How to Install Claude Cowork on Windows 11 (Complete Guide)

Claude Cowork requires a modern Windows environment and a paid Claude plan.

• Windows 10 (22H2+) or Windows 11

• 64‑bit Intel/AMD processor

• Minimum 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)

• At least 10 GB free disk space

• Claude Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise subscription

Claude Cowork runs inside the Claude Desktop app.

• Scroll to the Windows section

• Download the .exe installer

• Save it to your preferred folder

Run the installer to set up Claude on your Windows 11 system.

• Double‑click the downloaded .exe

• Allow Windows to run the installer

• Follow the on‑screen prompts

• Launch Claude Desktop from the Start Menu

Cowork is available only for paid plans.

• Open Claude Desktop

• Click Sign In

• Enter your Anthropic account credentials

• Ensure your plan includes Cowork (Pro or above)

Cowork runs tasks inside a secure virtual machine using Hyper‑V.

• In Claude Desktop, click the Cowork button on the left sidebar

• Approve file‑system permissions when prompted

• Wait for the ~2 GB VM image to download (one‑time setup)

Cowork only operates inside a folder you choose.

• Click Set working folder

• Choose Desktop, Documents, or a project folder

• Claude will only access files inside this folder unless you grant extra permissions

You can now run autonomous tasks, plugins, and connectors.

• Create tasks inside your working folder

• Connect Slack, Notion, Google Drive, Microsoft 365, etc.

• Use multi‑step task execution and scheduled tasks