[FEATURE] MCP elicitation support in Claude Desktop app
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
- [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)
### Problem Statement
Claude Code CLI supports MCP elicitation (elicitation/create), but the Claude Desktop app does not. Per the MCP client capabilities matrix, elicitation is only available in the CLI.
Are there plans to bring elicitation support to the Desktop app?
### Use Case
We're building an MCP server that manages configuration profiles. Several workflows require user input mid-operation:
- Destructive change confirmation — Before deleting any configuration, the server needs to ask "Are you sure you want to delete? This cannot be undone." Without elicitation, the server must either proceed without confirmation (unsafe) or refuse the operation entirely
(poor UX).
- Option selection — When creating a new configuration, the server needs the user to pick from available vendor . The LLM guesses instead of letting the user choose explicitly.
- Vendor API key collection — Configuring a connection requires third-party API keys . Per the MCP spec, these MUST use URL mode elicitation so credentials never transit the MCP client. Currently impossible.
Without elicitation, the server cannot ask the user for confirmation or input during a tool call. The LLM must guess or the workflow breaks.
#### Specifically needed
- Form mode — structured input (confirmations, selections, non-sensitive text fields)
- URL mode — for sensitive credentials like API keys, where data must not transit the MCP client
The MCP spec (2025-11-25) states:
> Servers MUST NOT use form mode elicitation to request sensitive information such as passwords, API keys, access tokens, or payment credentials.
>
> Servers MUST use URL mode for interactions involving such sensitive information.
### Spec Reference
- Elicitation (MCP 2025-11-25)
- PR #2398 — client capability matrix showing Desktop app lacks elicitation
### Proposed Solution
Support both elicitation modes in the Claude Code Desktop app:
- Form mode — structured input (confirmations, selections, non-sensitive text fields)
- URL mode — for sensitive credentials like API keys, where data must not transit the MCP client
### Alternative Solutions
_No response_
### Priority
Critical - Blocking my work
### Feature Category
MCP Integration
### Use Case Example
### Additional Context
Related: #2799 (elicitation support tracking issue, 151 upvotes)
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