Updated November 2026. The Claude desktop app puts Anthropic’s AI assistant on your computer instead of in a browser tab. It does everything claude.ai does, and adds features that only work on the desktop: a keyboard shortcut to open Claude from anywhere, access to files and apps on your computer, Cowork for hands-off tasks, and Claude Code with a visual interface. The app is free to download and works on the free plan.
Supported systems
| Platform | Download | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | DMG installer | See Claude’s Help Center for minimum macOS version |
| Windows | Installer for x64 and ARM64, or the Microsoft Store | Pick ARM64 for Snapdragon laptops |
| Linux (beta) | Ubuntu and Debian packages, x64 and arm64 | Computer use and dictation not yet available |
| iPhone and Android | App Store and Google Play | Mobile apps sync with desktop |
How to download and install Claude on Mac
- Go to claude.com/download and choose Download for Mac.
- Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag Claude into your Applications folder.
- Open Claude from Applications or Launchpad. If macOS asks whether you want to open an app downloaded from the internet, click Open.
- Sign in with the same account you use on claude.ai, or create one.
- Allow the permissions Claude asks for, such as notifications and, if you want voice input, the microphone.
How to download and install Claude on Windows
- Go to claude.com/download and choose the Windows installer. Pick ARM64 if you have a Snapdragon laptop, otherwise x64. You can also install Claude from the Microsoft Store.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Open Claude from the Start menu and sign in.
- Right-click the taskbar icon and pin it if you want Claude one click away.
How to install Claude on Linux (beta)
On Ubuntu or Debian, download the package for your processor from the download page and install it with your package manager. The Linux app is in beta: computer use and dictation are not available yet, and the global quick entry shortcut works on X11 only.
What you can do in the desktop app
Chat
The chat works just like claude.ai, with your conversation history, Projects and settings synced across devices. Anything you start on the desktop shows up on the web and mobile apps.
Quick entry
Claude stays in your dock or system tray and opens with a keyboard shortcut from any app. Ask a quick question, drop in a screenshot, or paste text without switching windows. You can change the shortcut in the app’s settings.
Desktop extensions and connectors
Desktop extensions connect Claude to files, browsers and native apps on your computer, so it can read a local folder or work with tools you have installed. The Claude in Chrome connector lets Claude navigate pages, click and fill forms in your browser, with your permission.
Cowork
Cowork is for tasks you want to hand off rather than chat through. Describe the outcome, such as “turn these receipts into an expense spreadsheet” or “research these five suppliers and compare their prices”, and Claude plans the steps, works with your files and reports back. It can also run tasks on a schedule. Cowork needs a paid plan (Pro, Max, Ultra, Team or Enterprise). Claude asks before taking actions by default.
Claude Code
Paid subscribers can run Claude Code inside the desktop app, with previews of local servers, a review screen for code changes and pull request status. If you prefer the terminal, see how to install Claude Code.
Desktop app vs browser
| Feature | Desktop app | claude.ai in a browser |
|---|---|---|
| Chat, Projects, file uploads | Yes | Yes |
| Quick entry shortcut | Yes | No |
| Access to local files and apps | Yes, through extensions | Limited |
| Cowork with local folders | Yes | Cloud tasks only |
| Claude Code with visual review | Yes | Claude Code on the web |
| Install needed | Yes | No |
All of these draw from the same usage allowance, so using the app does not give you extra messages. See what Claude’s free plan includes for details on limits.
Troubleshooting
The app will not open on Mac
Make sure Claude is in your Applications folder, not running from the disk image. If macOS blocks it, open System Settings, then Privacy & Security, and click Open Anyway.
Sign-in keeps looping
Check that your default browser can open claude.ai, sign out of the app, quit it fully, and sign in again. Corporate networks and VPNs can block the sign-in page.
Features are missing
Update the app from its menu or by downloading the latest version. Some features, such as Cowork and Claude Code, need a paid plan, and on Team or Enterprise accounts an admin may need to turn them on.
Is the Claude desktop app safe?
Download it only from claude.com/download, the Microsoft Store or official app stores. Extensions and Cowork can read files you give them access to, so share only the folders a task needs, and review what Claude plans to do before approving it. Our guide to using AI safely covers good habits.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Claude desktop app free?
Yes. The app is free and works on the free plan. Cowork and Claude Code need a paid plan.
Is there a Claude app for Linux?
Yes, a beta for Ubuntu and Debian is available from Claude’s download page.
Do I need the desktop app to use Claude?
No. You can use Claude at claude.ai in any browser. The app adds quick access, local file features and Cowork.
Can the desktop app use my files?
Only the files and folders you share with it or connect through extensions. Claude asks for permission before acting.
New to Claude? Start with What is Claude AI? or see how it compares in Claude vs ChatGPT.
Browse our curated directory of AI tools by category.