How do I install Claude Code on Windows?

In PowerShell run: irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex. In CMD use the install.cmd command from the setup docs. Then open a new terminal and run claude --version. Administrator rights are not needed.

Do I need Git for Windows?

Not strictly. It is recommended: with it Claude Code uses Git Bash for its Bash tool, without it Claude Code uses PowerShell as the shell tool.

Native Windows or WSL?

Native Windows suits Windows projects and tools. WSL 2 suits Linux toolchains and is the option where sandboxing is supported.

Guide

Claude Code on Windows: install, Git Bash, WSL and multiple sessions

By Eren Çolak, who makes Paneherd · Updated 24 October 2026

Claude Code runs natively on Windows 10 (version 1809) or later and Windows Server 2019 or later, and also inside WSL. Native needs no administrator rights; Git for Windows is optional but recommended. This guide follows Anthropic's setup documentation (checked 24 October 2026).

Install natively

In PowerShell (the prompt starts with PS C:\):

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

In CMD:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd

The installer shows no progress while it downloads. When it finishes, open a new terminal and run claude --version. If you get claude is not recognized, the install folder is not on your PATH yet. WinGet also works (winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode), but WinGet installs do not auto-update; run winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode now and then. Sign in by running claude and following the browser prompt; the free claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code.

Git for Windows or not

With Git for Windows, Claude Code uses Git Bash for its Bash tool. If it cannot find it, set CLAUDE_CODE_GIT_BASH_PATH in the env block of settings.json, for example "C:\\Program Files\\Git\\bin\\bash.exe" (backslashes doubled in JSON).
Without it, Claude Code runs shell commands through PowerShell.

Native or WSL

Native Windows fits Windows-native projects and tools; sandboxing is not supported there. WSL 2 fits Linux toolchains and supports sandboxing; install and launch claude inside the WSL terminal, using the Linux installer. WSL 1 works but without sandboxing.

Several sessions on Windows

Everything in running multiple Claude Code sessions applies: one terminal per session, with claude --worktree so sessions that change code do not collide. Paneherd runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and opens each session as a terminal in a grid in VS Code or Cursor. It needs curl, which ships with Windows 10 and later.

You will often have Claude Code in a terminal, in VS Code and in the desktop app at once, and all of them draw on one allowance. The free Usage Meter keeps both limits in the VS Code status bar.

Frequently asked questions

Which shell should I use for the install?

PowerShell or CMD, with the matching command above. Afterwards Claude Code runs from any terminal.

Does it work in Cursor?

Yes, in a Cursor terminal like any other. Paneherd also runs there.

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