If you searched for Claude Code download, you probably want a fast, safe path to Anthropic's coding agent — not a maze of unofficial mirrors. This guide explains the official entry points, what you are actually installing, and how to validate your setup in under ten minutes.
Official download vs third-party sites
Always start at claude.com/download or the Claude Code product page. Third-party repacks may bundle outdated builds, strip security updates, or inject unwanted software. Our download page summarizes steps but links to Anthropic for the actual installer.
Desktop app, CLI, or both?
Claude Code ships as a desktop experience and as a terminal-based CLI. Developers on Windows often pick one primary workflow:
- Desktop — best when you want a guided UI, file picker, and visual diff review.
- CLI — best when you live in PowerShell or WSL and want agent commands inside existing repos.
- Both — common for teams: desktop for onboarding, CLI for daily commits.
Pre-download checklist
- Confirm Windows 10/11 64-bit and at least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended).
- Sign up or sign in to a Claude account with the plan you intend to use.
- Check corporate firewall rules if you are on a managed laptop.
- Free disk space: allow 1 GB for app data and caches.
After download: first-run validation
Install, sign in, open a small sample repo, and ask the agent to explain one file or fix a trivial typo. If that works, network, auth, and permissions are likely fine. Only then import large monorepos or connect CI secrets.
Common download mistakes
- Downloading a generic Claude desktop build when you needed the coding agent workflow.
- Skipping login and assuming offline mode will work for model calls.
- Installing on a path with restrictive permissions (e.g., synced OneDrive folders).
Next steps: follow our install guide for Windows-specific tips, or read CLI setup if you prefer the terminal.
Ready to install Claude Code? Start on our download page, then use the official installer.
Open download page Official download