System requirements
- Operating Systems: macOS 10.15+, Ubuntu 20.04+/Debian 10+, or Windows 10+ (with WSL 1, WSL 2, or Git for Windows)
- Hardware: 4 GB+ RAM
- Network: Internet connection required (see network configuration)
- Shell: Works best in Bash or Zsh
- Location: Anthropic supported countries
Additional dependencies
- ripgrep: Usually included with Claude Code. If search fails, see search troubleshooting.
- Node.js 18+: Only required for deprecated npm installation
Installation
To install Claude Code, use one of the following methods:- Native Install (Recommended)
- Homebrew
- WinGet
macOS, Linux, WSL:Windows PowerShell:Windows CMD:
Alpine Linux and other musl/uClibc-based distributions: The native installer requires
libgcc, libstdc++, and ripgrep. For Alpine: apk add libgcc libstdc++ ripgrep. Set USE_BUILTIN_RIPGREP=0.Authentication
For individuals
- Claude Pro or Max plan (recommended): Subscribe to Claude’s Pro or Max plan for a unified subscription that includes both Claude Code and Claude on the web. Manage your account in one place and log in with your Claude.ai account.
- Claude Console: Connect through the Claude Console and complete the OAuth process. Requires active billing in the Anthropic Console. A “Claude Code” workspace is automatically created for usage tracking and cost management. You can’t create API keys for the Claude Code workspace; it’s dedicated exclusively for Claude Code usage.
For teams and organizations
- Claude for Teams or Enterprise (recommended): Subscribe to Claude for Teams or Claude for Enterprise for centralized billing, team management, and access to both Claude Code and Claude on the web. Team members log in with their Claude.ai accounts.
- Claude Console with team billing: Set up a shared Claude Console organization with team billing. Invite team members and assign roles for usage tracking.
- Cloud providers: Configure Claude Code to use Amazon Bedrock, Google Vertex AI, or Microsoft Foundry for deployments with your existing cloud infrastructure.
Install a specific version
The native installer accepts either a specific version number or a release channel (latest or stable). The channel you choose at install time becomes your default for auto-updates. See Configure release channel for more information.
To install the latest version (default):
- macOS, Linux, WSL
- Windows PowerShell
- Windows CMD
- macOS, Linux, WSL
- Windows PowerShell
- Windows CMD
- macOS, Linux, WSL
- Windows PowerShell
- Windows CMD
Binary integrity and code signing
- SHA256 checksums for all platforms are published in the release manifests, currently located at
https://storage.googleapis.com/claude-code-dist-86c565f3-f756-42ad-8dfa-d59b1c096819/claude-code-releases/{VERSION}/manifest.json(example: replace{VERSION}with2.0.30) - Signed binaries are distributed for the following platforms:
- macOS: Signed by “Anthropic PBC” and notarized by Apple
- Windows: Signed by “Anthropic, PBC”
NPM installation (deprecated)
NPM installation is deprecated. Use the native installation method when possible. To migrate an existing npm installation to native, runclaude install.
Global npm installation
Windows setup
Option 1: Claude Code within WSL- Both WSL 1 and WSL 2 are supported
- Requires Git for Windows
- For portable Git installations, specify the path to your
bash.exe:
Update Claude Code
Auto updates
Claude Code automatically keeps itself up to date to ensure you have the latest features and security fixes.- Update checks: Performed on startup and periodically while running
- Update process: Downloads and installs automatically in the background
- Notifications: You’ll see a notification when updates are installed
- Applying updates: Updates take effect the next time you start Claude Code
Homebrew and WinGet installations do not auto-update. Use
brew upgrade claude-code or winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode to update manually.Known issue: Claude Code may notify you of updates before the new version is available in these package managers. If an upgrade fails, wait and try again later.Configure release channel
Configure which release channel Claude Code follows for both auto-updates andclaude update with the autoUpdatesChannel setting:
"latest"(default): Receive new features as soon as they’re released"stable": Use a version that is typically about one week old, skipping releases with major regressions
/config → Auto-update channel, or add it to your settings.json file:
Disable auto-updates
Set theDISABLE_AUTOUPDATER environment variable in your shell or settings.json file: