Get started with the desktop app changeddesktop-quickstart
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1414>
1515> For x64 processors
1616
17> **[Get Claude for Linux (beta)](/docs/en/desktop-linux)**
17> **[Get Claude for Linux (beta)](/docs/en/desktop-linux.md)**
1818>
1919> apt or .deb for Ubuntu and Debian
2020
21For Windows ARM64, download the [ARM64 installer](https://claude.ai/api/desktop/win32/arm64/setup/latest/redirect?utm_source=claude_code\&utm_medium=docs). On Linux, install with apt; see [Claude Desktop on Linux](/docs/en/desktop-linux).
21For Windows ARM64, download the [ARM64 installer](https://claude.ai/api/desktop/win32/arm64/setup/latest/redirect?utm_source=claude_code\&utm_medium=docs). On Linux, install with apt; see [Claude Desktop on Linux](/docs/en/desktop-linux.md).
2222
2323> [!NOTE]
2424>
2525> These cases are covered on other pages:
2626>
27> * **Already set up**: see [Use Claude Code Desktop](/docs/en/desktop) for everything the Code tab can do
28> * **Want `claude` in your terminal**: [install the CLI](/docs/en/quickstart) separately
27> * **Already set up**: see [Use Claude Code Desktop](/docs/en/desktop.md) for everything the Code tab can do
28> * **Want `claude` in your terminal**: [install the CLI](/docs/en/quickstart.md) separately
2929> * **Using chat or Cowork**: see the [Claude Help Center](https://support.claude.com/)
3030> * **Need more on installing or deploying the desktop app**: see the [Claude Desktop support articles](https://support.claude.com/en/collections/16163169-claude-desktop)
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3333
3434**1. Install and sign in**
3535
36On macOS and Windows, download the installer from the links above and run it. On Linux, follow the install steps in [Claude Desktop on Linux](/docs/en/desktop-linux). Launch Claude from your Applications folder on macOS, the Start menu on Windows, or your application launcher on Linux, then sign in with your Anthropic account.
36On macOS and Windows, download the installer from the links above and run it. On Linux, follow the install steps in [Claude Desktop on Linux](/docs/en/desktop-linux.md). Launch Claude from your Applications folder on macOS, the Start menu on Windows, or your application launcher on Linux, then sign in with your Anthropic account.
3737
3838**2. Open the Code tab**
3939
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4141
4242* **Prompt to upgrade**: you need to [subscribe to a paid plan](https://claude.com/pricing?utm_source=claude_code\&utm_medium=docs\&utm_content=desktop_quickstart_upgrade) first
4343* **Prompt to sign in online**: complete the sign-in and restart the app
44* **403 error**: see [authentication troubleshooting](/docs/en/desktop#403-or-authentication-errors-in-the-code-tab)
44* **403 error**: see [authentication troubleshooting](/docs/en/desktop.md#403-or-authentication-errors-in-the-code-tab)
4545
4646The desktop app includes Claude Code, so you don't need to install Node.js or the CLI to use the Code tab.
4747
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5151
5252**1. Choose an environment and folder**
5353
54In the [row under the prompt box](/docs/en/desktop#start-a-session), click the first control, the environment selector, and select the top entry in the **Local** group. Then click the project folder control beside the environment selector, select **Open folder…**, and choose your project's directory.
54In the [row under the prompt box](/docs/en/desktop.md#start-a-session), click the first control, the environment selector, and select the top entry in the **Local** group. Then click the project folder control beside the environment selector, select **Open folder…**, and choose your project's directory.
5555
56If no environment selector appears under your prompt box, you have the earlier layout. See [Check which layout you have](/docs/en/desktop#check-which-layout-you-have).
56If no environment selector appears under your prompt box, you have the earlier layout. See [Check which layout you have](/docs/en/desktop.md#check-which-layout-you-have).
5757
5858> [!TIP]
5959>
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6161
6262You can also select:
6363
64* **Cloud**: Run sessions in the cloud that continue even if you close the app. See [Use Claude Code in the cloud](/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web) for how cloud sessions work.
65* **SSH**: Connect to a remote machine over SSH, such as your own servers, cloud VMs, or dev containers. [Add a connection](/docs/en/desktop#ssh-sessions) first. Desktop installs Claude Code on the remote machine automatically the first time you connect. A running task can [keep going while Desktop is disconnected](/docs/en/desktop#keep-a-task-running-while-desktop-is-disconnected), but with a Claude account it can stop when its sign-in expires.
66* **WSL** (Windows): Run the session inside a [WSL 2 distribution](/docs/en/desktop-wsl); Claude Code, tools, and git execute on the Linux side with native paths.
64* **Cloud**: Run sessions in the cloud that continue even if you close the app. See [Use Claude Code in the cloud](/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web.md) for how cloud sessions work.
65* **SSH**: Connect to a remote machine over SSH, such as your own servers, cloud VMs, or dev containers. [Add a connection](/docs/en/desktop.md#ssh-sessions) first. Desktop installs Claude Code on the remote machine automatically the first time you connect. A running task can [keep going while Desktop is disconnected](/docs/en/desktop.md#keep-a-task-running-while-desktop-is-disconnected), but with a Claude account it can stop when its sign-in expires.
