How to Install Claude Code on Mac, Windows & Linux
Claude Code is Anthropic's AI agent that runs right in your terminal. Here is the simplest way to install it and get it running, whichever computer you use. Copy a command, paste it into your terminal, done. First launch opens your browser to sign in with your Anthropic account.
Mac / Linux Native installer
The simplest way, and it needs nothing else installed. Open Terminal and paste this:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bashWindows Native installer
Open PowerShell (search “PowerShell” in the Start menu) and paste this:
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iexAny OS Install with npm
Prefer npm? This route needs Node.js 18+ installed first, then:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeStep 2 Launch it
Move into your project folder and start Claude Code. The first time, it opens your browser to sign in with your Anthropic account.
cd path/to/your-project
claudeStep 3 Check it worked
If this prints a version number, you are ready to go:
claude --versionFrequently asked questions
Is Claude Code free to install?
Installing Claude Code is free. You sign in with your Anthropic account on first launch, and usage runs on your Claude plan or API credits.
Do I need Node.js to install Claude Code?
No. The native installer (the curl or PowerShell command) needs nothing else. Node.js 18+ is only required if you prefer the npm install method.
How do I know Claude Code installed correctly?
Run claude --version in your terminal. If it prints a version number, you are ready to go. If the command is not found, close and reopen your terminal and try again.
Keep going
Want this built into your business?
Copy-paste is the start. The leverage is an AI agent set up around your real operation, your data and your workflow.
