> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.watson-orchestrate.ibm.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing the watsonx Orchestrate MCP Server

There are two general approaches you can use to install the watsonx Orchestrate MCP Server. The first and recommended way uses tools like [pipx](https://github.com/pypa/pipx) or [uvx](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/guides/tools/), which automatically install the package in an isolated environment and run it for you. The second approach involves installing and running the package manually.

## Before you begin

### Required software

The watsonx Orchestrate MCP Server requires the use of the watsonx Orchestrate ADK. Make sure you have all the [necessary dependencies](/getting_started/installing#before-you-begin).

## Package Runner Approach

You can run the watsonx Orchestrate MCP Server using either pipx or uvx. This method combines file installation and server startup into a single command.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="uvx">
    **uv** is a new Python package and environment manager written in Rust. It replaces many common tools such as **pip**, **pip-tools**, **pipx**, **poetry**, **pyenv**, **twine**, and **virtualenv** in a single tool. For more information, see [Install uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/getting-started/installation/).

    ```bash BASH theme={null}
    uvx ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="pipx">
    ```bash BASH theme={null}
    pipx run ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Local Installation Approach

You can install the package locally. For this approach, use a virtual environment to avoid package conflicts.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="System installation">
    1. Install the MCP Server package on your system:

    ```bash BASH theme={null}
    pip install  --upgrade ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
    ```

    2. Start the MCP Server:

    ```bash BASH theme={null}
    ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Virtual environments">
    1. Create your virtual environment:

       ```bash BASH theme={null}
       python -m venv .venv
       ```

    2. Activate your virtual environment:

           <CodeGroup>
             ```bash macOS & Linux theme={null}
             source ./.venv/bin/activate
             ```

             ```powershell Windows theme={null}
             .\venv\Scripts\activate.ps1
             ```
           </CodeGroup>

    3. Install the MCP Server:

       ```bash theme={null}
       pip install ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
       ```

    4. Start the MCP Server:

       ```bash theme={null}
       ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
       ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="uv">
    **uv** is a new Python package and environment manager written in Rust. It replaces many common tools such as **pip**, **pip-tools**, **pipx**, **poetry**, **pyenv**, **twine**, and **virtualenv** in a single tool.

    1. After you [install uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/getting-started/installation/#standalone-installer), initialize your project:

       ```bash theme={null}
       uv init
       ```

    2. Add the MCP Server to your list of dependencies:

       ```bash theme={null}
       uv add ibm-watsonx-orchestrate
       ```

    3. Activate your virtual environment:

           <CodeGroup>
             ```bash macOS & Linux theme={null}
             source ./.venv/bin/activate
             ```

             ```powershell Windows theme={null}
             .\venv\Scripts\activate.ps1
             ```
           </CodeGroup>

    4. Start the MCP Server:

       ```bash theme={null}
       ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
       ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>