66* **WSL** (Windows): Run the session inside a [WSL 2 distribution](/docs/en/desktop-wsl.md); Claude Code, tools, and git execute on the Linux side with native paths.
6767
6868**2. Choose a model**
6969
70Select a model from the model picker toward the right end of the row under the prompt box. See [models](/docs/en/model-config#available-models) for a comparison of the available models. You can change the model later from the model picker.
70Select a model from the model picker toward the right end of the row under the prompt box. See [models](/docs/en/model-config.md#available-models) for a comparison of the available models. You can change the model later from the model picker.
7171
7272**3. Tell Claude what to do**
7373
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7777* `Add tests for the main function`
7878* `Create a CLAUDE.md with instructions for this codebase`
7979
80A [session](/docs/en/desktop#work-in-parallel-with-sessions) is a conversation with Claude about your code. Each session tracks its own context and changes.
80A [session](/docs/en/desktop.md#work-in-parallel-with-sessions) is a conversation with Claude about your code. Each session tracks its own context and changes.
8181
8282**4. Review and accept changes**
8383
84Check your [permission mode](/docs/en/desktop#choose-a-permission-mode) in the row under the prompt box to see whether Claude waits for your approval:
84Check your [permission mode](/docs/en/desktop.md#choose-a-permission-mode) in the row under the prompt box to see whether Claude waits for your approval:
8585
86* **Auto or Accept edits**: Claude applies its file changes, and an indicator such as `+12 -1` appears so you can review them in the [diff view](/docs/en/desktop#review-changes-with-diff-view)
86* **Auto or Accept edits**: Claude applies its file changes, and an indicator such as `+12 -1` appears so you can review them in the [diff view](/docs/en/desktop.md#review-changes-with-diff-view)
8787* **Manual**: Claude proposes each change and waits for your approval before applying it
8888
8989In Manual mode, you'll see:
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9494
9595## Now what?
9696
97You've made your first edit. For the full reference on everything Desktop can do, see [Use Claude Code Desktop](/docs/en/desktop). Here are some things to try next.
97You've made your first edit. For the full reference on everything Desktop can do, see [Use Claude Code Desktop](/docs/en/desktop.md). Here are some things to try next.
9898
9999**Interrupt and steer.** You can redirect Claude at any point. Click the stop button to interrupt immediately, or type a correction and press **Enter** to send it without stopping the running action. Either way, you don't have to wait for it to finish or start over.
100100
101**Give Claude more context.** Type `@filename` in the prompt box to pull a specific file into the conversation. The more context Claude has, the better the results. See [Add files and context](/docs/en/desktop#add-files-and-context-to-prompts).
101**Give Claude more context.** Type `@filename` in the prompt box to pull a specific file into the conversation. The more context Claude has, the better the results. See [Add files and context](/docs/en/desktop.md#add-files-and-context-to-prompts).
102102
103**Use skills for repeatable tasks.** Type `/` or click **+** → **Slash commands** to browse [built-in commands](/docs/en/commands), [custom skills](/docs/en/skills), and plugin skills. Skills are reusable prompts you can invoke whenever you need them, like code review checklists or deployment steps.
103**Use skills for repeatable tasks.** Type `/` or click **+** → **Slash commands** to browse [built-in commands](/docs/en/commands.md), [custom skills](/docs/en/skills.md), and plugin skills. Skills are reusable prompts you can invoke whenever you need them, like code review checklists or deployment steps.
104104
105**Review changes before committing.** After Claude edits files, a `+12 -1` indicator appears. Click it to open the [diff view](/docs/en/desktop#review-changes-with-diff-view), review modifications file by file, and comment on specific lines. Claude reads your comments and revises. To have Claude review the changes itself, enter [`/code-review`](/docs/en/desktop#review-your-code) in the prompt box.
105**Review changes before committing.** After Claude edits files, a `+12 -1` indicator appears. Click it to open the [diff view](/docs/en/desktop.md#review-changes-with-diff-view), review modifications file by file, and comment on specific lines. Claude reads your comments and revises. To have Claude review the changes itself, enter [`/code-review`](/docs/en/desktop#review-your-code) in the prompt box.
106106
107**Adjust how much control you have.** Your [permission mode](/docs/en/desktop#choose-a-permission-mode) sets how much Claude can do without asking for approval:
107**Adjust how much control you have.** Your [permission mode](/docs/en/desktop.md#choose-a-permission-mode) sets how much Claude can do without asking for approval:
108108
109109* **Auto**: a classifier reviews actions in the background and blocks the risky ones instead of asking you.
110110* **Manual**: Claude asks before editing files or running commands.
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111111* **Accept edits**: Claude auto-accepts file edits for faster iteration.
112112* **Plan**: Claude proposes an approach without editing any files, which is useful before a large refactor.
113113
114**Add plugins for more capabilities.** Install [plugins](/docs/en/desktop#install-plugins) that add skills, agents, MCP servers, and more.
