What is the key difference between Once and Windows MCP?

Once belongs to the Developer Tools category with local stdio execution, while Windows MCP belongs to the Developer Tools category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Once or Windows MCP in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are Once and Windows MCP free or paid?

Once operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Windows MCP operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Once lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars. Windows MCP lists 0 tools with 1 views and 6,723 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Once and Windows MCP together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

How do I install Once or Windows MCP in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf?

Both servers follow the standard Model Context Protocol configuration format. Simply copy the JSON block from the configuration section above and paste it into your AI client's mcpServers configuration object (for instance in claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json ), then completely restart or refresh the application.

Are Once and Windows MCP free to use, or do they require API keys?

Once is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Windows MCP operates under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . If environment variables are required (such as API keys), be sure to define them under the env key in your MCP client's configuration file.

Can I run both Once and Windows MCP at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both once and windows-mcp as distinct keys inside the single mcpServers object in your configuration file. Your AI assistant will automatically select and call the appropriate tool from either server during chat sessions.

Which MCP server has higher directory engagement and quality ratings?

On AllMCPs, Once has a Quality Score of 27 /100 ( Emerging ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars. Windows MCP holds a Quality Score of 45 /100 ( Fair ) with 1 views, 0 installs, and 6,723 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Once vs Windows MCP

In-depth architectural comparison of the Once and Windows MCP MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

At a Glance & Executive Verdict

Once

Developer Tools · Local stdio

Quality: 27/100 (Emerging) | Auth: No auth required

Windows MCP

Developer Tools · Local stdio

Quality: 45/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose Once if you need specialized Developer Tools tools running via a local process. Choose Windows MCP if your workspace requires Developer Tools integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Once when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Once Details

Choose Windows MCP when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Windows MCP Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	O Once Developer Tools	W Windows MCP Developer Tools
Summary	Run a side effect exactly once under retries, redelivery, and concurrent workers.	An MCP Server for computer-use in Windows OS
Category & Scope	Developer Tools	Developer Tools
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Once Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

Windows MCP Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

Once Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "once": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "once"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Windows MCP Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "windows-mcp": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "windows-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Once is categorized under Developer Tools and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, Windows MCP belongs to Developer Tools using local stdio subprocess. Select Once when you need capabilities focused on developer tools and Windows MCP when you require tools for developer tools.

More alternatives to Once More alternatives to Windows MCP Developer Tools category hub