Setting Up Claude Desktop

Download

Go to claude.ai/download and click the button for your operating system.

Install

macOS:

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file
2. Drag the Claude icon into your Applications folder
3. Open Claude from Applications (or Spotlight: Cmd+Space, type “Claude”)

Windows:

1. Run the downloaded .exe installer
2. Follow the installer prompts
3. Claude opens automatically when the install finishes

Sign in

1. Click Sign in in the app
2. Log in with your Claude account — or create one at claude.ai if you don’t have one yet
3. You’ll be redirected back to the desktop app once signed in

Send your first message

Type anything in the message box and press Enter. Try:

Hello — what can you help me with?

Claude will respond. You’re set up and ready to go.

Next step

→ Claude Projects