MCP Servers

An MCP server gives the AI new tools from another product, for example a project tracker or a database.

What it is

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a common way for products to offer tools to AI assistants. Many products publish an MCP setup. When you add one to Cowork, the AI can use that product's tools in your chats, signed in with your account for that product.

When to use it

Good fit	Better another way
A product you use publishes an MCP server	The product is a website you already use in a tab: let the AI use the page, or its API Doc
You want the AI to read or update that product directly	You only need its data once: export and attach it

How to use it

1. Copy the product's MCP configuration (the mcpServers entry) from its documentation.
2. Paste it into the chat and say "Install this MCP server". The AI adds it, and can use its tools right away.
3. A server that needs a sign-in asks for it the first time.
4. Ask the AI to list your MCP servers, or to turn one off or on.

Example

Install this MCP server: [paste the mcpServers entry from the product's docs]
Then list my open issues assigned to me.

The AI installs the server, asks you to sign in to the tracker the first time, and lists your issues.

Limits and permissions

• The AI uses the server with the sign-in you give it, and sees what that account can see.
• Changes a server makes in its product follow that product's own permissions.
• Only add servers from products you trust; a server's tools run with the access you give them.

If something goes wrong

What you see	What to do
The AI says it has no tools from the server	Ask it to list your MCP servers and check the server is on
Sign-in keeps failing	Check the account in the product itself, then ask the AI to connect again
The server's tools stopped working	Ask the AI to turn the server off and on again

Related

• Extensions Add-ons that bring other channels into Cowork
• Encrypted Environment Variables Store keys a server needs
• API Doc Use a website's own functions without MCP