You can install Claude Code on Windows either through the Claude Desktop app or as a command-line tool (CLI). For the app, download Claude from Anthropic’s official download page, sign in, and open the Code tab. For the CLI, open PowerShell and run Anthropic’s installer command:
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Choose Desktop if you want a graphical interface; choose PowerShell if you want to work from a terminal or project folder. Both routes are documented by Anthropic. (code.claude.com)
Before you install
For the CLI, Anthropic lists these Windows requirements: Windows 10 version 1809 or later (or Windows Server 2019 or later), at least 4 GB of RAM, an x64 or ARM64 processor, an internet connection, and use in a country supported by Anthropic. (code.claude.com)
Claude Code access depends on your sign-in route:
- Desktop app: requires a Pro, Max, Ultra, Team, or Enterprise subscription.
- CLI: the quickstart lists those subscription plans, an Anthropic Console account, or access through a supported cloud provider. (
code.claude.com)
Git for Windows is optional for native Windows installation. Anthropic recommends it if you want Claude Code to use the Bash tool; without it, Claude Code uses PowerShell as its shell tool. (code.claude.com)
Option 1: Install Claude Code in Claude Desktop
- Go to
claude.com/downloadand download the Windows installer. Anthropic provides separate downloads for Windows x64 and ARM64. (code.claude.com) - Open the downloaded installer and complete installation.
- Launch Claude from the Windows Start menu and sign in with your Anthropic account.
- Click the Code tab in the app’s sidebar. If prompted to upgrade, the account needs a paid plan; if prompted to sign in online, complete sign-in and restart the app. (
code.claude.com) - In a new session, choose the local environment, select Open folder…, and pick the project folder you want Claude Code to work in. Then enter a task in the prompt box and send it. (
code.claude.com)
Check that it’s working: the Code tab opens a session for the folder you chose, and Claude responds to the task you submit. You do not need to install the CLI or Node.js to use Claude Code in the Desktop app. (code.claude.com)
Option 2: Install the Claude Code CLI with PowerShell
-
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal. The command below is for PowerShell; it is not a Command Prompt command.
-
Run Anthropic’s Windows installer command:
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iexThis command retrieves the installer script from
claude.aiand executes it in PowerShell. Use the command shown in Anthropic’s official documentation; it runs the downloaded script rather than merely saving it. (code.claude.com) -
When the installer finishes, open a new terminal window and verify the installation:
claude --versionA working installation prints a version number. (
code.claude.com) -
To start Claude Code in a project, change to that project’s folder and run
claude. Replace the example path with your own:cd C:\Users\YourName\Projects\my-project claude -
Follow the sign-in prompts. Use an eligible Claude subscription, Console account, or supported cloud-provider setup. (
code.claude.com)
Check that it’s working: first, claude --version should print a version number. Then claude should start a session in the project folder you selected. (code.claude.com)
If the CLI command is not recognized
If claude is not recognized after installation, open a new terminal and try again. Anthropic says the install directory may not yet be on your PATH; use its official installation troubleshooting guide for the PATH fix and other errors. (code.claude.com)
If irm is not recognized, check that you opened PowerShell rather than Command Prompt. Anthropic documents a separate installer command for Command Prompt in its Windows setup instructions. (code.claude.com)
Sources
Get started with the desktop app — Claude Code Docs
Advanced setup — Claude Code Docs
