Computer Use task runner

Complete tasks in any desktop app using Claude's Computer Use feature.

Goal: Use Claude Computer Use to complete a task in a desktop app that doesn't have a Cowork connector.

Cowork Prompt Pack

Cowork-ready

You have access to Computer Use in read-only mode. Please look at [APP NAME] and [DESCRIBE WHAT TO READ/OBSERVE]. Do not click, type, or modify anything. Just read and report back what you see.

Works best when you limit Cowork to specific folders and verify before destructive actions.

Stop Conditions

Stop and ask for clarification if:

• The app isn't visible on your screen
• You're unsure which element to click
• The task requires entering sensitive data (passwords, API keys, SSNs, etc.)
• You encounter an unexpected screen or dialog

Why Computer Use matters

Many desktop applications don't have connectors or APIs. Email clients, legacy software, proprietary tools, and specialized applications are islands. Computer Use lets Claude interact with any app the same way you do: reading screens, clicking buttons, typing text, and navigating menus. It's your fallback when there's no connector.

Common use cases:

• Data entry automation: Copy information from one app to another
• Report generation: Extract data from multiple windows and compile reports
• Repetitive clicks: Navigate complex UIs for bulk actions
• Legacy system workarounds: Automate tasks in apps without modern APIs

Best practices for Computer Use

Start with read-only

Always begin by asking Claude to look at a screen without making changes. Confirm it can see the right application, find the right data, and understand what you want before granting modify permissions.

Be specific about screens and locations

Claude can't guess. Say "Click the blue 'Submit' button in the lower right corner" instead of "Submit the form." Describe what the screen should look like after each step.

Test on non-critical tasks first

Start with a small batch (5-10 items) to verify Claude's approach. If it works correctly, you can expand to larger batches with confidence.

Never ask Claude to enter passwords

Sign in yourself before handing off the task, or use stored credentials if the app supports them. Computer Use can't safely handle sensitive data entry.

Keep your computer awake and focused

Don't switch windows or use your mouse while Claude is working. Your input will interrupt the task. Let it finish, then review the results.

Common Computer Use workflows

Data transfer

"Copy customer records from the legacy CRM into the new system one at a time. After each copy, verify the data appears in both systems."

Screenshot analysis

"Look at the error message on screen and tell me what it says. Do not click anything yet."

Form filling

"Fill out the support ticket form with this information: title=Bug, priority=High, description=... Do not submit yet. Show me what you filled in first."

Multi-step navigation

"Navigate to Settings → Security → API Keys. Tell me what you see and read the current API key prefix."

Frequently asked questions

Is Computer Use safe for sensitive data?

Computer Use is safe for reading and interacting with applications, but avoid asking Claude to type or handle secrets (passwords, API keys, personal data). Always sign in manually before handing off a task involving sensitive systems.

What happens if Claude gets stuck or clicks the wrong button?

Stop the task immediately and review what happened. This is why you start with read-only and test on non-critical items first. Your review step is critical to catching errors early.

Can Claude use multiple windows or apps?

Computer Use can interact with any visible window. For tasks requiring coordination between apps, be explicit: "Switch to Window A, copy the text, switch to Window B, paste it, verify the match."

How long can a Computer Use task run?

Computer Use works best for tasks taking 5-30 minutes. For longer tasks, break them into smaller chunks with review steps between each chunk.