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Lesson Content

Two ways to use Claude – and why it matters which you choose.

Claude is available as both a web application (accessed through a browser at claude.ai) and as a native desktop application that installs directly on your Mac or Windows computer. Most users start with the browser version because it requires nothing beyond opening a tab. The desktop app exists for users who want deeper integration with their computer and faster access throughout the day.

This lesson covers getting the desktop app installed and running. Later lessons will explain what it does differently – for now, the goal is a working installation.

Where to get the Claude desktop app.

Download the Claude desktop app from Anthropic's official website. Do not download it from third-party app stores or unofficial sources – use only the download link provided at anthropic.com or from the Claude interface itself. The official download location may change as the product evolves; verify you are downloading from an Anthropic-controlled source before installing.

As of mid-2026, the desktop app is available for:

• macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel)
• Windows 10 and Windows 11

Verify current platform availability directly before attempting installation, as supported platforms expand over time.

Installing on Mac.

The Mac installation follows the standard macOS application installation process:

1. Download the installer file (typically a .dmg file)
2. Open the .dmg file – a disk image mounts on your desktop
3. Drag the Claude application icon to your Applications folder
4. Eject the disk image
5. Open Claude from your Applications folder or Launchpad
6. macOS may ask you to confirm you want to open an application downloaded from the internet – confirm to proceed

After installation, Claude will appear in your Applications folder. You can add it to your Dock for quick access.

Installing on Windows.

The Windows installation follows a standard process:

1. Download the installer file (typically a .exe setup file)
2. Run the installer – you may be prompted to allow it to make changes to your device
3. Follow the on-screen installation prompts
4. The application will install and can be launched from the Start menu or a desktop shortcut

After installation, Claude will appear in your Start menu and, optionally, on your taskbar for quick access.

Signing in.

When you open the Claude desktop app for the first time, you will be prompted to sign in. Use the same account credentials you use for the Claude browser version. The desktop app and browser version share the same account – your conversations, Projects, and Custom Instructions carry across both.

If you do not yet have a Claude account, you can create one during the sign-in process.

Verifying the installation is working.

After signing in, confirm the following:

• You can see your existing conversation history (if you have prior conversations)
• Your Custom Instructions are present in settings
• Your Projects are visible if you have created any
• Claude responds to a test message normally

If any of these are missing, sign out and sign back in, or check Anthropic's current help documentation for troubleshooting guidance.

The desktop app and your Claude subscription.

The desktop app uses the same account and subscription tier as the browser version. If you have a paid Claude subscription, that access carries over to the desktop app automatically. You are not paying for two separate products – the desktop app is an alternative interface to the same Claude service.