Guides

Claude Desktop App Guide for Mac and Windows

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What Is the Claude Desktop App?

The Claude desktop app is a native application for Mac and Windows that gives you access to Claude outside the browser. It runs as a standalone app on your computer, stays accessible from your dock or taskbar, and adds features that the web version does not have — including desktop extensions, Claude Cowork, and direct Claude Code integration.

Supported Platforms

Platform	Available	Notes
macOS	Yes (universal)	Supports both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
Windows	Yes (x64 + arm64)	Both standard and ARM Windows PCs
ChromeOS	Yes (via Google Play)	Install through the Google Play Store
Linux	Not available	No official Linux desktop app as of this writing
iOS / Android	Mobile app (separate)	Available via App Store and Google Play as the Claude mobile app

Where to Download the Claude Desktop App

Download only from the official Claude website. Go to claude.com/download and select your platform. Do not download the app from any third-party site, torrent, or unofficial source.

Desktop App vs Web: Key Differences

Feature	Desktop App	Web (claude.ai)
Runs without browser	Yes	No
Quick access shortcut	Yes (dock/taskbar)	No
Desktop extensions	Yes — connects to local files, apps, browsers	No
Claude Cowork	Yes — task automation across apps	No
Claude Code integration	Yes — preview running servers, monitor local code	Limited
Conversation sync	Yes — syncs with web and mobile	Yes
Same AI models	Yes	Yes

Desktop Extensions

Desktop extensions connect Claude to your local tools. Through extensions, Claude can access local files, integrate with browsers, and interact with native applications on your computer. This makes the desktop app significantly more useful for workflows that involve your own files and apps rather than just web content.

Claude Cowork

Claude Cowork is a feature exclusive to the desktop app that lets Claude help automate tasks across your apps — not just answer questions. For example, Claude can help manage tasks in other applications on your desktop without you having to copy-paste content manually. Cowork requires a paid plan (Pro or higher). Check the official claude.com feature list for the latest availability details.

Claude Code in the Desktop App

The Claude desktop app includes support for Claude Code, Anthropic’s developer-focused tool. Within the app, you can preview running development servers and monitor local code changes without switching between windows. This makes it useful for developers who want Claude’s AI assistance integrated into their coding environment. See our Claude for coding guide for more on Claude Code workflows.

Logging In

Sign in with your existing Claude account (Google, email, or other supported methods)
Your subscription and conversation history carry over automatically
No separate desktop-only account is needed

If you have trouble signing in, see our Claude login guide or the Claude not working troubleshooting guide.

Syncing Across Devices

When you’re signed in, conversations, projects, memory, and settings sync between desktop, web (claude.ai), and mobile. You can start a conversation on your phone and continue it on your desktop without any manual transfer.

Common Issues

Issue	What to Try
App won’t open	Restart the app; check for updates via the app’s Help menu or re-download from claude.com/download
Login not working	Check your internet connection; try the web version at claude.ai to confirm your account works
Conversations not syncing	Sign out and back in; ensure you’re using the same account
Extension not connecting	Check extension permissions in app settings; restart the extension
Cowork not available	Cowork requires a paid plan; verify your subscription at claude.com
Download concerns	Only download from claude.com/download — verify the source before installing

For more troubleshooting, see our Claude Not Working guide.