How to Install Claude Code: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Anthropic has officially introduced Claude Code, a command-line AI assistant that lives directly inside your terminal. Unlike standard web-chat tools, Claude Code interacts directly with your local files, runs terminal tests, and handles complex multi-file git operations autonomously.

Install Claude Code

If you are ready to bring Claude’s reasoning power directly into your development workflow, here is exactly how to install and configure it on your machine.

🛠️ Step 1: Check the Prerequisites

Before running the installer, ensure your environment meets the minimum requirements:

  • An Active Claude Plan: You must have a paid subscription (Claude Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise) or an Anthropic Console API key. The free tier does not support Claude Code.
  • Git: Initialize Git within your project folders so Claude can track and manage file changes securely.

💻 Step 2: Run the Installation Command

Open your terminal and execute the official native command matching your operating system. These native installers run seamlessly and do not require Node.js or external runtimes.

For macOS, Linux, and WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

Run this curl script to handle the background installation seamlessly:

bash

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

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Install Claude Code

For Windows (PowerShell)

Open PowerShell (you do not need to run as Administrator) and paste:

powershell

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

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For Windows (Command Prompt / CMD)

If you prefer standard CMD over PowerShell, use this multi-step string:

cmd

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

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🔑 Step 3: Authenticate and Launch

Once the installer finishes running, launching the tool takes just seconds.

  1. Navigate to Your Project: Change directories in your terminal to your working codebase (cd path/to/your/project).
  2. Fire Up the Tool: Type the simple command below and press Enter:bashclaude Use code with caution.
  3. Log In via Browser: Your terminal will generate a secure link. Open it in your web browser, log into your approved Anthropic account, and authorize the terminal application.

🚀 Pro-Tips for Getting Started

Once authorized, Claude Code will analyze your repository layout and wait for instructions.

  • Use Slash Commands: Type /help inside the session to see a comprehensive map of commands.
  • Keep It Updated: Native installations automatically update in the background. However, you can force a manual update check at any time by running: bash claude update Use code with caution.
  • Supercharge with Plugins: Once installed, run /plugin install claude-code-setup@claude-plugins-official to scan your repository and automatically configure helpful project hooks, skills, and subagents.

What people are saying

Developers using Claude Code emphasize the importance of using official setups and automation plugins to move past vanilla implementations and build an optimized local AI development ecosystem.

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