Installing Claude Code: Your AI Coding Companion
A step-by-step guide to getting Claude Code up and running on your machine — fast, simple, and ready to supercharge your development workflow.
Chapter 1
Getting Started — What You Need
Before diving into the installation, let's make sure your system is ready. This chapter covers everything you need to check off before you begin.
System Requirements: Ready to Code?
Operating System
macOS 13.0+ (Ventura), Windows 10 1809+, or Ubuntu 20.04+ / Debian 10+
RAM
4 GB minimum — more is recommended for larger models and heavier workloads
Network
Stable internet connection required for initial setup and all API calls
Location
Must be situated in an Anthropic-supported country to access the service. As of May 2026, South Africa has been added to the list of Anthropic-supported Countries for Claude.ai and Claude Code.

macOS
Ventura 13.0 or later — fully supported ✅
Windows
Windows 10 build 1809 or later — fully supported ✅
Linux
Ubuntu 20.04+ or Debian 10+ — fully supported ✅
Chapter 2
The Recommended Installation Method — Native Installer
The native installer is the simplest and most reliable way to get Claude Code on your machine. No dependencies, no fuss — just a single command.
Native Installer: The Easiest Path
The native installer handles everything for you automatically:
Downloads a standalone binary — no Node.js required
Automatically adds Claude Code to your system PATH
Configures automatic background updates so you're always current
macOS & Linux
Installation on macOS & Linux
Step 1 — Open Terminal
Launch the Terminal application on your Mac or Linux machine. You can find it via Spotlight (⌘ + Space) or your applications folder.
Step 2 — Run the Installer
Copy and paste the command below, then press Enter:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
The installer will handle the rest automatically.
Windows — PowerShell
Installation on Windows (PowerShell)
Step 1 — Open PowerShell as Administrator
Right-click the Start menu and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or search for PowerShell and choose "Run as administrator".
Step 2 — Run the Installer
Copy and paste the command below, then press Enter:
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Windows — Command Prompt
Installation on Windows (CMD)
Step 1 — Open Command Prompt
Search for "cmd" in the Start menu and open the Command Prompt application. Administrator privileges are recommended.
Step 2 — Run the Installer
Copy and paste the command below, then press Enter:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
Chapter 3
Verification and First Launch
The installer has finished — but how do you know it worked? This chapter walks you through confirming a successful installation and launching Claude Code for the very first time.
Verify Your Installation
01
Open a New Terminal
Always open a fresh terminal window after installation to ensure the PATH is updated correctly.
02
Run the Version Command
Type claude --version and press Enter. A version number should appear without any errors.
03
Confirm Success
If you see a version number displayed, your installation is complete and working correctly. 🎉
Authentication: Connecting to Claude
The first time you run claude, you'll be guided through a quick authentication flow:
1. Launch Claude
Type claude in your terminal and press Enter
2. Browser Opens
Your default browser will open with a login prompt
3. Sign In
Log in with your Anthropic account credentials to complete setup
Chapter 4
Ready to Code!
You're All Set! 🚀
Claude Code is now installed, verified, and authenticated. Your AI-powered coding companion is ready to help you write, debug, and review code like never before.
Write Code
Generate boilerplate, functions, and entire files with natural language prompts
Debug Faster
Describe your bug and let Claude pinpoint the issue and suggest fixes instantly
Learn & Grow
Use Claude as a pair programmer to understand new concepts and best practices
Follow these four steps and you'll have Claude Code running in minutes — your AI coding companion is ready to get to work.