# How to Install Claude Code: A Beginner's Guide > Set up Claude Code for terminal-based AI development. This guide explains how to install Claude Code on macOS, Windows, and Linux for autonomous coding tasks. Source: https://camnangai.com/en/tools/how-to-install-claude-code Published: 2026-07-30 Follow this guide to **install Claude Code** and get a terminal-based agent that reads your codebase, runs shell commands, and edits files when you tell it to. If you want the background first, read [What is Claude Code?](https://camnangai.com/en/tools/what-is-claude-code). Before you start, you need a supported machine and a paid account. Claude Code runs on macOS 13.0+, Windows 10 (1809+) or Windows Server 2019+, and modern Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 10+, or Alpine 3.19+), on 4 GB+ RAM and an x64 or ARM64 processor. You also need a paid Claude subscription (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise) or a Claude Console account with credits — the free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code. ![The Claude Code welcome screen in a terminal right after first launch, showing the version, the active model, and the working directory](https://camnangai.com/articles/huong-dan-cai-dat-claude-code/01-infographic.webp) _Screenshot: Claude Code 2.1.220_ ## Step 1 — Install Claude Code on your machine Pick one — skip the others. ![Four parallel ways to install Claude Code — the native install script, Homebrew or WinGet, a Linux package manager, and npm — where the reader picks a single branch](https://camnangai.com/articles/huong-dan-cai-dat-claude-code/02-en.webp) ### Native install (recommended) **macOS, Linux, WSL:** ```bash curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash ``` **Windows PowerShell:** ```powershell irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex ``` **Windows CMD:** ```batch curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd ``` Native installations update automatically in the background. On native Windows, install [Git for Windows](https://git-scm.com/downloads/win) so Claude Code can use the Bash tool; without it, Claude Code falls back to PowerShell. ### Homebrew (macOS) ```bash brew install --cask claude-code ``` The `claude-code` cask tracks the stable channel, roughly a week behind and skipping releases with major regressions. Use `claude-code@latest` to get every release as it ships. Homebrew installs do not auto-update. ### WinGet (Windows) ```powershell winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode ``` WinGet installs do not auto-update either; run `winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode` periodically. ### Linux package managers (apt, dnf, apk) Claude Code publishes signed apt, dnf, and apk repositories. On Debian and Ubuntu, install the signing key into `/etc/apt/keyrings/`, register the repository in `/etc/apt/sources.list.d/claude-code.list`, then run `sudo apt update && sudo apt install claude-code`. On Fedora and RHEL, create `/etc/yum.repos.d/claude-code.repo` and run `sudo dnf install claude-code`. Alpine needs its dependencies first, since the base image ships without `bash` or `curl`: ```sh apk add bash curl libgcc libstdc++ ripgrep ``` Then open `settings.json` and add the `USE_BUILTIN_RIPGREP` environment variable so search works on musl. It belongs inside the `env` block, not at the top level: ```json { "env": { "USE_BUILTIN_RIPGREP": "0" } } ``` ### npm (Node.js 22+) ```bash npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code ``` As of v2.1.198 the npm package requires Node.js 22 or later. Do not run this with `sudo` — it causes permission problems and security risks. ## Step 2 — Check that Claude Code installed correctly Print the installed version: ```bash claude --version ``` ![A terminal window showing the output of claude --version with its version number, alongside the diagnostics printed by claude doctor](https://camnangai.com/articles/huong-dan-cai-dat-claude-code/03.webp) _Screenshot: Claude Code 2.1.220_ A working installation prints a version number followed by the tool name, such as `2.1.220 (Claude Code)`. Then run the diagnostic: ```bash claude doctor ``` It prints read-only diagnostics — install health, settings-file validation errors, and warnings with suggested fixes — without starting a session. ## Step 3 — Log in to your Claude account Start Claude Code: ```bash claude ``` Your browser opens for authentication. The terminal prints `Login successful` when it completes. ![The three legs of the login handshake: the terminal runs claude, the browser opens the sign-in page, and the returned code travels back to the terminal when the browser cannot open on its own](https://camnangai.com/articles/huong-dan-cai-dat-claude-code/04-en.webp) If the browser does not open — common over SSH, in WSL2, and in containers — press `c` to copy the login URL. Sign in from any browser, then paste the returned code into the terminal at the `Paste code here if prompted` prompt. If `ANTHROPIC_API_KEY` is set in your environment, Claude Code skips the browser and asks you to approve that key instead. ## Step 4 — Open your first