Skip to main content

Connect Claude Desktop to Willow

Connect the Claude Desktop app to your Willow workspace using the Willow extension. Once installed, all the tools, resources, and prompts your organization has configured are available directly inside Claude.

Unlike the HTTP clients, Claude Desktop connects through a downloadable .mcpb extension (an MCP Bundle) that you drag into Claude's settings.

Prerequisites​

  • Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
  • Node.js 18 or newer installed system-wide
  • Your organization's Willow Gateway URL (e.g. https://yourorg.mcp-s.com) — find it in the Connect MCP modal

Step 1: Download the Extension​

Download the Willow extension bundle:

⬇ Download the Willow extension (willow.mcpb)

The file downloads as willow-<version>.mcpb. Save it somewhere easy to find, like your Downloads folder.

Your admin may distribute a pre-configured build instead. If they sent you a .mcpb file directly, use that one — it may already have your organization baked in.

Step 2: Install in Claude Desktop​

  1. Open Claude Desktop.
  2. Go to Settings → Extensions.
  3. Drag and drop the .mcpb file onto the window (or click Advanced settings → Install extension and browse to it).
  4. Claude shows the extension details. Click Install.

Step 3: Configure​

During install (or later from the extension's settings), you can set:

FieldDescription
Gateway URLYour Willow gateway URL, e.g. https://yourorg.mcp-s.com. Required unless your admin baked it into the build.
Toolkit(optional) Scope the extension to a single toolkit by its slug.
MCP Server(optional) Scope the extension to a single MCP server by its slug.

Leave Toolkit and MCP Server empty to get everything you're permitted to access. Click Save and make sure the extension is toggled on.

Step 4: Authenticate​

The first time Claude starts the extension, it opens your browser to log in to Willow.

  1. Log in to Willow if prompted.
  2. Willow shows an Authentication Successful page.
  3. Return to Claude Desktop — your token is cached automatically for future sessions.

Step 5: Verify It Works​

Start a new conversation in Claude Desktop and ask:

"List what tools you have access to in Willow MCP"

Claude should respond with the tools from your Willow workspace.

The tools you see depend on which MCP servers your organization admin has installed, which tools they have enabled, and what each server exposes. Your list may look different from someone else's.

Troubleshooting​

Extension not showing up after install

  • Fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop.
  • In Settings → Extensions, confirm the Willow extension is toggled on.

"node not found" / server fails to start

  • Ensure Node.js 18+ is installed system-wide and on your PATH (node --version).

Stuck in an auth loop / can't connect

  • Double-check the Gateway URL is correct (e.g. https://yourorg.mcp-s.com).
  • Clear the cached token by deleting ~/.willow/token.json, then restart Claude Desktop to re-authenticate.

See also: General Troubleshooting

For Admins: Fleet Deployment​

Admins can push the Willow extension to many machines at once (Kandji, Jamf, Mosyle, or a custom script) instead of having each user install it manually. The extension can be pre-configured with your org, a default toolkit, and auto-enabled. Reach out to Willow support for the MDM deployment guide and install script.

On this page