Desktop App
Claude Cowork Desktop Download: macOS and Windows
Download the official Claude desktop app for full Cowork capabilities: local file access, computer control, and all features on macOS or Windows.
Which Claude Cowork access should you use?
Not sure if desktop is right for you? Check the intent that matches your workflow:
✓ Choose desktop if:
- • You need to work with local files
- • You want computer control capabilities
- • You run command-line tasks regularly
- • You need native app performance
→ Consider instead if:
- • Web login: You want zero installation
- • Mobile app: You work primarily mobile
- • Web access: You want full comparison
Download and install Claude Desktop
The desktop app gives you the full Claude Cowork experience: work with files on your computer, use computer control for advanced tasks, and access all native features. Download is free; Cowork requires a paid Claude plan.
macOS
Requirements: macOS 11 or later, Intel or Apple Silicon processor
Size: ~150 MB
For Intel or Apple Silicon. Latest version recommended.
Windows
Requirements: Windows 10 or later, 64-bit processor
Size: ~180 MB
64-bit only. Latest version recommended.
Always download from the official site
Visit https://claude.com/download directly. Never download from third-party sites or unofficial mirrors.
Installation steps
Download the installer
Click the download button for your operating system on claude.com/download and wait for the file to download.
Run the installer
macOS: Open the .dmg file and drag Claude to the Applications folder. Windows: Run the .exe installer and follow the prompts.
Launch the app
macOS: Open Applications and double-click Claude. Windows: Look for Claude in your Start menu or desktop shortcut.
Sign in with your account
Use the same email and password you use for Claude on the web. You'll see a browser window to authenticate.
Select Cowork mode
Click the mode selector at the top of the window and choose "Cowork" to start using Claude's agentic mode.
Why use the desktop app?
Web Cowork is fully capable, but the desktop app unlocks additional power. Here's what you get with the desktop version:
Local file access
Grant Cowork access to specific folders on your computer. Claude can read, organize, and modify your local files directly—web Cowork cannot access your computer's files.
Computer control
Cowork can interact with your desktop environment, open applications, control your mouse and keyboard, and perform tasks that require direct system access.
Native interface
Faster performance, offline capability for certain features, and a native app experience that integrates with your operating system.
Advanced artifacts
Full support for code artifacts, live previews, and native rendering of complex outputs that web may limit.
Security and permissions
The desktop app runs on your computer and requires your permission before accessing files, applications, or system features. You stay in complete control of what Claude can access.
How file access works
- When you open Cowork on desktop, it asks you to select a folder to grant access to.
- Choose a specific folder—avoid giving access to your entire home directory.
- Claude can only access files within that folder. You can change or revoke access anytime.
- For maximum safety, create a dedicated project folder for Cowork tasks.
Impersonation note
ClaudeCowork.com is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Anthropic. Always download Claude from https://claude.com/download, which is Anthropic's official download site.
Your first desktop Cowork task: realistic example
Here's what a typical first task looks like on desktop Cowork:
Example: "Clean up my Downloads folder"
- You: "Sort the files in my Downloads folder into subfolders by type (documents, images, videos). Show me what you find first."
- Claude: "I found 142 files. I'll create folders for PDFs, JPGs, PNGs, MP4s, and other types, then move each file. Ready?"
- You: "Proceed."
- Claude: [Works in the background with full local file access] "Done. Created 6 folders and organized 142 files."
- Result: Your Downloads folder is now organized. You can continue working, and Cowork keeps running.
Desktop Cowork always asks before making changes to your files. You control what folders Cowork can access.
Desktop installation requirements
Check before you download:
System requirements
- ✓ macOS 11+ or Windows 10+
- ✓ 150–180 MB free space
- ✓ Administrator access to install
- ✓ A Claude paid account
Installation troubleshooting
- Download fails? Ensure you're on claude.com/download (official only).
- Installation blocked? Check your antivirus or security settings.
- App won't launch? Restart your computer or reinstall.
What to do after installation: workflow examples
Once installed, here are realistic first tasks you can tackle with local files and connectors. Desktop gives you access to tools web cannot.
Organize files
Sort and manage local files and folders on your computer.
File management →
GitHub connector
Triage issues and automate repository workflows.
Setup guide →
Computer control
Let Cowork control your mouse, keyboard, and apps.
Computer use guide →
Common use cases for desktop Cowork
File organization and batch processing
- • Organize Downloads and document folders
- • Batch rename files and standardize formats
- • Extract data from PDFs and images
Development and repositories
- • Triage GitHub issues and organize repositories
- • Analyze codebases and tech debt
- • Automate repository management
Application automation
- • Control applications and automate workflows
- • Run terminal commands and scripts
- • Integrate with native desktop tools
Document and data processing
- • Convert between formats (PDF, images, docs)
- • Extract and standardize data
- • Generate reports from local files
Frequently asked questions
Where do I download Claude?
Visit claude.com/download in your browser, select your operating system (macOS or Windows), and follow the installation instructions. Always download from the official Anthropic site.
Do I need the desktop app to use Cowork?
No. Web Cowork at claude.ai works in any browser without installation. Download the desktop app if you want to work with local files, use computer control, or access advanced features.
What are the system requirements?
macOS requires macOS 11 or later with an Intel or Apple Silicon processor. Windows requires Windows 10 or later. Check claude.com/download for the latest requirements.
Is the desktop app free?
The app itself is free to download. Cowork is included with Claude's paid plans (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise)—not available on the free tier.
Can I use the same account on desktop and web?
Yes. Use the same email and password on both. Sessions stored in your account are available on web, desktop, and mobile. Local files stay on your device.
Ready to get started?
Download the app, install it, and sign in. Then head to our getting-started guide to set up your first local file task safely.
→ Getting Started Guide
Complete setup, first tasks, and file access safety.
Start here →
Desktop task: Data extraction
Use local files for document processing.
See workflow →
GitHub connector
Manage repositories and automate workflows.
Setup guide →
For logistics teams
Exception briefs and document workflows.
Logistics guide →
Trust and safety
Last updated: August 20, 2026 · Official download: claude.com/download
Before you install: Confirm your Claude plan, create a dedicated project folder for file access, start with read-only tasks, and review proposed actions before approval.
Access Claude Cowork on all platforms
Desktop app
Full features including local files, computer control, and native interface.
Web login
No installation, works in any browser, remote sessions available.
Mobile app
iOS and Android for starting, reviewing, and steering tasks.
Chrome extension
Cowork in a browser side panel for inline web work and data gathering.