You have three installation options: Terminal CLI (most control), VS Code extension (stays in your editor), or Desktop app (visual interface). Pick where you want to work with Claude Code.
Terminal CLI Installation
The CLI gives you full access to Claude Code's features. Works in any project and fits your command line workflow.
macOS, Linux, or WSL users, run:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
Windows PowerShell users (prompt shows PS C:\):
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Windows Command Prompt users (prompt shows C:\):
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
If you see an error about && not being valid, you're in PowerShell but used the CMD command. If you see irm not recognized, you're in CMD but used the PowerShell command.
The native installer updates Claude Code automatically. You get new features without thinking about it.
Alternative: Homebrew (macOS/Linux)
brew install --cask claude-code
Homebrew has two casks: claude-code (stable, about a week behind) and claude-code@latest (latest). Homebrew won't auto-update. Run brew upgrade claude-code when you want the latest.
Alternative: winget (Windows)
winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode
Like Homebrew, winget needs manual updates with winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode.
VS Code Extension
If you live in VS Code, the extension brings Claude Code into your editor. You get inline diffs, conversation history, and file mentions with @.
Open VS Code and press Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+X (Mac) for Extensions. Search "Claude Code" and install it.
After installation, open Command Palette with Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P, type "Claude Code", and select "Open in New Tab".
Desktop App
The Desktop app works well for visual diff reviews and running multiple coding sessions side by side. Download the installer for your system:
- macOS: Works on Intel and Apple Silicon
- Windows x64: Standard Windows systems
- Windows ARM64: Surface Pro X and other ARM Windows devices
Install like any desktop app. Launch it, sign in with your Claude account, and click the "Code" tab.
First Setup
Whatever you chose, you need to authenticate first.
CLI: Go to any project folder and run claude. You'll get a browser login prompt.
VS Code: The extension asks you to sign in when you first open a Claude Code tab.
Desktop: Sign in when you launch the app.
All installations connect to the same Claude Code engine. Your project settings, instructions, and conversation history sync across interfaces.
Common Setup Issues
"Command not found" after CLI installation: Close and reopen your terminal. The installer adds Claude Code to your PATH, but existing sessions don't see the change.
VS Code extension not showing: Restart VS Code. Extensions sometimes need a full restart to activate.
Windows Git warnings: Claude Code works better with Git for Windows installed. It uses Git's bash tools for file operations. Without Git, Claude Code falls back to PowerShell, which works but has limits.
Network restrictions: Corporate firewall blocking the installer? Download it manually from claude.ai and run it locally, or ask IT about allowing claude.ai domains.
Installation completes quickly on most systems. Once done, you can start coding with Claude in any project.