Install → Edit mcp.json. The file opens in the in-app editor.
2
Add the server under mcpServers
LM Studio follows Cursor's mcp.json notation, so add a named entry with "command", "args", and "env" under "mcpServers". Remote servers can use a "url" field instead.
3
Load a tool-capable model and approve calls
Save the file and chat with a model that supports tool use. LM Studio asks you to confirm each tool call by default, which you can review before it runs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Open the Program tab, choose Install → Edit mcp.json, and add the server under mcpServers with command and args. LM Studio uses the same format as Cursor.

Install MCP servers in other clients

Step-by-step Installation Guide

Open mcp.json from LM Studio

In LM Studio, open the Program tab in the right sidebar and choose Install → Edit mcp.json. The file opens in the in-app editor.

Add the server under mcpServers

LM Studio follows Cursor's mcp.json notation, so add a named entry with "command", "args", and "env" under "mcpServers". Remote servers can use a "url" field instead.

Load a tool-capable model and approve calls

Save the file and chat with a model that supports tool use. LM Studio asks you to confirm each tool call by default, which you can review before it runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Open the Program tab, choose Install → Edit mcp.json, and add the server under mcpServers with command and args. LM Studio uses the same format as Cursor.