How to give Claude access to your computer
Connect Claude to your laptop or desktop so it can read files, run scripts and manage projects — from anywhere.
Claude can write code, explain problems and plan projects — but by default it works only with what you paste into the chat. With a remote MCP connection, Claude can read your actual files, run the scripts it writes and check the results, without you copying anything.
Why this is useful
Instead of pasting code into the chat and copying answers back, you can say "Look at the project in ~/code/my-app and tell me why the tests are failing" and Claude will read the files, run the tests and show you the output.
What you need
- A Claude plan (claude.ai) — Pro, Team or higher.
- Node.js 22 or newer on the computer you want to connect (nodejs.org).
- A free Shellway account.
Step 1: install the Shellway agent
Sign in at mcp.getshellway.com/dashboard, click Add computer, copy the pairing code and run on your computer:
npx shellway pair YOUR-CODE
npx shellway startThe agent connects outward — no ports need to be opened.
Step 2: add Shellway as a connector in Claude
In Claude, open Settings → Connectors and add a custom connector:
https://mcp.getshellway.com/mcpAuthenticate with your Shellway account. Claude will now have access to the tools your agent offers.
Step 3: start working
Open a new Claude chat and try:
- "List the files in my Documents folder."
- "Read package.json in ~/code/my-app and tell me what it does."
- "Find all TODO comments in the code under ~/code/my-app."
What Claude can do with Shellway
Shellway gives Claude 20 tools: read and write files, search by name or content, run commands, start background processes and watch their output. See the full tool list.
Read-only mode
Start the agent with npx shellway start --readonly and Claude can look at your files but cannot change anything. Useful when you just want Claude to review code or diagnose a problem.