Install Claude Code and sign in
Choose an installer, connect your account, and open a practice project.
Use a terminal and a project you can edit. Check your OS against the setup page. Access can come from an eligible Claude plan, Console, or a supported cloud provider; the billing path depends on the account you choose.
1. Install for your operating system
On macOS, Linux, or WSL, run the first command below. On Windows PowerShell, run the second command instead. These commands download and run the official installer; read the linked setup instructions first. Native installation does not require a separate Node.js installation.
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
# Windows PowerShell
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex2. Confirm the installation
Open a new terminal and run claude --version. Expect a version number. If the command is missing, follow the official PATH troubleshooting steps instead of repeatedly reinstalling. On Windows, distinguish PowerShell from CMD before copying commands.
claude --version
cd /path/to/your/project
claude3. Sign in and inspect the project
Starting claude launches the sign-in flow if needed. Complete it in your browser, check which account is active, then return to the terminal. Review the workspace trust prompt. Ask Claude to explain the README and directory structure before requesting changes.
Read the README and explain how this project starts. Do not edit files yet.4. Update and diagnose
Native installs update automatically. Package-manager installs use that package manager for updates. Run claude doctor if installation or environment checks fail. For login trouble, check the account, network, and official status page before changing configuration.
claude doctor
claude --helpPractice & self-check
Launch Claude in a practice repository, ask for a read-only overview, and record your installed version.
When you’re done, take a moment to check:
Read the official sources
CLI instructions checked against official documentation; API examples tested with simulated responses. Product-account walkthroughs were not performed.