Claude Code Windows PATH Setup
How to troubleshoot Claude Code on Windows when PATH, PowerShell, CMD, Git Bash, WSL, or installer commands do not match.
On Windows, most Claude Code install problems come from mixing PowerShell, CMD, Git Bash, WSL, and PATH changes. Use one shell intentionally, then verify that the shell can find the installed claude binary.
Fix Path First
- Restart the terminal after installation.
- Run
claude --version. - If it fails, run
where.exe claude. - Confirm the user-level Claude Code install directory is in PATH.
- Make sure the install command matches the shell you are using.
Shell Mismatch Signs
If irm is not recognized, you are probably in CMD rather than PowerShell. If bash is not recognized, you may be running a macOS/Linux command in a Windows shell. If claude works in one shell but not another, the PATH has not been applied consistently.