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Complete Guide: Installing Claude Code on Windows 10

Before You Start

  • You'll need a Windows 10 computer with internet connection
  • You'll need to pay for Claude (either through Anthropic Console or Claude Pro/Max plan)
  • This process takes about 30-45 minutes
  • Claude Code doesn't work directly on Windows - it needs something called WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

Step 1: Install WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

1.1 Open Command Prompt as Administrator

  • Click the Windows Start button
  • Type "cmd"
  • Right-click on "Command Prompt"
  • Select "Run as administrator"
  • Click "Yes" when Windows asks for permission

1.2 Install WSL

  • In the black command window, type this exactly:
wsl --install
  • Press Enter
  • Wait for it to download and install (this may take 10-20 minutes)
  • When it's done, restart your computer

1.3 Set Up Ubuntu (after restart)

  • After restarting, Ubuntu should open automatically
  • If not, click Start menu and type "Ubuntu" and click on it
  • You'll see a black window asking you to create a username and password
  • Create a simple username (like your first name, no spaces)
  • Create a password (you won't see it as you type - this is normal)
  • Write down your username and password somewhere safe

Step 2: Install Node.js in WSL

2.1 Update Your System

  • In the Ubuntu window, type:
sudo apt update
  • Press Enter
  • Enter your password when asked
  • Wait for it to finish

2.2 Install Node.js

  • Type this command:
sudo apt install nodejs npm
  • Press Enter
  • Type "y" when it asks if you want to continue
  • Wait for installation to complete

2.3 Check if Node.js Installed Correctly

  • Type:
node --version
  • You should see a version number like "v18.19.0" or similar
  • If you see an error, try restarting the Ubuntu window and try again

Step 3: Install Claude Code

3.1 Install Claude Code

  • In the Ubuntu window, type:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
  • Press Enter
  • Wait for installation (may take 2-5 minutes)
  • Important: If you see permission errors, DO NOT use "sudo" - see troubleshooting section below

3.2 Test the Installation

  • Type:
claude
  • If it works, you'll see Claude Code start up
  • If you get an error, see the troubleshooting section

Step 4: Set Up Your Project Folder

4.1 Create a Test Folder

  • In Ubuntu, type:
mkdir my-test-project
cd my-test-project
  • This creates a folder called "my-test-project" and moves into it

4.2 Start Claude Code

  • Type:
claude
  • Press Enter

Step 5: Authenticate Claude Code

5.1 Choose Your Authentication Method

When Claude Code starts, you'll see options:

Option A: If you have Claude Pro or Max subscription

  • Choose "Claude App" option
  • Follow the prompts to log in with your Claude.ai account

Option B: If you want to use Anthropic Console

  • Choose "Anthropic Console" option
  • You'll need to set up billing at console.anthropic.com
  • Follow the authentication process

5.2 Complete Setup

  • Follow the on-screen instructions
  • You may need to open a web browser and log in
  • Once authenticated, you're ready to use Claude Code!

Step 6: Test That Everything Works

6.1 Try a Simple Command

  • In Claude Code, type something like:
Create a simple "hello world" Python script
  • Press Enter and see if Claude responds

6.2 Generate Project Guide

  • Type:
Generate a CLAUDE.md project guide
  • This creates a helpful guide for your project

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: "Permission denied" when installing Claude Code

Solution:

  • Try: npm config set os linux
  • Then: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code --force --no-os-check

Problem: "node: not found" error

Solution:

  • Check if you're using Windows Node by typing: which node
  • If the path starts with /mnt/c/, you need to install Node properly in WSL
  • Try: sudo apt remove nodejs npm then sudo apt install nodejs npm

Problem: Ubuntu window won't open

Solution:

  • Open Start menu
  • Type "Turn Windows features on or off"
  • Make sure "Windows Subsystem for Linux" is checked
  • Restart computer

Problem: Forgot Ubuntu password

Solution:

  • Open Command Prompt as administrator
  • Type: wsl --user root
  • Type: passwd your-username (replace with your actual username)
  • Enter new password twice

Getting Help

If you get stuck:

  1. Check the troubleshooting section above
  2. Visit https://support.anthropic.com for help
  3. Make sure you're in a supported country: https://www.anthropic.com/supported-countries

What's Next?

Once everything is working:

  • Navigate to your actual project folders using cd /mnt/c/Users/YourName/Documents (replace YourName with your Windows username)
  • Start Claude Code with claude in any project folder
  • Begin coding with AI assistance!

Remember: Always use the Ubuntu window (black terminal) to run Claude Code, not the regular Windows Command Prompt.

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    Complete Guide: Installing Claude Code on Windows 10 | Claude