Installing Claude Desktop

Claude Desktop is available for macOS and Windows. Download from claude.ai/download and install like any native application. No command line required.

macOS

1. Download the .dmg file from claude.ai/download
2. Open the .dmg and drag Claude to your Applications folder
3. Launch Claude from Applications or Spotlight
4. macOS may show a security prompt on first launch -- click Open to proceed

Claude Desktop appears in your dock and adds a menu bar icon. It runs in the background when closed to the menu bar.

Windows

1. Download the .exe installer from claude.ai/download
2. Run the installer -- Windows SmartScreen may show a warning for newly published apps; click More info → Run anyway
3. Claude installs to your user profile (no administrator rights required) and adds a desktop shortcut

Signing in

On first launch, Claude Desktop prompts you to sign in with your Anthropic account. Your Pro, Max, Teams, or Enterprise subscription is recognised automatically -- the same credentials you use at claude.ai work here. The app stays signed in across launches; you are only prompted again if you explicitly sign out.

If you do not have an account yet, you can create one at claude.ai. A free tier is available, though features like Projects, scheduled tasks, and MCP server connections require a paid plan. You can start for free to explore the interface and upgrade when you need the advanced functionality.

What you see when it opens

After signing in, you land in the main chat interface. On the left is a sidebar with your conversation history and any Projects you have set up. In the centre is the message input area. At the top right is a menu for settings, your account, and plan details.

The interface should feel immediately familiar if you have used Claude on the web. The difference is what sits underneath: Projects with persistent instructions, Memory that carries facts between conversations, and the ability to connect external tools.

Updates

Claude Desktop updates automatically in the background on macOS. On Windows, you may receive a prompt when an update is available. Updates happen silently and do not interrupt active conversations. To check your current version: Claude menu → About Claude. You do not need to do anything to stay current -- the app handles this itself.

First-launch walkthrough

With the app installed and open, here is a sensible order for the first session:

1. Set up a Project. Projects are the most useful feature for regular business use. A Project groups related conversations under a shared set of instructions. For example, a "Client Work" project can carry background context about your clients that Claude refers to in every conversation inside it -- no re-explaining needed. Create one from the sidebar.
2. Add instructions to the Project. Inside the project, open the project settings and add a brief description of what it is for. Even a few sentences helps Claude give more relevant responses without prompting.
3. Start a conversation. Ask Claude something relevant to your work. The response will reflect the project instructions you added.
4. Enable Memory (optional). Go to Settings and look for the Memory section. When enabled, Claude will start retaining facts you tell it -- names, preferences, recurring context -- and apply them across all conversations. You can review and delete individual memory items at any time.

After installation: connecting tools

The first useful step after signing in is connecting MCP servers for your calendar, email, or other tools. MCP servers (Model Context Protocol servers) are small programs that give Claude access to external services. Once connected, you can ask Claude to check your calendar or read recent emails without switching apps. See Connecting MCP Servers to Claude Desktop for the full configuration guide. If you only need the chat interface and file uploads, no further setup is required.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to keep the app open?

For most use -- asking questions, drafting documents, analysing files -- no. You open it, do the work, close it. The exception is Cowork (scheduled tasks): those only run while the app is open and your machine is awake. If you have set up tasks to run on a schedule, you will want the app open during the scheduled window.

Does it use a lot of resources?

No. Claude Desktop is a lightweight app. The processing happens on Anthropic's servers, not your machine. Memory usage is comparable to a browser tab. Running it in the background (minimised to the menu bar on Mac) has a negligible impact on system performance.

Can I use it alongside ChatGPT or other AI tools?

Yes. Claude Desktop runs independently. There is no conflict with having ChatGPT, Gemini, or other tools open at the same time. Many people use multiple AI assistants and route different types of work to whichever handles them best. Claude Desktop's advantage is its native integration with files, Projects, Memory, and external tools via MCP -- it is better suited to structured, recurring business work than a general browser-based chat.

Where does my data go?

Conversations in Claude Desktop are stored on Anthropic's servers, synced across your devices. This is the same as the claude.ai web app. If data residency or privacy is a concern, check Anthropic's current privacy policy and consider whether the Teams or Enterprise plan -- which offers different data handling terms -- is appropriate for your situation.