Claude Code is available two ways: as the Code tab inside Claude Desktop (with a graphical interface), or as a CLI tool you install and run from your terminal. Here’s how to get either one set up from scratch.
Option 1: Claude Desktop (Recommended for Most Users)
The easiest way to get Claude Code is through Claude Desktop — no terminal required.
- Download Claude Desktop from claude.ai/download — available for macOS and Windows (x64 or ARM64). Linux is not supported.
- Install — on Mac, open the PKG and drag to Applications; on Windows, run the installer.
- Sign in with your Anthropic account (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise).
- Click the Code tab in the top navigation.
- Select Local to work with files on your machine, or Remote to run on Anthropic’s cloud infrastructure.
- Click “Select folder” and choose your project directory. You’re ready.
On Windows, Git must be installed for local sessions to work. Most Macs include Git by default — check by running git --version in Terminal.
Get the Claude workflow that actually sticks.
Practical Claude setup tips from someone running it across 27 client sites daily — not marketing, not theory. Email Will directly and he’ll share what’s working.
Option 2: Claude Code CLI
For developers who prefer working in the terminal, Claude Code is also available as a command-line tool.
# Install via npm npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code # Authenticate claude login # Start in your project directory cd your-project claude
The CLI requires Node.js. After running claude login, you’ll authenticate with your Anthropic account in a browser window. The session starts automatically in the current directory.
Local vs. Remote Sessions
| Session type | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Local | Runs on your machine, accesses your files directly | Everyday development work |
| Remote | Runs on Anthropic’s cloud, continues if you close the app | Long-running tasks, autonomous work |
| SSH | Connects to a remote machine over SSH | Server or cloud VM development |
Common Setup Issues
Code tab not appearing in Desktop: Confirm your account is on a paid plan. Claude Code requires Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise — it’s not available on the free tier.
Windows Git error: Claude Code needs Git for local sessions on Windows. Download Git from git-scm.com, install with default settings, then restart the desktop app.
CLI authentication failing: Run claude logout then claude login again. Make sure your Anthropic account has an active paid subscription.
Permission errors on first run: Claude Code will ask permission to access your files when you first select a folder. Click Allow — it needs read/write access to work with your project.
First Session: What to Expect
When you start your first Claude Code session, Anthropic recommends starting with a small, familiar project. Ask Claude to explain the codebase, fix a specific bug, or add a small feature. This gives you a calibrated sense of how it works before tackling larger tasks. Claude will read relevant files, propose changes, and ask for your approval before modifying anything.
For an overview of what Claude Code can do once you’re set up, see How to Use Claude Code. For pricing details, see Claude Code Pricing: Pro vs Max.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install Claude Code?
Download Claude Desktop from claude.ai/download and use the Code tab — no terminal required. Or install the CLI with npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code and run claude login to authenticate.
Is Claude Code free to install?
Claude Desktop (which includes Claude Code) is free to download. Using Claude Code requires a paid subscription — Pro ($20/month), Max ($100/month), Team, or Enterprise. It is not available on the free plan.
Does Claude Code work on Linux?
The Claude Desktop app does not support Linux. The Claude Code CLI does run on Linux — install via npm and use it from your terminal.
What’s the difference between Claude Code Desktop and the CLI?
Claude Code Desktop (the Code tab in the Claude Desktop app) gives you a graphical interface with visual file diffs, a built-in preview panel, and no terminal required. The CLI runs in your terminal and supports the same core operations. Both share configuration files and can run simultaneously on the same project.
Leave a Reply