session in a project Move into your project: ```bash cd /path/to/your/project ``` Start the session: ```bash claude ``` The prompt appears with the version, the active model, and the working directory shown above it. That header confirms Claude Code opened against the right project. ## Step 5 — Give Claude its first task Start by letting Claude read the project: ```text what does this project do? ``` Then try a real change: ```text add a hello world function to the main file ``` Claude Code shows you the proposed change and waits for approval before touching a file. Press `Shift+Tab` to cycle permission modes: the default asks before each change, `acceptEdits` auto-approves file edits, and `plan` lets Claude propose without editing. ![A Claude Code session in the terminal: the user types a request and Claude answers directly in the command line, with the status bar showing the model and permission mode](https://camnangai.com/articles/huong-dan-cai-dat-claude-code/05.webp) _Screenshot: Claude Code 2.1.220_ ## No terminal? Install the desktop app The desktop app runs the same engine as the CLI behind a graphical interface, with no terminal required. Download it for [macOS](https://claude.ai/api/desktop/darwin/universal/dmg/latest/redirect) or [Windows](https://claude.com/download); on Linux, install it with apt. Run the installer, sign in with your Anthropic account, then open the **Code** tab, choose **Local**, and select your project folder. The desktop app includes Claude Code, so you do not need Node.js or a separate CLI install — but if you want to run `claude` from a terminal, install the CLI as well. ## Commands to remember in your first session | Command | What it does | | :-------- | :----------------------------------------- | | `/help` | Show available commands | | `/clear` | Clear conversation history | | `/model` | Switch the active model | | `/init` | Generate a `CLAUDE.md` for the project | | `/resume` | Continue a previous conversation | | `/exit` | Exit Claude Code (or press `Ctrl+D` twice) | Also: `Tab` completes commands, the up arrow walks command history, and `Esc` interrupts Claude mid-run. The full list lives in the [Claude Code commands cheatsheet](https://camnangai.com/en/for/developers/claude-code-commands-cheatsheet). ## Fixing installation and login problems | Error | Cause | Fix | | :---------------------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | `command not found: claude` | The install directory is not on your `PATH`. | Add `export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"` to `~/.zshrc` or `~/.bashrc`, then open a new terminal. | | `'claude' is not recognized` | Same problem on Windows. | Append `$env:USERPROFILE\.local\bin` to your user `PATH` in PowerShell, then open a new window. | | `syntax error near unexpected token '<'` | The install URL returned a web page instead of the script. | Run the command again; if it persists, install with Homebrew. "App unavailable in region" means your country is unsupported. | | `irm is not recognized` | You are in CMD, not PowerShell. | Open PowerShell, or use the CMD-specific install command. | | `Could not establish trust relationship for the SSL/TLS secure channel` | Older Windows 10 without TLS 1.2 enabled. | Run `[Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [Net.SecurityProtocolType]::Tls12`, then retry the install. | | `dyld: cannot load` or `built for Mac OS X 13.0` | Your macOS is older than the minimum Claude Code supports. | Check About This Mac; update macOS if it is below 13.0. | | A permission error (`400` or `403`) after a successful login | An `ANTHROPIC_API_KEY` in your environment overrides the account you just signed in with. | Run `unset ANTHROPIC_API_KEY`, then check `/status` to confirm which credential is active. | ## What to do next Run `/init` to generate a `CLAUDE.md` file. Use it to record the build commands, test runners, and conventions Claude cannot infer on its own, and commit it so your whole team shares the same rules. For what belongs in that file, see [CLAUDE.md best practices](https://camnangai.com/en/for/developers/claude-md-best-practices). ## References - [Terminal guide for new users - Claude Code Docs](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/terminal-guide) - [Advanced setup - Claude Code Docs](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/setup) - [Quickstart - Claude Code Docs](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/quickstart) - [Troubleshoot installation and login - Claude Code Docs](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/troubleshoot-install) - [Authentication - Claude Code Docs](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/authentication) - [Get started with the desktop app - Claude Code Docs](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/desktop-quickstart) - [How to Use Claude Code (Beginner Guide) - Builder.io](https://www.builder.io/blog/how-to-use-claude-code) - [Troubleshoot Claude Code installation and authentication - Claude Help Center](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/14552646-troubleshoot-claude-code-installation-and-authentication)