How to install Claude Code and run your first task

Guide · checked against the docs on Oct 15, 2026

Claude Code is Anthropic's AI coding tool that runs in your terminal. This guide walks you through installing it, checking that it works, signing in and giving it a first small task. Everything here comes from Anthropic's quickstart and setup docs, read on October 15, 2026.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by Anthropic. Check Anthropic's current docs before relying on these details.

Our tool page: Claude Code

What you need first

The quickstart lists:

• "A terminal or command prompt open"
• "A code project to work with"
• "A Claude subscription (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise), Claude Console account, or access through a supported cloud provider"

For prices, see Anthropic's pricing page (checked Oct 2026).

System requirements, from the setup docs:

If you've never used a terminal, the docs point to their own terminal guide. Claude Code also comes as a desktop app, on the web and in VS Code and JetBrains IDEs.

Step 1: Install

Anthropic marks the native install as "Recommended". Run the command for your system:

macOS, Linux, WSL:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows PowerShell:

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

Windows CMD:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd

These commands download a script and run it right away. If you want to see what it does first, open the script's address in your browser and read it before you run the command.

On Windows, the docs say: "Git for Windows is recommended on native Windows so Claude Code can use the Bash tool."

Other ways: Homebrew (brew install --cask claude-code) or WinGet (winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode). The difference is updates. "Native installations automatically update in the background", while "Homebrew installations do not auto-update" and "WinGet installations do not auto-update." For those two, the docs say to upgrade yourself now and then, with brew upgrade claude-code or winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode.

Step 2: Check that it installed

"The install command shows no progress while it downloads Claude Code," so give it a minute. Then open a new terminal window and run:

claude --version

"A working installation prints a version number." If your terminal says claude isn't found, the docs say "the install directory isn't on your PATH yet", and they have a "Fix your PATH" section.

For a fuller check, the setup docs suggest claude doctor, which "prints read-only installation and settings diagnostics without starting a session".

Step 3: Start and sign in

Go to your project folder and start Claude Code:

cd /path/to/your/project
claude

"Claude Code prompts you to log in on first use." For a subscription or Console account, you "follow the prompts to complete authentication in your browser." After that, "your credentials are stored and you won't need to log in again." To switch accounts later, type /login inside the session.

Step 4: Your first task

Start by asking it to look, not change. The quickstart suggests:

what does this project do?

Then try a small change:

add a hello world function to the main file

The docs say "Claude Code finds the appropriate file and shows you the change. If it asks before making the change, select Yes to approve." Read the change before you say yes. The docs also note that "The session's permission mode sets which actions Claude can take without asking you first," and you can switch it with Shift+Tab. While you're learning, leave it on a mode that asks you first.

Tip: use Git, and commit before you ask for changes. Then you can always undo what the AI did.

Next steps

• Give it project instructions: AGENTS.md and CLAUDE.md guide
• Keep secrets out of its reach: keeping secrets safe with AI coding tools
• Connect outside tools: MCP setup guide
• Run checks automatically: Claude Code hooks guide

Not affiliated with or endorsed by Anthropic. Check Anthropic's current docs before relying on these details.