Claude Cowork

Hand Claude a goal and let it work through your files while you steer.

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What you need

Use a paid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise; Cowork is not on the free plan) and install Claude Desktop first. Cowork runs inside that app.

How to install

Install Claude Desktop and sign in, as described in the Claude Desktop card.
Open Cowork from Claude Desktop.
Select a short local folder that you deliberately grant access to.
Give it a small harmless task and watch the full run before using it on important work.

Nuances

Cowork is where you describe an outcome and step away, rather than chatting turn by turn. Keep an active internet connection while it works.
On managed Windows, full Cowork support needs the Claude Desktop app deployed with administrator support. A standard-user install may leave Cowork unavailable.
Versions on the web and on mobile are still in beta and roll out gradually. Desktop remains the full route for local files, browser use and computer access.
Connectors are called from Anthropic's cloud rather than from your laptop, so systems that are only reachable inside your network will not work.
Cowork activity is not included in enterprise audit logs or the Compliance API. Worth telling your security contact before you point it at sensitive material.

If it will not work

If Cowork does not appear in the app, confirm the app is up to date and that IT deployed it with administrator support.
If Cowork will not start on Windows, check pending Windows updates and features with IT.
If a connected internal system cannot be reached, confirm that it has a secure public endpoint.

Still blocked or need company approval?Go to the IT section in the full guide

Find the blocker early and involve IT before you need the tool.

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Nuances

Cowork is where you describe an outcome and step away, rather than chatting turn by turn. Keep an active internet connection while it works.

On managed Windows, full Cowork support needs the Claude Desktop app deployed with administrator support. A standard-user install may leave Cowork unavailable.

Versions on the web and on mobile are still in beta and roll out gradually. Desktop remains the full route for local files, browser use and computer access.

Connectors are called from Anthropic's cloud rather than from your laptop, so systems that are only reachable inside your network will not work.

Cowork activity is not included in enterprise audit logs or the Compliance API. Worth telling your security contact before you point it at sensitive material.

If it will not work

If Cowork does not appear in the app, confirm the app is up to date and that IT deployed it with administrator support.

If Cowork will not start on Windows, check pending Windows updates and features with IT.

If a connected internal system cannot be reached, confirm that it has a secure public endpoint.