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Claude Code FundamentalsLesson 3 of 9
3 min readBeginner

We're going to install the Claude Desktop app, which includes Claude Code. The browser version does not have Cowork or Code — you need the installed app. Follow the tiny steps for your computer; if a step already looks done, move to the next one.

What you need

  • A computer (Mac or Windows).
  • A Claude account. The free plan is enough to start; for serious use of Cowork and Code, a paid plan gives you much more room.

Step 1 — Install the desktop app

Why the app and not the browser: Cowork and Code work with files on your computer. That's only possible from an installed app, not a browser tab.

macOS
  1. Open your browser and go to claude.ai/download.
  2. Click Download for macOS. A file ending in .dmg lands in Downloads.
  3. Double-click the .dmg, then drag the Claude icon onto the Applications folder.
  4. Open Applications (⌘ + Space, type "Applications") and double-click Claude. If asked, click Open.
  5. Sign in with your Claude account, or create one and verify your email.
Windows
  1. Open your browser and go to claude.ai/download.
  2. Click Download for Windows. A file ending in .exe lands in Downloads.
  3. Double-click the .exe. If Windows asks to allow changes, click Yes.
  4. Follow the setup wizard (the defaults are fine), then open Claude from the desktop shortcut or Start menu.
  5. Sign in with your Claude account, or create one and verify your email.

Success signal: Step 1 is done when the Claude app opens and shows your name. The hardest part is over.

Step 2 — One helper to install: Node.js

Some skills and tools need Node.js, a small free program. Go to nodejs.org, download the big button that says LTS, and install it. That's it.

Step 3 — Recognize the three modes

At the top of the app you'll see three options: Chat, Cowork and Code. These are the three buttons you choose from depending on the task (previous lesson). Click Cowork to see the interface we'll use most of the time.

Talking is about 4x faster than typing. Many power users install a dictation tool (such as Whisper Flow, Aqua Voice or similar) that turns your voice into text with a single keypress, in any app. It's not required, but when you have to give long instructions, you'll be glad you have it.

Checklist before moving on

  • Desktop app installed and open
  • Signed in — the app shows your name
  • Node.js (LTS) installed
  • You know where the Chat / Cowork / Code buttons are
  • (Optional) dictation tool ready

With this ready, the next lesson has your first real working session.

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