# How to teach Claude Desktop your knowledge Teach Claude Desktop by giving it context in a chat, [using memory for facts](https://www.knowman.io/guides/claude-desktop-memory) and preferences, and connecting reference material when you need to search or read it. [Claude can search eligible past chats and carry memory into new conversations](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). A local KnowMan [MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base) adds access to [articles and links](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base) you have saved. ## Start with a clear instruction Tell Claude what it should know and how it should use that knowledge. You can ask it to remember your role, projects, preferences, working style, or ongoing work. [Claude saves memory as individual topics while you chat, and changes apply to your next conversation](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). ## Use memory for durable context [Claude Desktop memory can carry context from chats into new conversations](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). [You can inspect and edit saved memory topics in Settings](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). [You can pause memory while keeping existing memories, or turn memory off for one chat from the plus menu](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). ## Search earlier conversations [Ask Claude naturally about a topic or a conversation you discussed before](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). [On eligible paid plans, Claude can search previous chats on the web, Claude Desktop, and Claude Mobile](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). [Past-chat searches use retrieval-augmented generation and appear as tool calls in the conversation](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). ## Keep project context separate [Each Claude project has separate memory](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). [While working in one project, Claude uses that project's memory and account memory from chats outside projects, but not memory from other projects](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). [Turn off "Use account memory" on the project page when you want stronger separation](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). ## Connect KnowMan as reference material The [KnowMan MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/claude-knowledge-base) is a local [stdio server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-server) for Claude Desktop. Add it to `claude_desktop_config.json` with `npx`, the arguments `["-y","@knowman/mcp"]`, and `KNOWMAN_API_KEY` in the environment, then restart the app. The package requires Node 22 or newer. See the [MCP server guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base). ## Search, read, ask, and save With KnowMan connected, Claude can use `kb_search` to find [saved items](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-save-articles) by [keyword or meaning](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-knowledge-base), `kb_get_item` to read one item, `kb_ask` to answer with citations, and `kb_save` to save a URL to Inbox or Knowledge Base with an optional note. These tools let Claude [work with saved material](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents) rather than only with pasted text. See the [KnowMan MCP guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base). ## Where KnowMan fits Claude Desktop can [retain context through memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/persistent-memory-for-ai-agents) and search eligible past chats. KnowMan adds a separate library of [saved articles](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-article-saver), links, notes, and memories that Claude can search, read, question, and extend through MCP. See [connecting AI to your notes](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes) and [giving your AI context](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context). ## Questions ### What is the simplest way to teach Claude Desktop my knowledge? Start by telling Claude what to remember and how to use it, such as [your role, preferences, working style](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-memory-for-individuals), or current project. [Claude Desktop memory can carry that context into new conversations](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). ### Can Claude Desktop search my earlier conversations? Yes, on eligible paid plans. [Ask Claude naturally about a topic or earlier conversation, and it can search relevant past chats](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). ### How does KnowMan give Claude Desktop access to my saved articles? Connect the local KnowMan MCP server to Claude Desktop. Claude can then use `kb_search`, `kb_get_item`, `kb_ask`, and `kb_save` to find, read, question, and save material in your KnowMan library. See the [MCP server guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base). ### Can I control what Claude Desktop remembers? Yes. [You can edit or delete memory topics in Settings, pause memory while keeping existing topics, disable it for one chat, or turn off account memory for an individual project](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). ## Related guides - [How to Build a Claude Knowledge Base](https://www.knowman.io/guides/claude-knowledge-base) - [How Do You Connect AI to Your Notes?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes) - [How to Give Your AI Context from What You Read](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context) - [Connect your knowledge base through KnowMan's MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base) ## More in this topic - [How to teach Cursor your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-cursor-your-knowledge) - [How to teach Codex your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-codex-your-knowledge) - [How to teach Cline your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-cline-your-knowledge) ## More for Claude Desktop - [KnowMan MCP server for Claude Desktop](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/claude-desktop) - [How to give Claude Desktop better memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/claude-desktop-memory) ## Give Claude a library to work with Try KnowMan Pro for 14 days with no credit card. [Create your account](https://app.knowman.io/signup) [Start free](https://app.knowman.io/signup) Every new account starts with 14 days of Pro. No credit card. Source: https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-claude-desktop-your-knowledge