# Install Claude Code

> Install Claude Code in the desktop app, the terminal or VS Code, sign in, and run your first session on a project folder.

Source: https://viralistic.nl/help/claude/install-claude-code

Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic coding tool. Unlike a normal chat, it works directly in a folder on your computer: it reads files, edits them, runs commands and checks its own work, with your approval. This article helps you pick the right way to run it, install it and start your first session.

## What you need

- A paid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise) or an Anthropic Console account. The Free plan does not include Claude Code.
- A supported computer: a recent macOS, Windows 10 or 11, or a common Linux distribution. The [official setup page](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/setup) lists the exact versions.
- An internet connection.
- A project folder to work in, such as a website repository.

On a Team or Enterprise plan, your admin may need to give you a seat that includes Claude Code.

## Choose how you want to use it

All versions use the same engine, so your project settings, skills and `CLAUDE.md` work everywhere.

| Option                 | Good for                                                       | Needs a terminal |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- |
| Desktop app (Code tab) | Non-developers and anyone who prefers buttons and visual diffs | No               |
| Terminal (CLI)         | Developers, automation, the full feature set                   | Yes              |
| VS Code or JetBrains   | Working inside your code editor                                | Partly           |
| Web (claude.ai/code)   | Running tasks in the cloud on a GitHub repository              | No               |

If you are unsure, start with the desktop app. For the web version, see [Run Claude Code in the cloud](https://viralistic.nl/help/claude/claude-code-on-the-web).

## Option 1: Desktop app

1. Download the Claude desktop app from [claude.com/download](https://claude.com/download) and install it.
2. Open the app and sign in.
3. Click the **Code** tab at the top.
4. Choose **Local** to work with files on your computer.
5. Click **Select folder** and choose your project folder.
6. Type a first request and press Enter.

The desktop app already contains Claude Code. You do not need to install anything else.

## Option 2: Terminal

### Install

Open a terminal and run the command for your system. These are the official native installers.

macOS, Linux or WSL:

```bash
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
```

Windows PowerShell:

```text
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
```

Windows Command Prompt (CMD):

```text
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
```

If you use Homebrew on a Mac, `brew install --cask claude-code` works too. Other options (WinGet, Linux package managers, npm) are on the official setup page.

> **Note:** On Windows, installing Git for Windows is recommended so Claude Code can use Bash. Without it, Claude Code uses PowerShell instead.

### Check the installation

Open a **new** terminal window and run:

```bash
claude --version
```

You should see a version number. If the terminal says `claude` is not found, close and reopen the terminal first. If that does not help, run `claude doctor` or follow the PATH fix in the official troubleshooting guide.

### Start and sign in

Go to your project folder and start Claude Code:

```bash
cd path/to/your-project
claude
```

1. The first time, Claude Code asks you to log in and opens a browser window.
2. Sign in with your Claude account and approve.
3. Back in the terminal, you see the Claude Code prompt. You stay signed in from now on.

## Option 3: VS Code

1. Open the Extensions view in VS Code.
2. Search for "Claude Code" and install the extension published by Anthropic.
3. Open the Command Palette, type "Claude Code" and open it in a new tab.
4. Sign in when asked.

For JetBrains IDEs, install the Claude Code plugin from the JetBrains Marketplace. It also needs the terminal version installed.

## Your first session

Start by letting Claude look around before it changes anything:

```text
What does this project do? Explain the folder structure in plain language.
```

Then try a small, safe change, and review it before you accept it. Useful commands and keys:

| Command or key | What it does                                                             |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `/help`        | Lists available commands                                                 |
| `/init`        | Creates a starter `CLAUDE.md` for the project                            |
| `Shift+Tab`    | Switches permission mode (for example to plan first, or to accept edits) |
| `Esc`          | Stops Claude mid-task so you can redirect it                             |
| `/rewind`      | Rolls back the conversation and Claude's file edits to an earlier point  |
| `/clear`       | Starts a fresh conversation                                              |

> **Warning:** Rewind only undoes edits Claude made with its own editing tools, not everything a command did. Use Git (or at least a backup copy) for any project you care about.

## Keep it up to date

The native installer updates itself in the background. Homebrew and WinGet installs do not: run `brew upgrade claude-code` or `winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode` from time to time. You can always update manually with `claude update`.

## Next steps

- [Write a CLAUDE.md](https://viralistic.nl/help/claude/write-a-claude-md)
- [Claude Code for non-developers](https://viralistic.nl/help/claude/claude-code-for-non-developers)
- [Run Claude Code in the cloud](https://viralistic.nl/help/claude/claude-code-on-the-web)
- [Edit your site with Claude Code](https://viralistic.nl/help/astro/edit-your-site-with-claude-code)