Claude Cowork for Windows: Download & Setup

Get the full Claude Cowork experience on Windows: local file access, computer control, native app performance, and complete setup instructions for Windows 10 & 11.

Windows System Requirements

Before downloading Claude for Windows, make sure your system meets these requirements:

Minimum Requirements

✓ OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11
✓ Processor: 64-bit Intel or AMD
✓ RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
✓ Disk space: 300 MB free
✓ Internet: Stable connection required
✓ Admin access: Needed to install

Check Your Windows Version

To verify your Windows version:

Press Win + Pause or right-click "This PC" → Properties
Look for "Windows 10" or "Windows 11" under System
Note the version number (e.g., "22H2")
Update if needed: Settings > System > Updates > Check for updates

Windows 7 or older? Claude requires Windows 10 or later. If you're on an older version, upgrade your OS first, or use Claude on the web at claude.ai instead.

Download & Install Claude on Windows

Follow these step-by-step instructions to download, install, and launch Claude Cowork on Windows.

Download the Installer

Visit https://claude.com/download in your browser
The page auto-detects Windows and shows the Windows download button
Click "Download for Windows" or the .exe installer link
The file (approximately 180 MB) downloads to your Downloads folder
Wait for download to complete before proceeding

Run the Installer

Open your Downloads folder (or wherever the file saved)
Find the file named Claude-Installer.exe or similar
Right-click and select "Run as administrator" (required for installation)
A security prompt may appear—click "Yes" to allow the installer to run
Follow the on-screen installation steps

Note: Administrator access is needed. If you don't have it, contact your IT support.

Installation Progress

The installer extracts files and sets up the application (takes 1-2 minutes)
A progress bar shows installation status
You may see antivirus notifications—this is normal; allow the installation to proceed
Once complete, you'll see a success message
Check "Launch Claude" to open the app immediately, or click "Finish"

Launch Claude & Sign In

Claude launches automatically, or find it in your Start menu or desktop shortcut
You'll see a sign-in screen—enter your Anthropic account email
A browser window opens to authenticate (this is normal and secure)
Sign in with your password or email authentication method
Return to the Claude app—you're now logged in

Tip: Pin Claude to your Start menu for quick access: right-click the app → Pin to Start.

Select Cowork Mode

Look at the top of the Claude window for a mode selector (usually a dropdown or toggle)
Click on "Cowork" to switch from Chat mode to agentic mode
Cowork is now active—you're ready to grant file access and start your first task
See our how-to-use guide for your first Cowork workflow

Windows-Specific Features

The Claude desktop app on Windows includes several features designed for Windows users:

Local File Access

When you use Cowork on Windows, you can grant it access to specific folders on your computer. Cowork can read, organize, and modify files in those folders.

Best practice: Create a dedicated C:\Users\YourName\Cowork\Projects\ folder and grant Cowork access only to that folder—never your entire home directory.

Computer Control

Cowork can control your mouse and keyboard, open applications, run terminal commands, and automate interactions with Windows applications.

Use for: Automating repetitive desktop tasks, running command-line scripts, or orchestrating multi-app workflows (e.g., extract data from Excel → format in Word → email results).

Terminal & Command Line

Cowork can open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run commands directly from Windows.

Examples: 'Run git commands to analyze a repository,' 'Execute batch files to organize files,' 'Run Python scripts for data processing.'

Native Windows Integration

Claude integrates with Windows natively—it works with File Explorer, settings, and Windows-specific tools.

Example: 'Organize files by right-click context menu' or 'Batch rename files using File Explorer properties.'

Troubleshooting Windows Installation

Download Fails or Shows "Virus"

Claude is legitimate software. If your browser or antivirus warns you:

Always download from official https://claude.com/download
If your antivirus blocks it, add claude.com to your whitelist
Retry the download; the warning is usually a false positive

Installation Blocked by Administrator Policy

If you see "You do not have permission to install this application":

Your organization may restrict software installation
Contact your IT department to request approval or installation
As a workaround, use Claude on the web at claude.ai (no installation needed)

App Won't Launch After Installation

If Claude installed but won't open:

Restart your computer—installation sometimes requires a reboot
Reinstall: uninstall Claude via Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall, then download and install again
Check your antivirus isn't blocking the app

Sign-In Loop or Session Issues

If Claude keeps asking to sign in or won't stay logged in:

Clear your browser cache and cookies
Sign out from Claude (File > Sign Out)
Restart the app and sign in again
If still stuck, restart your computer

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Windows system requirements for Claude Cowork?

Claude Cowork requires Windows 10 or later with a 64-bit processor. You need at least 300 MB free disk space and administrator access to install. Check that your Windows version is up to date from Settings > System > About.

Is Claude Cowork free to download?

The desktop app is free to download and install. However, Claude Cowork features require a paid plan: Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise. Free Claude accounts only have conversation mode, not Cowork.

Why does installation require administrator access?

The Claude installer needs admin rights to place files in system directories and set up file associations. If you don't have admin access, contact your IT department.

Can I run multiple instances of Claude on Windows?

You can have multiple Claude windows open at once, but all sessions use the same account. Each window is a separate chat or Cowork instance that syncs with your account automatically.

What if antivirus software blocks the download or installation?

Claude is safe software from Anthropic. If your antivirus flags it, this is usually a false positive. Add claude.com/download to your antivirus whitelist, or download again and retry installation.

How do I update Claude on Windows?

Claude checks for updates automatically. When a new version is available, you'll see a notification in the app. Click to update, or go to Help → Check for Updates in the menu bar.

Ready to Get Started?

Once Claude is installed and you're in Cowork mode, explore these resources:

Last updated: September 17, 2026 · Download: claude.com/download