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To use Claude Cowork on a Windows computer, install Claude Desktop from Anthropic, sign in to a paid Claude account, and choose Cowork in the message box. For tasks involving files or your computer, keep Claude Desktop open and connected, and grant access only to the folders and apps the task needs.
What you need before you start
- A Windows computer with an internet connection. Anthropic’s setup guidance does not specify a complete Cowork-specific Windows hardware or edition requirement.
- A paid Claude plan: Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise. On Team and Enterprise accounts, organizational settings may affect whether Cowork is available. See Anthropic’s plan page for current prices and usage limits; Cowork can use limits faster than regular chat.
- Claude Desktop installed and signed in. Cowork is a capability within the desktop app, not a separate Windows program.
Install Claude Desktop and open Cowork
- Go to Claude’s downloads page and choose the Windows download.
- Open the downloaded installer and follow its prompts.
- Launch Claude from the Windows Start menu and sign in to your paid account.
- In the message box, select “Cowork” as the mode. The layout can change as Anthropic updates the interface, so Cowork may not appear as a separate tab. If it is missing on a Team or Enterprise account, ask your administrator whether it has been enabled.
Give Cowork a useful first task
Cowork is designed for multi-step knowledge work such as researching, analyzing information, or creating documents. State the outcome you want, the material it should use, and the format or destination for the result. For example: “Summarize the PDFs in this project folder into a one-page brief with a heading for each document.” Other suitable starter tasks include drafting a channel status update or cleaning a spreadsheet and creating a chart.
- Choose a bounded task with a clear deliverable rather than a broad instruction such as “organize everything.”
- If the task involves local files, connect the specific folder when prompted. Anthropic’s product guide says, “Claude Cowork sees no files until you explicitly connect a folder.”
- Connect an app only if it helps complete the task. Depending on availability, this might be a service such as Slack, Gmail, Drive, Asana, or GitHub. Review the requested permissions before authorizing it.
- Read Claude’s proposed approach and steer or correct it while it works.
- Check the resulting files and any actions before using or sharing the output.
Understand what happens when the PC is offline
Anthropic says Cowork sessions run remotely in an isolated Anthropic environment. A session may continue after you close Claude Desktop, but access to your Windows files, browser, or computer depends on the desktop app being open and connected. In practice, a cloud task that does not need local access can continue remotely; a task that needs a connected folder or interaction with your computer cannot rely on that local access after the app disconnects.
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When an app integration is available and appropriate, Cowork generally tries a connector first, then browser access, then direct screen interaction. Connectors are usually the more precise route; interacting with a screen can be slower and more error-prone. Prefer the least broad access that will accomplish the task, and check the permissions for each connector.
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- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Set preferences for recurring work
You can add global preferences, such as tone or preferred output format, under Cowork settings. Anthropic’s product guide labels the route “Settings > Claude Cowork,” while its Help Center uses “Settings > Cowork”; the wording may vary as the interface changes. Instructions for a selected local project folder can provide additional context for work in that folder.
Use permissions and computer interaction carefully
Cowork can reach only files, connectors, and applications you grant it access to. Start with a low-risk task in a folder containing only the material needed. Anthropic says Cowork requires permission before permanently deleting files and seeks explicit confirmation for sensitive actions, including downloads, deletions, sharing changes, purchases, financial transactions, sensitive-data handling, and system-file changes.
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- 256 GB SSD of storage.
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Computer use is a beta capability for Pro and Max plans in Claude Desktop for Windows and macOS. After you approve access to an app, Claude may click, type, or open applications. Anthropic warns that safeguards are not perfect and screenshots may reveal information visible on screen. Avoid using computer use with sensitive personal records, and read Anthropic’s computer-use safety guidance before enabling it.
If Cowork is unavailable or cannot access something
- Cowork is not shown: Look for it as a mode in the message box rather than expecting a dedicated tab. If you use Team or Enterprise, ask your administrator whether access is enabled.
- Claude cannot see a local file: Connect the folder containing it and confirm that you granted access to the correct location.
- A task requiring the PC stops accessing local material: Check that Claude Desktop is open, signed in, and connected. Remote session continuity does not mean local computer access remains available when the app is disconnected.
- An app action is unavailable or awkward: Check whether an appropriate connector can do the work; direct screen interaction is a fallback and may be less reliable.
Anthropic’s requirements and interface can change. For current installation steps, consult its Claude Desktop installation instructions and Cowork Help Center guide.
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- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
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- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
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