Claude Cowork cloud sessions and local files

What changed on October 6

Anthropic removed the Only on your computer choice for new Pro and Max Cowork tasks. New tasks on those plans run in the cloud; you cannot switch them back to computer-only. Older computer-only tasks remain on that device so you can finish them. Cloud sessions and files are saved to your Claude account, and scheduled cloud tasks can run while your computer is offline.

Team cloud Cowork is in beta on web and mobile. Enterprise availability depends on an administrator enabling it. Features can differ by plan and surface; see the current Cowork availability guide.

How local file access works

Claude can reach only folders connected through Claude Desktop, only on that computer, and only while the app is open. If Desktop closes, a cloud task can continue but cannot reach those local folders. Local connectors and plugins using local MCP servers also require Desktop. Use the narrowest folder access that fits the task.

1. Open Claude Desktop on the computer holding the files.
2. Connect only the folders the task needs and confirm operating-system access.
3. Start or resume the task with Desktop online, then review file changes.
4. If you switch to web or mobile, keep Desktop open when the task still needs local files.

Continue an older computer-only task

1. Open the task on the computer where it started and finish it there.
2. To continue in Claude Code, choose Download task data, unzip it, open the folder in Claude Code, and run /port-task-data.
3. To keep a copy of all Cowork data, choose Export your Cowork data from the desktop home card.

Do not assume an older local task has migrated to the cloud; Anthropic says those tasks stay on the original computer until finished.

Common troubleshooting

A task cannot find a local file

Confirm the file is inside a connected folder, Desktop is open on the computer that holds it, and your operating-system account can access it.

The task runs but local access stopped

This is expected if Desktop closed or lost access. Reopen the app and resume with the connected folder available.

I cannot choose computer-only for a new task

The setting was removed for new Pro and Max Cowork tasks. Anthropic directs users who need new work to run entirely on their computer to Claude Code in the desktop app.

My web or mobile feature differs

Availability varies by plan and surface, and Team/Enterprise cloud Cowork remains beta. Check the official surface availability table.