Claude Desktop

Give Claude access to approved local files for hands-on agentic work.

AvailableInstall needed

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What you need

Use the same paid Claude account as in the browser. Start from the official Claude download page and use the installer offered for your operating system.

How to install

Go to claude.com/download and choose the current macOS or Windows download.
Install the app and sign in with the same approved Claude account you use in the browser.
Open a harmless local file from a folder you deliberately grant access to and confirm the app can use it.
Check for app updates before relying on Desktop for local work.

Nuances

Desktop is the full route when a task needs local files, browser use or computer access. Keep an active internet connection while working.
On managed Windows, IT should support deployment of the MSIX. A standard user can install it, but full feature support, including Cowork, requires administrator-supported deployment.
For local server configuration, always open the file through Settings > Developer > Edit Config instead of browsing to a guessed %APPDATA% path.
Grant access only to the folders needed for the task, not an entire drive.

If it will not work

If the MSIX install is blocked, send the IT section of this guide to your endpoint administrator.
If the app opens but Cowork is missing on Windows, the standard-user installation has reached its feature ceiling; IT must support the deployment.
If Cowork will not start, check pending Windows updates and features with IT.

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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How to install

Go to claude.com/download and choose the current macOS or Windows download.

Install the app and sign in with the same approved Claude account you use in the browser.

Open a harmless local file from a folder you deliberately grant access to and confirm the app can use it.

Check for app updates before relying on Desktop for local work.

Nuances

Desktop is the full route when a task needs local files, browser use or computer access. Keep an active internet connection while working.

On managed Windows, IT should support deployment of the MSIX. A standard user can install it, but full feature support, including Cowork, requires administrator-supported deployment.

For local server configuration, always open the file through Settings > Developer > Edit Config instead of browsing to a guessed %APPDATA% path.

Grant access only to the folders needed for the task, not an entire drive.

If it will not work

If the MSIX install is blocked, send the IT section of this guide to your endpoint administrator.

If the app opens but Cowork is missing on Windows, the standard-user installation has reached its feature ceiling; IT must support the deployment.

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