Claude Cowork, ready to go.

The setup I give every client on day one. Install the desktop app, open Cowork, pick a folder, and describe what you want done. No git, no terminal, nothing else to download.

Start

Three steps

  1. 1

    Install Claude Desktop

    Download the app for Mac or Windows. Cowork needs a paid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise).

  2. 2

    Open Cowork

    In the desktop app, switch to the Cowork tab — not Chat, not Code. If you're asked to enable code execution, turn it on under Settings → Capabilities.

  3. 3

    Run your first task

    Choose a folder you're comfortable sharing, describe the outcome you want, and review Claude's plan before it acts.

Download Claude Desktop →

Mac: open the DMG and drag Claude into Applications.
Windows: use the installer from the download page. Not sure your PC supports Cowork? Check Cowork readiness.

Examples

Good first tasks

Pick a folder, paste one of these into Cowork, and adjust the details to match what you have.

  • Organize my Downloads folder by file type and date. Put everything in clearly named folders and give me a short summary of what you moved.

  • I have notes scattered across this folder. Turn them into one polished document with a clear structure and a short executive summary at the top.

  • Using the files in this folder, build me a spreadsheet with working formulas and clean formatting. Use separate tabs if that makes it easier to read.

  • Read everything in this folder and give me a synthesis: the main themes, what's missing, and what I should do next.

Later

When you're building software

The Code tab in the same app is for repos, terminals, and git. You don't need any of that to start with Cowork.

Questions? Reach out →