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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: 4GB+ RAM
  • Software: Node.js 18+
  • Network: Internet connection required for authentication and AI processing
  • Shell: Works best in Bash, Zsh or Fish
  • Location: Anthropic supported countries

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Standard installation

To install Claude Code, run the following command:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Do NOT use sudo npm install -g as this can lead to permission issues and security risks. If you encounter permission errors, see configure Claude Code for recommended solutions.

Some users may be automatically migrated to an improved installation method. Run claude doctor after installation to check your installation type.

After the installation process completes, navigate to your project and start Claude Code:

cd your-awesome-project
claude

Claude Code offers the following authentication options:

  1. Anthropic Console: The default option. Connect through the Anthropic Console and complete the OAuth process. Requires active billing at console.anthropic.com.
  2. Claude App (with Pro or Max plan): Subscribe to Claude’s Pro or Max plan for a unified subscription that includes both Claude Code and the web interface. Get more value at the same price point while managing your account in one place. Log in with your Claude.ai account. During launch, choose the option that matches your subscription type.
  3. Enterprise platforms: Configure Claude Code to use Amazon Bedrock or Google Vertex AI for enterprise deployments with your existing cloud infrastructure.

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Windows setup

Option 1: Claude Code within WSL

  • Both WSL 1 and WSL 2 are supported

Option 2: Claude Code on native Windows with Git Bash

  • Requires Git for Windows
  • For portable Git installations, specify the path to your bash.exe: 
    $env:CLAUDE_CODE_GIT_BASH_PATH="C:\Program Files\Git\bin\bash.exe"

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Alternative installation methods

Claude Code offers multiple installation methods to suit different environments.

If you encounter any issues during installation, consult the troubleshooting guide.

Run claude doctor after installation to check your installation type and version.

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Global npm installation

Traditional method shown in the install steps above

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Local installation

  • After global install via npm, use claude migrate-installer to move to local
  • Avoids autoupdater npm permission issues
  • Some users may be automatically migrated to this method

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Native binary installation (Alpha)

  • Use claude install from an existing installation
  • or curl -fsSL claude.ai/install.sh | bash for a fresh install
  • Currently in alpha testing
  • Platform support: macOS, Linux, Windows (via WSL)

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Running on AWS or GCP

By default, Claude Code uses Anthropic’s API.

For details on running Claude Code on AWS or GCP, see third-party integrations.

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Update Claude Code

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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

Disable auto-updates:

# Via configuration
claude config set autoUpdates false --global

# Or via environment variable
export DISABLE_AUTOUPDATER=1

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Update manually

claude update