Install Claude Code

Install Claude Code with the recommended native installer, authenticate with the right account type, and verify the CLI works.

Use the native installer unless your organization deliberately manages Claude Code through Homebrew, WinGet, Linux packages, or npm.

Last checked on July 7, 2026. The commands below follow Anthropic's current setup docs. If an installer fails, use the official troubleshooting link at the end instead of guessing from old npm instructions.

Fast Path

Your situation	Use this path	Verify it worked	Watch out
macOS, Linux, or WSL user	Native installer	`claude --version` and `claude doctor`	Restart the terminal if `claude` is not on `PATH`.
Windows PowerShell user	Native PowerShell installer	`claude --version`	PowerShell and CMD use different install commands.
Windows CMD user	Native CMD installer	`claude --version`	If PowerShell syntax errors appear, switch shells.
macOS team already using Homebrew	`brew install --cask claude-code`	`brew list --cask claude-code`	Homebrew installs do not auto-update by default.
API, CI, Bedrock, Vertex, or Foundry work	Console or provider credentials	`/status` plus billing dashboard	API keys can bill separately from subscriptions.
Free Claude account	Upgrade or use Console/provider access	Account plan page	The free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code access.

Claude Code currently supports macOS 13+, Windows 10 1809+ or Windows Server 2019+, Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 10+, and Alpine Linux 3.19+. It needs 4 GB+ RAM, an x64 or ARM64 processor, internet access, and a supported country or region.

ripgrep is usually included. If search inside Claude Code fails, troubleshoot search before assuming the install itself is broken.

Install

Native Install

macOS, Linux, and WSL:

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

Windows PowerShell:

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

Windows CMD:

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

Native installs auto-update in the background.

Homebrew

brew install --cask claude-code

Homebrew installs require manual updates unless your environment opts into package-manager auto-updates.

Authenticate

After installation, open a terminal in your project and run:

claude

Then follow the browser login prompts.

Claude Code requires Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise, Console access, or a supported third-party provider. Do not set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY just because you have a Pro or Max subscription. An API key can make terminal sessions use API billing instead of subscription usage.

Verify

claude --version
claude doctor

Inside Claude Code, check the active account and credential path:

/status

Use this before long sessions, especially if you have API keys or cloud-provider credentials in your shell.

Common Issues

Symptom	Likely cause	Fix
`claude: command not found`	Installer path was not loaded.	Restart terminal, then check `claude --version`.
Install command returns `403` or HTML syntax errors	Network, proxy, or shell mismatch.	Match the exact error in official install troubleshooting.
Pro or Max user sees API charges	`ANTHROPIC_API_KEY` is set.	Run `/status`, remove or scope the API key, and check Console billing.
Search does not work in a project	`ripgrep` problem.	Follow search troubleshooting before reinstalling.
Windows shell command fails	PowerShell command was run in CMD, or CMD command was run in PowerShell.	Switch to the shell that matches the command.

First Project Setup

After the CLI opens successfully, add a short CLAUDE.md to the project root:

# CLAUDE.md

## Common Commands

- npm run build: Build the project
- npm run test: Run tests
- npm run lint: Check code quality

## Project Rules

- Use TypeScript
- Follow the existing component patterns
- Do not edit generated files unless asked

Keep it short. A stale or oversized CLAUDE.md wastes context every session.