gh-obra-superpowers-developing-for-claude-code/skills/working-with-claude-code/references/setup.md

Set up Claude Code

Install, authenticate, and start using Claude Code on your development machine.

System requirements

• Operating Systems: macOS 10.15+, Ubuntu 20.04+/Debian 10+, or Windows 10+ (with WSL 1, WSL 2, or Git for Windows)
• Hardware: 4GB+ RAM
• Software: Node.js 18+
• Network: Internet connection required for authentication and AI processing
• Shell: Works best in Bash, Zsh or Fish
• Location: Anthropic supported countries

Additional dependencies

• ripgrep: Usually included with Claude Code. If search functionality fails, see search troubleshooting.

Standard installation

To install Claude Code, run the following command:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Do NOT use `sudo npm install -g` as this can lead to permission issues and security risks. If you encounter permission errors, see [configure Claude Code](/en/docs/claude-code/troubleshooting#linux-permission-issues) for recommended solutions. Some users may be automatically migrated to an improved installation method. Run `claude doctor` after installation to check your installation type.

After the installation process completes, navigate to your project and start Claude Code:

cd your-awesome-project
claude

Claude Code offers the following authentication options:

1. Claude Console: The default option. Connect through the Claude Console and complete the OAuth process. Requires active billing at console.anthropic.com. A "Claude Code" workspace will be automatically created for usage tracking and cost management. Note that you cannot create API keys for the Claude Code workspace - it is dedicated exclusively for Claude Code usage.
2. Claude App (with Pro or Max plan): Subscribe to Claude's Pro or Max plan for a unified subscription that includes both Claude Code and the web interface. Get more value at the same price point while managing your account in one place. Log in with your Claude.ai account. During launch, choose the option that matches your subscription type.
3. Enterprise platforms: Configure Claude Code to use Amazon Bedrock or Google Vertex AI for enterprise deployments with your existing cloud infrastructure.

Claude Code securely stores your credentials. See [Credential Management](/en/docs/claude-code/iam#credential-management) for details.

Windows setup

Option 1: Claude Code within WSL

• Both WSL 1 and WSL 2 are supported

Option 2: Claude Code on native Windows with Git Bash

• Requires Git for Windows
• For portable Git installations, specify the path to your bash.exe:

  $env:CLAUDE_CODE_GIT_BASH_PATH="C:\Program Files\Git\bin\bash.exe"
  

Alternative installation methods

Claude Code offers multiple installation methods to suit different environments.

If you encounter any issues during installation, consult the troubleshooting guide.

Run `claude doctor` after installation to check your installation type and version.

Global npm installation

Traditional method shown in the install steps above

Native binary installation (Beta)

If you have an existing installation of Claude Code, use claude install to start the native binary installation.

For a fresh install, run one of the following commands:

Homebrew (macOS, Linux):

brew install --cask claude-code

Claude Code installed via Homebrew will auto-update outside of the brew directory unless explicitly disabled with the `DISABLE_AUTOUPDATER` environment variable (see [Auto updates](#auto-updates) section).

macOS, Linux, WSL:

# Install stable version (default)
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

# Install latest version
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash -s latest

# Install specific version number
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash -s 1.0.58

**Alpine Linux and other musl/uClibc-based distributions**: The native build requires you to install `libgcc`, `libstdc++`, and `ripgrep`. Install (Alpine: `apk add libgcc libstdc++ ripgrep`) and set `USE_BUILTIN_RIPGREP=0`.

Windows PowerShell:

# Install stable version (default)
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

# Install latest version
& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1))) latest

# Install specific version number
& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1))) 1.0.58

Windows CMD:

REM Install stable version (default)
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd

REM Install latest version
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd latest && del install.cmd

REM Install specific version number
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd 1.0.58 && del install.cmd

The native Claude Code installer is supported on macOS, Linux, and Windows.

Make sure that you remove any outdated aliases or symlinks. Once your installation is complete, run `claude doctor` to verify the installation.

Local installation

• After global install via npm, use claude migrate-installer to move to local
• Avoids autoupdater npm permission issues
• Some users may be automatically migrated to this method

Running on AWS or GCP

By default, Claude Code uses the Claude API.

For details on running Claude Code on AWS or GCP, see third-party integrations.

Update Claude Code

Auto updates

Claude Code automatically keeps itself up to date to ensure you have the latest features and security fixes.

• Update checks: Performed on startup and periodically while running
• Update process: Downloads and installs automatically in the background
• Notifications: You'll see a notification when updates are installed
• Applying updates: Updates take effect the next time you start Claude Code

Disable auto-updates:

Set the DISABLE_AUTOUPDATER environment variable in your shell or settings.json file:

export DISABLE_AUTOUPDATER=1

Update manually

claude update