114**Add plugins for more capabilities.** Install [plugins](/docs/en/desktop.md#install-plugins) that add skills, agents, MCP servers, and more.
115115
116**Arrange your workspace.** Drag the chat, diff, terminal, file, and browser panes into whatever layout you want. Open the terminal with **Ctrl+\`** to run commands alongside your session, or click a file path to open it. See [Arrange your workspace](/docs/en/desktop#arrange-your-workspace).
116**Arrange your workspace.** Drag the chat, diff, terminal, file, and browser panes into whatever layout you want. Open the terminal with **Ctrl+\`** to run commands alongside your session, or click a file path to open it. See [Arrange your workspace](/docs/en/desktop.md#arrange-your-workspace).
117117
118**Preview your app.** When you run your dev server in the desktop, your app opens in the Browser pane, which can also [open external sites](/docs/en/desktop#browse-external-sites). Claude can view the running app, test endpoints, inspect logs, and iterate on what it sees. See [Preview your app](/docs/en/desktop#preview-your-app).
118**Preview your app.** When you run your dev server in the desktop, your app opens in the Browser pane, which can also [open external sites](/docs/en/desktop.md#browse-external-sites). Claude can view the running app, test endpoints, inspect logs, and iterate on what it sees. See [Preview your app](/docs/en/desktop.md#preview-your-app).
119119
120**Track your pull request.** After opening a PR, Claude Code monitors CI check results and can automatically fix failures. See [Monitor pull request status](/docs/en/desktop#monitor-pull-request-status).
120**Track your pull request.** After opening a PR, Claude Code monitors CI check results and can automatically fix failures. See [Monitor pull request status](/docs/en/desktop.md#monitor-pull-request-status).
121121
122**Put Claude on a schedule.** Set up [scheduled tasks](/docs/en/desktop-scheduled-tasks) to run Claude automatically on a recurring basis: a daily code review every morning, a weekly dependency audit, or a briefing that pulls from your connected tools.
122**Put Claude on a schedule.** Set up [scheduled tasks](/docs/en/desktop-scheduled-tasks.md) to run Claude automatically on a recurring basis: a daily code review every morning, a weekly dependency audit, or a briefing that pulls from your connected tools.
123123
124**Scale up when you're ready.** Open [parallel sessions](/docs/en/desktop#work-in-parallel-with-sessions) from the sidebar to work on multiple tasks at once, optionally each in its own Git worktree, and open the [tasks pane](/docs/en/desktop#watch-background-tasks) to watch the subagents and background commands a session has running. Open a [side chat](/docs/en/desktop#ask-a-side-question-without-derailing-the-session) to ask a question without derailing the main thread. Send [long-running work to the cloud](/docs/en/desktop#run-long-running-tasks-in-the-cloud) so it continues even if you close the app, or [move a session you already started to the cloud](/docs/en/desktop#continue-in-another-surface) if a task takes longer than expected. [Connect external tools](/docs/en/desktop#extend-claude-code) like GitHub, Slack, and Linear to bring your workflow together.
124**Scale up when you're ready.** Open [parallel sessions](/docs/en/desktop.md#work-in-parallel-with-sessions) from the sidebar to work on multiple tasks at once, optionally each in its own Git worktree, and open the [tasks pane](/docs/en/desktop.md#watch-background-tasks) to watch the subagents and background commands a session has running. Open a [side chat](/docs/en/desktop.md#ask-a-side-question-without-derailing-the-session) to ask a question without derailing the main thread. Send [long-running work to the cloud](/docs/en/desktop.md#run-long-running-tasks-in-the-cloud) so it continues even if you close the app, or [move a session you already started to the cloud](/docs/en/desktop.md#continue-in-another-surface) if a task takes longer than expected. [Connect external tools](/docs/en/desktop.md#extend-claude-code) like GitHub, Slack, and Linear to bring your workflow together.
125125
126126## What's next
127127
128* [Use Claude Code Desktop](/docs/en/desktop): permission modes, parallel sessions, diff view, connectors, and enterprise configuration
129* [Coming from the CLI?](/docs/en/desktop#coming-from-the-cli): run Desktop and the CLI on the same project, and compare features, flag equivalents, and what's not available in Desktop
130* [Troubleshooting](/docs/en/desktop#troubleshooting): solutions to common errors and setup issues
131* [Best practices](/docs/en/best-practices): tips for writing effective prompts and getting the most out of Claude Code
132* [Common workflows](/docs/en/common-workflows): tutorials for debugging, refactoring, testing, and more
128* [Use Claude Code Desktop](/docs/en/desktop.md): permission modes, parallel sessions, diff view, connectors, and enterprise configuration
129* [Coming from the CLI?](/docs/en/desktop.md#coming-from-the-cli): run Desktop and the CLI on the same project, and compare features, flag equivalents, and what's not available in Desktop
130* [Troubleshooting](/docs/en/desktop.md#troubleshooting): solutions to common errors and setup issues
131* [Best practices](/docs/en/best-practices.md): tips for writing effective prompts and getting the most out of Claude Code
132* [Common workflows](/docs/en/common-workflows.md): tutorials for debugging, refactoring, testing, and more
133133
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