Getting Started with Claude Cowork

This guide walks you through setting up Cowork and running your first automated task.

Who This Setup Is For

Cowork is best for file and document work where Claude needs to inspect several files, make a plan, and create or edit outputs in a folder you control. Good first tasks include sorting a small Downloads sample, summarizing a folder of notes, or creating a spreadsheet from a few copied receipts.

It is not the right first test for your full home directory, a client archive, a production codebase, or any folder where accidental changes would be expensive. Start with a copy. The goal of the first session is to understand how Cowork asks for permission, shows progress, and handles file changes before you trust it with larger work.

Prerequisites

• A Mac or Windows computer with the Claude Desktop app installed (download)
• A paid Claude plan with Cowork access, such as Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise, matching the current Claude Cowork availability guidance
• A low-risk test folder for your first session

Before You Start

Create a folder specifically for testing, such as CoworkTest. Put in five to ten files with different types: a PDF, a text note, an image, a spreadsheet, and a few throwaway documents. If you want to test organization tasks, duplicate files from another folder rather than moving originals.

Write down the expected result before you run the task. For example: "Claude should list all files, create three folders, and move only image files into Images." This gives you a simple pass/fail check instead of relying on whether the result merely looks plausible.

Step 1: Open Cowork

1. Launch the Claude Desktop app on your computer.
2. In the sidebar, click "Cowork".
3. You'll see a welcome screen explaining the feature.

Step 2: Grant Folder Access

1. Click "Add Folder" to select a folder Claude can access.
2. Choose a folder like ~/Documents/TestFolder to start.
3. Confirm the permission when prompted by your operating system.

Tip: Start with a low-risk folder. Don't immediately grant access to your entire home directory.

Step 3: Give Claude a Task

Try a simple first task:

"List all the files in this folder and tell me what types they are."

Claude will:

1. Read the folder contents
2. Analyze file types
3. Report back with a summary

Step 4: Try Something More Ambitious

Once comfortable, try:

"Organize these files by type: put images in an 'Images' folder, documents in 'Docs', and everything else in 'Other'."

Claude will create the folders and move files automatically.

Step 5: Review the Result

After the task finishes, inspect the folder yourself:

• Confirm the files were moved to the expected folders.
• Open at least one generated document or spreadsheet.
• Check that Claude did not modify files outside the folder you granted.
• Ask Claude to summarize what it changed if the result is not obvious.

If the output is wrong, do not immediately rerun the same broad command. Give Claude the specific mismatch: "The PDF invoices were placed in Images. Move only image files into Images and put PDFs into Documents." Specific correction is safer than asking it to "try again."

What to Expect

• Claude will ask for confirmation before destructive actions (deleting, overwriting).
• Claude works in the background; you can queue multiple tasks.
• If something goes wrong, Claude will tell you and suggest fixes.

First-Task Checklist

Common First-Run Problems

If Cowork is missing from the app, check your Claude plan, region, desktop version, and workspace settings against Claude Help. If folder access fails, remove the folder and add it again, then confirm the operating system permission prompt. If Claude seems unsure what to do, simplify the task and name the exact output you want, such as summary.md or organized-files.csv.

Next Steps

• Best Use Cases - Real-world examples
• Safety Tips - Best practices for safe usage