Installing Claude Code
May 10, 2026 · View on GitHub
This page is the verbatim Claude Code install guide that used to live at the top of README.md. If you already have claude on your PATH, skip this and go back to the repo root.
Comparison of Usage Methods
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web | Complete beginners | No installation required | Limited features |
| CLI (command line) | Developers | Full-featured, highly integrated | Requires command-line familiarity |
| Editor integration (VS Code / Cursor, etc.) | Daily development | Seamless workflow | Depends on plugins and environment setup |
Recommendation:
- Complete beginner → Try the web at https://claude.ai/ first
- Want to use it for development → Go straight to CLI
- Already familiar → Consider editor integration
This guide focuses on the CLI.
Installing Claude Code CLI
1. Prerequisites
- A Claude account — register at claude.ai (skip if using a third-party compatible provider)
- A command-line tool:
- Mac / Linux: open Terminal
- Windows: open PowerShell or install WSL
2. Install via Official Script (Recommended)
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
Verify the installation:
claude --version
A version number means it installed successfully.
3. Install via npm
Prerequisite: Node.js must be installed (verify: node --version; if missing, download from nodejs.org)
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
If the download is slow, use a mirror:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code --registry=https://registry.npmmirror.com
4. Updating
Update manually:
claude update
Claude Code checks for updates at launch and installs them in the background; the new version takes effect on the next launch. Configure update behavior in settings.json:
{
"autoUpdatesChannel": "stable"
}
Disable automatic updates:
{
"env": {
"DISABLE_AUTOUPDATER": "1"
}
}
Note: Homebrew and WinGet installations do not support automatic updates. Update manually:
brew upgrade claude-code # macOS winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode # Windows
5. Common Installation Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
npm command not found | Node.js not installed | Download from nodejs.org |
permission denied | Insufficient permissions | Mac/Linux: prefix with sudo; Windows: run PowerShell as Administrator |
| Slow or stalled installation | Network issues | Use a mirror: --registry=https://registry.npmmirror.com |