Remote connectors are available on Claude and Claude Desktop for users with paid plans (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise). Local desktop extensions are available to all users on Claude Desktop.
This article helps you decide whether to use local desktop extensions or remote connectors to give Claude the context and capabilities you need for your work.
Understanding your options
Claude can connect to your tools and data in two ways:
Local desktop extensions run on your computer through Claude Desktop and give Claude access to your local files, applications, and system resources.
Remote connectors run on external servers and connect Claude to cloud-based services and applications through the internet.
When to use local desktop extensions
Choose local desktop extensions when you want to:
Keep your work private and secure
Work with confidential documents without sending them to external servers.
Maintain control over sensitive data like client files or proprietary information.
Access your local calendar, contacts, and messaging apps privately.
Work with your local files and applications
Organize and manage files on your computer.
Create summaries from documents in your folders.
Draft emails using your local address book.
Access development environments and system tools.
Example use cases:
"Claude, create a summary of all the PDFs in my Documents folder."
"Help me organize my desktop files by project."
"Draft an email using the contact information from my local address book."
When to use remote connectors
Choose remote connectors when you want to:
Connect to your cloud-based work tools
Access real-time data from services like Asana, Linear, or Notion.
Integrate with business tools like PayPal, Square, or Plaid.
Connect to communication platforms like Intercom.
Use automation services like Zapier or Workato.
Collaborate with your team
Work with team workspaces and shared projects.
Share access to the same tools and data sources.
Get real-time insights and take action
Monitor current metrics and analytics.
Create tasks and update project status.
Receive up-to-date information from live services.
Work across multiple devices
Access the same connectors from different computers.
Maintain consistent workflows whether on desktop or web.
Example use cases:
"Claude, create a new task in Asana and assign it to my teammate."
"Analyze our PayPal transaction data from last week."
"Check our latest Linear issues and prioritize them."
Choosing the right approach
Consider these factors when deciding:
Data sensitivity
Local: Your data stays on your computer.
Remote: Data flows between Claude and external services.
Collaboration needs
Local: Individual use, limited sharing.
Remote: Team access, shared workspaces.
Setup and maintenance
Local: Install desktop extensions, configure local settings.
Remote: Authenticate with web services, manage permissions.
Using both approaches together
Many users find the most comprehensive solution combines both approaches:
Use local desktop extensions for private file management and confidential work.
Use remote connectors for team collaboration and cloud services.
Example workflow:
Use local desktop extensions to read project files from your computer.
Use remote connectors to create tasks in your team's project management tool.
Use local desktop extensions to save results back to your local files.
Getting started
For local desktop extensions
Install Claude Desktop.
Navigate to Settings > Extensions within Claude Desktop.
Browse and install desktop extensions.
Configure any required settings.
See Getting started with Model Context Protocol (MCP) on Claude for Desktop for more information.
For remote connectors
Go to Settings > Connectors in Claude or Claude Desktop.
Browse the connectors directory or click "Add custom connector."
Connect to your desired services.
Authenticate and configure permissions.
See Pre-built Integrations Using Remote MCP for more information.
Security best practices
For local desktop extensions
Only install extensions from trusted sources.
Review file access permissions before installing.
Keep your desktop app updated.
Monitor which local resources extensions can access.
For remote connectors
Connect only to services you trust.
Review OAuth permissions carefully during setup.
Monitor tool usage and activities.
Regularly audit connected services.
Choose the approach that best fits your workflow, security requirements, and collaboration needs. The combination of local desktop extensions and remote connectors provides the most comprehensive solution for connecting Claude to your work.