Claude desktop

by Anthropic · AI apps

FreemiumWindowsMac

Anthropic's Claude assistant as a desktop app.

Official download from claude.ai (opens in a new tab)

Opens claude.ai, Anthropic's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Claude desktop?

The Claude desktop app offers chats, file analysis and projects in a dedicated window, and can connect to local tools through the Model Context Protocol. A free tier is available; paid plans add higher limits.

Key features

  • Chats, projects and file analysis
  • Connectors to local tools (MCP)
  • Quick-entry shortcut
  • Synced history

Best for

  • Writing and editing
  • Analysing long documents
  • Coding help

Install

How to install Claude desktop

  1. 1Open the official Claude desktop download page on claude.ai.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id Anthropic.Claude -e --source winget

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask claude

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download Claude desktop safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on claude.ai. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

Claude desktop alternatives

Other ai apps apps, closest platform match first.

All ai

FAQ

Claude desktop questions

Where can I download Claude desktop safely?

Download Claude desktop only from Anthropic's official site at claude.ai. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Claude desktop free?

Claude desktop has a free plan with limits, and paid plans or upgrades for more features. Check claude.ai for current pricing.

Does Claude desktop work on Windows and Mac?

Claude desktop is available for Windows, Mac. Check Anthropic's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install Claude desktop from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id Anthropic.Claude -e); Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask claude). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to Claude desktop?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full ai apps list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.