How to Install Claude Code on Windows, Linux, and MacOS: A Complete Guide

If you've been looking for a powerful AI coding assistant, Claude Code is making waves in the developer community. This guide walks you through installing Claude Code across different operating systems, from straightforward setups to more advanced configurations.

Whether you're on Windows, Linux, or Mac, getting Claude Code up and running is easier than you might think. Let me show you exactly how to do it.

Why Claude Code Matters for Your Development Workflow

Claude Code stands out as one of the most capable AI coding tools available today. It can understand complex codebases, suggest intelligent solutions, and even help orchestrate entire development tasks. The best part? It works seamlessly across all major operating systems.

For developers looking to supercharge their coding workflow with AI assistance, 👉 explore AI-powered development tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing setup to enhance productivity without disrupting your current environment.

Installing Claude Code Directly on Windows

The most straightforward approach for Windows users is installing Claude Code directly in your native environment. Here's how:

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

First, you'll need Git installed on your system. Download it from the official Git website and run the installer.

Next, verify that Node.js is installed by opening PowerShell and running:

node -v
npm -v

If these commands don't return version numbers, you'll need to install Node.js. I recommend using nvm (Node Version Manager) to handle different Node versions easily.

Step 2: Configure Environment Variables

Open your Windows System Properties and add these environment variables:

• ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL: https://api.aicodemirror.com/api/claudecode

• ANTHROPIC_API_KEY: your_api_key_here

• ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN: your_api_key_here

Save these changes and restart PowerShell for them to take effect.

Step 3: Install Claude Code

If you have an older version installed, remove it first:

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

Then install the official package:

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

After installation completes, restart PowerShell and verify everything worked:

claude -v

You should see the version number displayed. Now navigate to your project directory and launch Claude Code:

cd D:/workspace/project
claude

Setting Up Claude Code with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

For developers who prefer a Linux environment, WSL offers a robust alternative. This approach gives you the flexibility of Linux while staying on Windows.

Installing WSL

Open Control Panel and navigate to "Turn Windows features on or off." Enable both "Windows Subsystem for Linux" and "Virtual Machine Platform." Restart your computer.

After reboot, open Terminal as administrator and run:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

Restart again, then update WSL:

wsl --update
wsl --set-default-version 2

If you don't have a Linux distribution yet, simply run:

wsl --install

This automatically installs Ubuntu and configures WSL2 as default.

Installing Claude Code in WSL

Launch your WSL environment and run the environment check script:

curl -fsSL https://download.aicodemirror.com/env_deploy/env-install.sh | bash

Remove any existing Claude Code installation:

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

Install the official package:

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

Configure your API credentials by running:

sudo apt-get install jq
curl -fsSL https://download.aicodemirror.com/env_deploy/env-deploy.sh | bash -s -- "your_api_key"

Restart your terminal, navigate to your project directory, and start coding:

cd /mnt/d/workspace/project
claude

Docker-Based Installation for Isolated Environments

For developers who want complete environment isolation, Docker provides an excellent solution. This method keeps Claude Code and all its dependencies neatly contained.

Setting Up Docker

Download Docker Desktop from the official website and install it. During installation, make sure "Use WSL 2 based engine" is checked.

Configure Docker to work with WSL by opening Docker Desktop settings, navigating to Resources → WSL integration, and enabling integration with your default WSL distribution.

Creating a Development Container

Create a directory for your Docker setup (like D:\Tools\Docker\my-dev) and add a Dockerfile with your preferred configuration. Build your image:

docker build -t ubuntu-demo .

Launch a container with your project directories mounted:

docker run -it --name claude-code
-v D:/Tools/Docker/ClaudeCode/Claude:/workspace/claude
-v D:/Tools/Docker/ClaudeCode/Code:/workspace/project
ubuntu-demo

Inside the container, follow the same installation steps as the WSL method. This gives you a completely reproducible development environment that you can share with team members or deploy anywhere.

Installing Claude Code on Linux

Linux users have the simplest installation path. Claude Code supports Ubuntu 18.04+, CentOS 7+, Debian 10+, and Fedora 30+ natively.

Open your terminal and run the environment check:

curl -fsSL https://download.aicodemirror.com/env_deploy/env-install.sh | bash

Install Claude Code globally:

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

Configure your API credentials:

sudo apt-get install jq
curl -fsSL https://download.aicodemirror.com/env_deploy/env-deploy.sh | bash -s -- "your_api_key"

After restarting your terminal, you're ready to go. Navigate to any project and launch Claude Code with a simple claude command.

MacOS Installation Steps

Mac users running macOS 10.15 or later can install Claude Code with minimal hassle. The process mirrors the Linux installation.

Open Terminal and run:

curl -fsSL https://download.aicodemirror.com/env_deploy/env-install.sh | bash

Install the package:

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

Set up your credentials:

sudo apt-get install jq
curl -fsSL https://download.aicodemirror.com/env_deploy/env-deploy.sh | bash -s -- "your_api_key"

Restart Terminal, navigate to your project, and start coding with AI assistance.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Node Version Conflicts: If claude -v throws JavaScript errors, your Node version is likely the culprit. Upgrade to Node 20 or higher. While version 18 sometimes works, version 20+ provides the most stable experience.

Previous Installation Conflicts: If you've installed other versions of Claude Code before, completely uninstall them first using npm uninstall -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. Run this as administrator on Windows if needed.

Environment Variable Issues: If you're getting API errors after installation, check your environment variables. On Mac, edit the hidden .zshrc file in your home directory and remove any conflicting Claude-related variables. On Windows, delete the .claude file in your user directory. On Linux, run rm ~/.claude and restart.

Getting Started with AI-Enhanced Development

Once Claude Code is installed, the real magic begins. Simply type your instructions in natural language, and Claude Code automatically orchestrates the necessary tasks and operations.

For developers interested in taking their AI-powered development further, 👉 discover advanced AI coding tools and techniques that can transform how you write, debug, and optimize code across any programming language or framework.

The installation might seem involved at first glance, especially with the Docker or WSL options, but each method serves different needs. Choose direct installation for simplicity, WSL for Linux compatibility, or Docker for complete environment isolation. Whichever path you take, you'll have a powerful AI coding assistant ready to accelerate your development workflow.