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VS Code MCP Setup

This page reflects the verified Windows setup that works with Python from python.org.

Before You Start

  • Python installed from python.org.
  • PATH enabled for python.
  • Project installed in .venv with pip install -e ..
  • SolidWorks installed if you want real COM automation.

Open MCP Config

  1. In VS Code, open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P).
  2. Run MCP: Open User Configuration.
  3. Edit %APPDATA%\Code\User\mcp.json.
{
  "servers": {
    "solidworks-mcp-server": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "powershell",
      "args": [
        "-NoProfile",
        "-ExecutionPolicy",
        "Bypass",
        "-File",
        "C:\\path\\to\\SolidworksMCP-python\\run-mcp.ps1"
      ]
    }
  }
}

This avoids environment activation issues by using the project script that launches .venv\Scripts\python.exe directly.

Alternative: direct venv python command 
{
  "servers": {
    "solidworks-mcp-server": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "C:\\path\\to\\SolidworksMCP-python\\.venv\\Scripts\\python.exe",
      "args": ["-m", "solidworks_mcp.server"]
    }
  }
}
Alternative: Linux/WSL mock mode only Use this for docs/tests or mock-mode development only (not real SolidWorks COM control). 
{
  "servers": {
    "solidworks-mcp-server": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "C:\\Windows\\System32\\wsl.exe",
      "args": [
        "-d",
        "YOUR_WSL_DISTRO",
        "--",
        "/home/YOUR_USERNAME/.local/bin/micromamba",
        "run",
        "-n",
        "solidworks_mcp",
        "python",
        "-m",
        "solidworks_mcp.server"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Validate Startup

After saving mcp.json, start server solidworks-mcp-server in VS Code and check logs.

Healthy logs should include:

  • Platform: Windows
  • SolidWorks COM interface is available
  • Registered 109 SolidWorks tools
  • Connected to SolidWorks

Troubleshooting

ModuleNotFoundError: solidworks_mcp

.\.venv\Scripts\python.exe -m pip install -e .

ModuleNotFoundError: fastmcp

.\.venv\Scripts\python.exe -m pip install -e .

python points to Microsoft Store alias

  • Disable App execution alias for Python in Windows settings.
  • Reinstall Python from python.org and enable PATH.

Server starts but tool actions fail

  • Start SolidWorks first.
  • Ensure server is running on Windows, not WSL, for COM actions.