Download the desktop app and start building in under 5 minutes — Windows & Mac
Start the GuideClaude Code is Anthropic's AI coding assistant — a desktop app that reads and edits real files on your machine, runs your project commands, and manages code — all from plain English, no terminal needed.
Reads your entire codebase to give accurate, contextual answers — not generic ones.
Makes real changes to your code without you having to copy-paste anything.
Installs packages, runs tests, and manages git — just describe what you want.
Keeps itself current in the background. No manual updates ever needed.
No coding jargon required — just describe what you need in your own words.
Sees and edits your project files directly, unlike browser-based AI tools.
Check these before moving on. Everything else is handled step by step.
Claude Code requires a paid Claude Pro plan at $20/month. Free accounts cannot use Claude Code.
Claude Code connects to Anthropic's servers in real time. Wi-Fi or Ethernet both work fine.
Most computers made after 2015 already have this. Check in System Information or Task Manager.
Claude Code only works with a paid Anthropic account. Here's how to set one up in under 3 minutes.
The upgrade page defaults to the annual plan. After clicking a plan above, look for the Monthly / Annual toggle at the top of the page and switch it to Monthly before entering your card details.
Use your email address or sign in with Google. Verify your email before continuing.
After logging in: click your name/initials in the bottom-left → "Upgrade plan" → select Claude Pro → enter payment details.
One download, one installer — no terminal, no package managers. Both platforms take under two minutes.
Open your browser and go to claude.ai/download. The page detects your operating system and shows the right button automatically.
Click Download for Mac on the download page. A .dmg file will appear in your Downloads folder.
Double-click the .dmg file. A window opens showing the Claude icon and your Applications folder.
Drag the Claude icon onto the Applications folder icon in the same window. Wait a few seconds for it to copy.
Claude Code uses Git to track changes in your project. macOS doesn't ship with Git pre-installed — pick one of the two options below.
Option A — Apple Command Line Tools (recommended)
Open Terminal (press ⌘ + Space, type Terminal, press Enter), then run xcode-select --install. A window will pop up asking to install the tools — click Install and wait a few minutes for it to finish.
Option B — Download from git-scm.com
Go to git-scm.com/install/mac and follow the installer instructions for your Mac. This is a good option if Command Line Tools fails or you prefer a standalone installer.
git --version. You should see a version number like git version 2.39.3.Open Launchpad or your Applications folder and click Claude. The first time, macOS will ask "Are you sure you want to open this app downloaded from the internet?" — click Open.
⌘ + Space, type Claude, and press Enter to launch it instantly.Click Download for Windows on the download page. A .exe installer will appear in your Downloads folder.
Double-click the downloaded .exe file. If Windows SmartScreen shows a warning, click More info → Run anyway. The installer runs and opens Claude Code automatically when it finishes.
This is normal for newly released apps. Click More info at the bottom of the warning, then Run anyway to proceed.
Claude Code uses Git to track changes in your project. Windows doesn't ship with Git, so you'll install it separately. Go to git-scm.com/download/win — the download starts automatically. Double-click the .exe and click Next through every screen — the defaults are correct. When it finishes, close the installer.
cmd → press Enter, then run git --version. You should see a version number like git version 2.45.0.Claude Code opens automatically after install. In future, find it in the Start menu by typing Claude.
Open the app, connect your account, and send your first message — takes about 60 seconds.
Open Claude Code from Launchpad / Applications (Mac) or the Start menu (Windows). The app opens to a welcome screen.
The app opens a browser tab. Sign in with the email you used for your Claude Pro account, then click Authorize to connect it to the app.
Switch back to Claude Code. You'll see the chat interface with a text field at the bottom. Start typing in plain English — no commands, no syntax.
Click Open Folder (or drag a folder into the app) to point Claude at your project. Then type /init in the chat — Claude will scan the project and set itself up for smarter answers.
Try typing: "Hello! Can you tell me what files are in my current folder?" — Claude will respond instantly.
The most useful things to know once you're up and running.
/help
Lists all available slash commands in the chat
/init
Generates a CLAUDE.md for smarter, context-aware responses
Shift + Enter
Add a line break without sending the message
Escape
Stops Claude mid-response or cancels a running command
⚙ Settings
Theme, model selection, and account settings
+ New Chat
Start a new conversation with a clean context
Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security. Scroll down and click Open Anyway next to the Claude message. You only need to do this once.
Click More info on the SmartScreen popup, then Run anyway. This is normal for newly released apps that haven't yet built up a large Windows install count.
Your Claude account must have an active Pro subscription. Free accounts cannot use Claude Code. Check your plan at claude.ai/settings.
Check the official docs at docs.anthropic.com, or contact support from the app's Settings menu.
Type /init in the chat when you open a new project folder. Claude scans your files and generates a CLAUDE.md that dramatically improves answer quality.
No jargon needed. Say things like "Add a save button to the form" or "Fix the login error." Claude figures out the implementation.
Claude Code updates itself silently in the background. You'll always be on the latest version without doing anything.