Claude Cowork on Windows

Cowork is available through Claude Desktop on Windows. Use this hub to reach the full setup guide, permission tips, and related troubleshooting—without treating Windows as a local-only product.

Quick summary

  • Install the current Claude Desktop app for Windows from the official download page.
  • Use a paid Claude plan with Cowork access (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise). See plan access.
  • Cloud sessions are the default. Local folders, browser, and apps still need Desktop open and connected—see cloud vs local sessions.
  • Windows Defender, UAC, PowerShell execution policy, and WSL paths are the common friction points covered in the full guide.
Open the Windows setup guide

What is actually different on Windows

Cowork works the same way across platforms, but Windows has its own guardrails, and they cause most setup questions:

  • Defender and SmartScreen may warn on first install or first script run. The full guide shows what a normal prompt looks like and what to check before approving anything.
  • PowerShell execution policy blocks scripts by default. The guide walks through the safe per-user setting rather than the blanket bypass that gets pasted around forums.
  • WSL paths look different from Windows paths. Tasks touching repositories inside WSL need the path style the tool expects — a common source of “file not found” confusion.
  • Folder permissions are per-user here too. Granting Cowork one project folder beats granting a whole drive, and it is easier to revoke.

Quick answers

Do I need a different app on Windows?

No — Cowork comes through the same Claude Desktop app. There is no separate Windows product to buy or install.

Can every Windows machine run it?

Check the official download page for current system requirements before installing, and make sure Windows itself is up to date. Outdated systems are the most common reason an install behaves oddly.

Why does my session keep working when my laptop sleeps?

Cloud sessions keep running remotely; only local work needs Desktop awake and connected. The cloud vs local guide explains which one a given task uses.

Setup and permissions

Troubleshooting

Related