Title: When to use desktop and web connectors

URL Source: https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11725091-when-to-use-desktop-and-web-connectors

Markdown Content:
1.   [All Collections](https://support.claude.com/en/)
2.   [Connectors](https://support.claude.com/en/collections/15399129-connectors)
3.   [General](https://support.claude.com/en/collections/17879426-general)
4.   When to use desktop and web connectors

April 15, 2026

Table of contents

Claude can connect to your tools in two ways: through the web (remote connectors) or through the Claude Desktop app (desktop extensions). Most connectors are remote—they're the default choice and work everywhere you use Claude.

## Use a remote connector when

Remote connectors work across all Claude surfaces. Once connected, they're available everywhere without extra setup.

## Use a desktop extension when

Desktop extensions run locally and are only available in Claude Desktop and Claude Code—not on web or mobile.

## Plugins work with both

A plugin can bundle either remote or local MCP servers (or both). Installing a plugin that references a remote MCP makes it available everywhere; one that references a local MCP works in Desktop and Claude Code.

## Quick guide

Your tool is…Use Available on
A cloud/SaaS product Remote connector All surfaces
In the Connectors Directory Remote connector All surfaces
Running on your machine Desktop extension Desktop, Claude Code
A local file or folder Desktop extension Desktop, Claude Code
Something you built with a public URL Remote connector (add as custom)All surfaces
Something you built that runs locally Desktop extension Desktop, Claude Code

## Get started

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Related Articles

[Getting Started with Local MCP Servers on Claude Desktop](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10949351-getting-started-with-local-mcp-servers-on-claude-desktop)[Get started with custom connectors using remote MCP](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11175166-get-started-with-custom-connectors-using-remote-mcp)[Use connectors to extend Claude's capabilities](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11176164-use-connectors-to-extend-claude-s-capabilities)[Deploying enterprise-grade MCP servers with desktop extensions](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12702546-deploying-enterprise-grade-mcp-servers-with-desktop-extensions)[Use interactive connectors in Claude](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13454812-use-interactive-connectors-in-claude)
