Installing Claude on Your Computer
The desktop app is the best daily driver on Mac or Windows. Installation takes about three minutes.
Do You Even Need to Install It?
No. The web version at claude.ai works in any browser and does everything the desktop app does. If IT blocks software installs, or you're on a shared machine, stick with the browser.
The desktop app has two real advantages:
- Stays running in the background — one keyboard shortcut brings it forward.
- Native shortcuts — new chat, search past conversations, etc.
If either matters to your workflow, install. Otherwise, browser is fine.
Installing on a Mac
- Go to https://claude.ai/download
- Click the Mac download button (the page auto-detects).
- Open the
.dmgthat lands in Downloads. - Drag the Claude icon into the Applications folder.
- Launch Claude (Applications, or Cmd+Space → "Claude").
- Sign in with the email on your account.
Tip: Right-click the Dock icon → Options → "Keep in Dock" if you use Claude constantly.
Installing on Windows
- Go to https://claude.ai/download
- Click the Windows download button.
- Run the
.exeinstaller. Accept the default prompts. - Claude launches automatically when install finishes.
- Sign in with the email on your account.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Download button doesn't respond | Try a different browser. Chrome is most reliable. |
| Mac: "Claude can't be opened — unidentified developer" | Right-click the icon in Applications → "Open." One-time bypass. |
| Windows Defender blocks install | Temporarily pause antivirus, install, re-enable. If IT manages the machine, ask them to allowlist. |
| Can't find the app after install on Mac | Finder → Applications → scroll to "C." |
| Sign-in loop | Clear browser cookies, or sign out from the app menu and back in. |
| Slow on Mac | Confirm macOS 12 (Monterey) or later. |
After You're In
You'll see a clean chat interface. If Empower's Team workspace admin has already invited you, you'll see the workspace name in the top-left. If not, watch for the invite email.
Try This Now (3 min)
- Install the app.
- Open a new chat and type: "Write a one-sentence description of what you can help me with at work."
- Ask a follow-up: "Now rewrite it for someone who has never used AI."
You've just used Claude's most powerful move — iterating on a response instead of starting over.
What Happens Next
Install the mobile app next — it's where voice notes, photo analysis, and share-sheet workflows unlock. Continue to Lesson 04.