Installation Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Windows Debugging Tools

Install WinDbg/CDB (choose one):

Option A: Microsoft Store (Recommended)

winget install 9PGJGD53TN86 --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements

Option B: Windows SDK

Install Debugging Tools for Windows from the Windows SDK.

Option C: Standalone WinDbg Download

Download from Microsoft's WinDbg page

Verification

Test that CDB is accessible:

cdb.exe -version

Python/uv Installation

Choose based on your preferred installation method:

Option A: uv (Recommended)

Install uv for the fastest Python package management:

Install uv:

powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "irm https://astral.sh/uv/install.ps1 | iex"

Alternative via pip:

pip install uv

Verify installation:

uv --version

Option B: Python + pip (Alternative method)

Python 3.10+ required.

Check existing Python:

python --version

Install Python (if needed):

winget install Python.Python.3.12

Verify pip:

pip --version

Upgrade pip:

python -m pip install --upgrade pip

Client-Specific Prerequisites

For Claude Desktop

• Claude Desktop application installed
• uv installed (see above)

For VS Code

• VS Code installed
• GitHub Copilot extension installed
• uv installed (recommended) or Python + pip
• MCP enabled in settings:
  1. Open settings (Ctrl+,)
  2. Search "MCP"
  3. Enable "Model Context Protocol in Chat"

For Other MCP Clients

• MCP-compatible client installed
• Check client documentation for MCP registry support

Symbol Server Configuration (Optional)

Configure Windows symbol path for better debugging:

setx _NT_SYMBOL_PATH "SRV*C:\Symbols*https://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols"

Verification Steps

1. Test debugging tools:

   cdb.exe -version

2. Test Python/uv:

   # For uv users
   uv --version
   
   # For Python users  
   python --version
   pip --version

3. Test symbol access:

   echo %_NT_SYMBOL_PATH%

Troubleshooting

CDB not found:

• Ensure Debugging Tools are installed
• Check PATH includes CDB location
• Try full path: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Debuggers\x64\cdb.exe"

uv installation fails:

• Try alternative installation methods
• Check PowerShell execution policy
• Install via pip as fallback

Python version too old:

• Install Python 3.10+ via winget or python.org
• Use py -3.10 or later if multiple versions installed

Next Steps

Choose your installation method:

• Use in Claude Desktop - uvx recommended
• Use in VS Code - pip/source installation
• Use in Copilot CLI - MCP registry
• Installation Overview - All options