Install Claude Code step by step

In the previous guide we looked at the different ways to use Claude. Here we install Claude Code in the terminal, the option we'll use for the rest of the series. It takes a few minutes.

Before you start

Make sure you have:

A supported system: macOS 13 or later, Windows 10 (version 1809) or later, or a recent Linux distribution such as Ubuntu 20.04+ or Debian 10+.
At least 4 GB of RAM and an internet connection.
An account that includes Claude Code: a Pro plan or higher, or a pay-as-you-go Anthropic Console account. The free plan doesn't include it.

If you'd rather not use the terminal, the desktop app has Claude Code built into its Code tab. This guide focuses on the terminal because it's the foundation for the rest of the series.

Step 1: open a terminal

Windows: search for PowerShell in the Start menu. You'll know you're in PowerShell because the line starts with PS C:\. If it starts with just C:\, you're in CMD (the classic command prompt).
macOS: open Terminal from Spotlight (Cmd + Space and type "Terminal").
Linux: open your distribution's terminal (on many, Ctrl + Alt + T).

Step 2: install Claude Code

The recommended way is the official installer, because it updates itself. Copy the command for your system and paste it into the terminal:

macOS, Linux or 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

The installer doesn't show a progress bar: it's normal for it to look idle while it downloads. Wait until the prompt comes back.

Package manager alternatives

If you already use a package manager, you can also install it this way:

brew install --cask claude-code

winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode

Keep in mind that these installs don't update themselves: you'll need to update them from time to time with the same package manager.

If you're on Windows

You don't need administrator rights to install it.
Installing Git for Windows is recommended: it lets Claude Code use Git Bash to run commands. Without it, it uses PowerShell, which also works.
If you work with Linux tooling, you can install it inside WSL with the Linux command. In that case, always launch it from the WSL terminal.

Step 3: check that it works

Close the terminal and open a new one (so it picks up the newly installed command). Then type:

claude --version

If you see a version number followed by (Claude Code), you're all set. For a fuller diagnosis:

claude doctor

Step 4: start your first session

Go into any project folder (here we use a sample one called my-project) and launch Claude Code:

cd my-project
claude

The first time, it asks you to sign in: your browser opens so you can log in with your Claude or Anthropic Console account. When you're done, go back to the terminal. Your credentials are saved, so you won't need to repeat it.

Step 5: your first commands

Once inside Claude Code, try writing to it in plain language:

what does this project do?

Claude reads the files it needs and gives you a summary. You don't need to paste the context yourself.

A few handy shortcuts to start with:

Command or shortcut	What it's for
`/help`	See the available commands
`/login`	Switch accounts or sign in again
`/clear`	Start a new conversation
`Shift + Tab`	Change how much Claude can do without asking you
`/exit` or `Ctrl + D` twice	Quit Claude Code

By default, Claude asks for permission before editing files or running commands. Read what it proposes and accept only what makes sense.

Keeping it up to date

If you used the official installer, it updates itself in the background. To force an update:

claude update

Common issues

If you see…	Try this
`claude` isn't recognized as a command	Close and open a new terminal. If it still fails, the install folder isn't on your PATH: run `claude doctor` or check the official troubleshooting guide.
`The token '&&' is not a valid statement separator`	You're in PowerShell using the CMD command. Use the PowerShell command.
`'irm' is not recognized…`	You're in CMD using the PowerShell command. Use the CMD command.
It asks for a plan when you sign in	Your account is on the free plan. Claude Code needs Pro or higher, or a Console account.

Next step

You now have Claude Code installed and working. In the next guide we'll do your first real task with it: ask for a change in a sample project, review it and accept it.

The commands in this guide follow the official documentation as of the last update. If anything changes, the Claude Code documentation always has the latest version.