Why This Matters#

To start working with Claude Code, you need to install it on your computer. It takes 2–3 minutes. In this lesson, we’ll walk through the installation step by step for each operating system.

What You’ll Need#

• A computer with macOS, Windows, or Linux
• Internet connection
• A Claude Pro, Max, Teams, or Enterprise subscription (sign up at claude.com/pricing)

Operating System (OS) — the main program running your computer. Mac uses macOS, most PCs use Windows, and some use Linux.

Method 1: Standard Installation (Recommended)#

macOS and Linux#

1. Open the Terminal

   • On Mac: press Cmd + Space, type Terminal, press Enter
   • On Linux: press Ctrl + Alt + T

2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:

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

3. Wait for it to finish — it takes about a minute.

4. Verify the installation:

claude --version

If you see a version number — you’re all set! 🎉

Windows#

Option A: Using PowerShell#

1. Click the Start button, type PowerShell, press Enter

2. Copy and paste this command:

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

3. Press Enter and wait for it to finish.

Option B: Using Command Prompt (CMD)#

1. Click Start, type cmd, press Enter

2. Paste the command:

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

3. Press Enter.

PowerShell and CMD are two different terminals in Windows. PowerShell is more modern, but both will work.

Method 2: Using Homebrew (macOS Only)#

Homebrew is a package manager for Mac. If you already use it, installation is even easier:

brew install --cask claude-code

Package manager — a program that installs other programs with a single command. Like an App Store, but in the terminal.

If you don’t have Homebrew — use Method 1, it’s simpler.

Method 3: Using WinGet (Windows Only)#

WinGet is the built-in package manager for Windows 10/11. Open PowerShell and type:

winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode

Method 4: Desktop Application (No Terminal Needed)#

If you prefer not to use the terminal, download the ready-made application:

• macOS: Download for Mac (works on Intel and Apple Silicon)
• Windows: Download for Windows

Standard installation:

1. Download the file
2. Open it
3. Drag to “Applications” (Mac) or follow the installer (Windows)

Verifying the Installation#

After installation, open a terminal and type:

claude --version

You should see something like:

claude-code v1.x.x

If you see a “command not found” error — try closing and reopening the terminal. If that doesn’t help — repeat the installation.

Common Issues#

sudo (pronounced “soo-doh”) — a command that runs another command as administrator. Like “Run as administrator” in Windows.

Lesson Summary#

✅ Claude Code installs with a single command in the terminal
✅ Works on macOS, Windows, and Linux
✅ Alternative methods available: Homebrew, WinGet, desktop application
✅ After installation, verify with claude --version

Next lesson: First Launch and Authorization →