{"version":"2.1.310","anchor":"desktop-host-can-now-pass-connector-names-via-claude-code-de","canonical_anchor":"desktop-host-can-now-pass-connector-names-via-claude-code-de","heading":"Desktop app can let connector-named MCP servers past the name check","tier":"internal","area":"Desktop","scope":"individual","heads_up":false,"url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.310\/e\/desktop-host-can-now-pass-connector-names-via-claude-code-de","release_url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.310","markdown":"### Desktop app can let connector-named MCP servers past the name check\n\nClaude Code reads `CLAUDE_CODE_DESKTOP_CONNECTOR_NAMES` at startup, and when set, accepts MCP server names starting with `claude_ai_`\n\n**Unclear.** It is not shown which ways of launching Claude Code pass the check that lets this variable take effect.\n\n**What**\n\nClaude Code now reads a second Desktop-related environment variable, `CLAUDE_CODE_DESKTOP_CONNECTOR_NAMES`, alongside `CLAUDE_CODE_DESKTOP_SKILLS_PLUGIN_DIR`. An environment variable is a named value set outside a program that the program can read. Claude Code keeps the value only when a check on how it was launched passes, and then removes the variable from its environment in the same way.\n\nWhen the value is kept, MCP servers whose names start with `claude_ai_` are accepted by the name check instead of being refused. An MCP server is an outside program that gives Claude extra tools. When a name is still refused, Claude Code records that in its usage reports.\n\n**Why**\n\nThis lets a session started by the Claude Desktop app use MCP servers named after its connectors, which the normal name check would otherwise reject. Most people will not set this variable themselves.\n\n- Area: Desktop\n- Names: `CLAUDE_CODE_DESKTOP_CONNECTOR_NAMES`, `CLAUDE_CODE_DESKTOP_SKILLS_PLUGIN_DIR`\n- Tier: Under the hood\n- Useful: 2\/5\n- Signal: 3\/5\n- Scope: individual\n- Heads-up: no"}