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To use Claude Cowork with files on your computer, start in the Claude desktop app, open Cowork, and connect only the folder needed for your task. Cowork runs in an isolated cloud environment; the desktop app acts as the bridge to the local folders you choose to share.
Before you start: choose desktop or web
Use the Claude desktop app when a task needs files stored on your computer. Anthropic’s Cowork getting-started guidance describes local file access through the desktop app. If your work does not involve local files, you can use Claude through the web experience; the guidance cited here does not establish feature or plan parity between the two.
Set up Cowork and connect a folder
- Open Claude Desktop and sign in. Look for a Cowork tab on the home screen. If it is not visible, start a new conversation and follow the Cowork setup route offered in the interface. Labels and placement may change as Claude is updated.
- Start the guided setup if it is available. In a new Cowork conversation, enter
/setup-claude. Claude Academy’s three-step Cowork setup guide says this flow can help you choose a role, install a matching plugin, and connect tools used by that role. You may instead see a “Set up Cowork” banner; follow its prompts. - Connect the folder for the task. When prompted, select the folder that contains the relevant files. Prefer a dedicated project folder or the narrowest suitable location over a broad grant such as your entire home directory. You can also provide folder instructions with task-specific context.
- Test access with a small request. Ask Cowork to list or summarize files in the folder. Check that it sees the intended material and, if it creates an output, that it saves it where you requested.
- Back up and review before file changes. Before asking Cowork to edit, create, or reorganize important files, make a backup and review proposed actions. Anthropic’s safety guidance recommends keeping backups and granting access carefully.
Choose a folder scope that fits the task
The folder you connect defines the relevant local-file boundary. Use the smallest scope that contains the materials Cowork needs, and consider the sensitivity of those materials when deciding what to share.
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| Folder scope | When it fits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| One dedicated project folder | A task involving a known set of project files | Provides a focused working location and limits access compared with a broad folder grant. |
| A broader folder, such as Downloads | A task that genuinely needs to sort or review files spread across that location | Exposes more material within the connected folder; check its contents and back up important files before reorganizing. |
| Your home directory or another broad location | Only when the task requires that scope and you are comfortable sharing its contents | Grants access to a much wider set of files than a dedicated task folder. |
For example, Anthropic’s Cowork help uses the request “Organize my Downloads folder by type and date.” If you use a request like this, first decide whether Downloads contains unrelated or sensitive files, then connect only that folder if its contents are appropriate for the task.
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Understand how Cowork reaches local files
Anthropic describes Cowork sessions as running in an isolated environment on its servers. When a cloud session needs a file stored locally, it reaches the computer through Claude Desktop. Cowork does not automatically see the entire computer: local access is limited to folders you connect, and actions are checked against your permissions. See Anthropic’s Cowork help and safety guidance for the product’s current explanation.
Keep access and file changes under control
- Connect a dedicated working folder instead of granting broad access when possible.
- Use a small, reversible test before assigning a task that changes files.
- Back up important material before a task that may edit or reorganize it.
- Review proposed actions and grant only the access needed for the task.
Anthropic’s Claude Help Center puts the key advice this way: “Consider creating a dedicated working folder for Claude rather than granting broad access, and keep backups of important files.”
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