VS Code starts MCP servers from a JSON config, usually command and args — same shape as Cursor, different file location.
Open the MCP settings, or edit user/workspace mcp.json. Paste the install snippet from an MCP detail page here. Use a lowercase name.
Replace sample paths and secrets. Only allow directories you intend. Save and check the extension shows connected. GUI apps often miss Node on PATH; use an absolute path if needed.
Verify with one filesystem or fetch server on a read-only call before adding databases or cloud. See the debug-MCP guide on this site if it stays disconnected.