How to Install Claude Code on Windows and Mac
To install Claude Code, paste one command into PowerShell on Windows or Terminal on a Mac, then log in with a paid Claude plan. Here's each step and fix.
To install Claude Code, open a terminal and paste one command. On Windows that’s PowerShell, and on a Mac it’s the Terminal app. Then type claude, log in with a paid Claude account, and you’re ready to work.
The whole thing takes a few minutes. The only part that trips people up is the moment right after you press Enter. I’ll walk you through that moment.
What do you need before you install?
Three things.
- A paid Claude plan. Pro is $20 a month, or $17 a month billed yearly. Max is $100 or $200 a month. The free plan doesn’t include Claude Code. I’ve compared them in How Much Does Claude Code Cost?
- A supported computer. macOS 13 or newer, or Windows 10 (version 1809) or newer. At least 4 GB of memory.
- An internet connection. Claude Code needs it to work, not just to install.
You don’t need to know how to code. You need to copy one line and paste it.
How do you install Claude Code on Windows?
Here’s what it looks like, step by step.
Click Start and type “PowerShell.” Open Windows PowerShell. A window appears with a line that starts PS C:\Users\YourName>. That PS tells you you’re in the right place.
Paste this and press Enter:
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Now nothing seems to happen. No progress bar. No percentage. This is the moment people close the window and try again.
Don’t. The installer shows no progress while it downloads. Wait for the prompt to come back.
When it does, close that window and open a new PowerShell window. Type:
claude --version
You should see a version number followed by “(Claude Code)”. That’s a working install. You don’t need to run PowerShell as Administrator for any of this.
What if Windows says “claude” is not recognized?
The install worked, but Windows doesn’t know where to find it yet. Claude Code installs to %USERPROFILE%\.local\bin, and that folder isn’t on your PATH.
The fix takes a minute. Open Windows settings, search for “environment variables,” and add %USERPROFILE%\.local\bin to your user Path. Then open a new terminal.
Running PowerShell inside an editor like VS Code? Quit and reopen the editor too. It holds on to the old PATH.
Two other errors mean you’re in the wrong window:
'irm' is not recognizedmeans you’re in Command Prompt, not PowerShell.The token '&&' is not a valid statement separatormeans you’re in PowerShell running the Command Prompt version.
If you’d rather use Command Prompt, this is its command:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
Do you need Git for Windows?
No, but it’s recommended. Without it, Claude Code runs its commands through PowerShell. With it, Claude Code uses Git Bash, which a few of its tools need.
You’ll want Git anyway once you start building. It lets you undo any change. Install it from git-scm.com.
How do you install Claude Code on a Mac?
Press Command and Space, type “Terminal,” and press Enter. Paste this:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
Same as Windows: no progress while it downloads. Wait, then open a new Terminal window and run claude --version.
If you use Homebrew, you can install it that way instead:
brew install --cask claude-code
One catch. Homebrew installs don’t update themselves. Run brew upgrade claude-code now and then.
Which install method should you pick?
| Your computer | Recommended command | Updates itself? |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (PowerShell) | irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex | Yes |
| Windows (WinGet) | winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode | No |
| Mac (Terminal) | curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash | Yes |
| Mac (Homebrew) | brew install --cask claude-code | No |
Pick the first line for your system unless you already use WinGet or Homebrew. The native installer is the one Anthropic recommends, and it keeps itself up to date in the background.
How do you log in for the first time?
Open a terminal in the folder you want to work in. Then type claude.
The first time, Claude Code asks you to log in and sends you to your browser. Sign in with the Claude account that has your paid plan.
After that, Claude Code remembers you. To switch accounts later, type /login inside a session.
Not sure it’s all working? Run claude doctor in your terminal. It checks your install and settings and tells you what to fix.
Can you skip the terminal completely?
Yes. Claude Code also comes as a desktop app for Mac and Windows. You download it and work in a normal window, no commands.
There’s also an extension for VS Code if you already use that editor. The terminal version is what I’d learn first, because most guides, including Anthropic’s own quickstart, assume it.
Once it’s installed, read How to Set Up Claude Code the Right Way before your first real project.
Frequently asked questions
Is Claude Code free to install? The install is free, but using it isn’t. You log in with a paid plan, starting with Pro at $20 a month. The free Claude plan doesn’t include Claude Code.
Do I need admin rights to install Claude Code on Windows? No. The PowerShell and Command Prompt installers don’t need Administrator. They install into your own user folder.
Does Claude Code work on Windows 10? Yes, from Windows 10 version 1809. Windows Server 2019 and newer work too.
How do I update Claude Code?
The native installer updates itself in the background. To update right away, run claude update. Homebrew and WinGet installs need brew upgrade claude-code or winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode.
Installed and ready? Try the 30-minute Claude Code tutorial, or watch my free video, where I build a real site with it start to finish. Watch the free video.