A Comprehensive Guide to Installing Claude Code on macOS, Linux, and Windows WSL

If you’re aiming to use Claude Code, Anthropic’s AI-driven command-line tool for code assistance, this guide covers installation for three major environments with clear, actionable steps. We’ll start with essential prerequisites before diving into OS-specific setup.

Prerequisites

Before installing Claude Code, ensure your system meets these requirements:

1. **Node.js 18+**: Claude Code is built on Node.js. Check your version with `node -v`; use nvm (Node Version Manager) to upgrade if needed.

2. **npm or Yarn**: These package managers come with Node.js—verify with `npm -v`.

3. **Git**: Required for code tracking and diff generation. Install via `brew install git` (macOS) or `apt install git` (Linux) if missing.

4. **Stable Proxy**: Claude Code communicates with Anthropic’s API. Users in regions with connectivity issues should set up a proxy to avoid timeouts.

macOS Installation

macOS users can install Claude Code with one global command:

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

Verify installation with `claude --version` (output like `claude-code v1.x.x`). First run `claude` in your project directory to complete setup: log into your Anthropic account (via browser), choose a billing method (API Key or Pro subscription), and set permission levels (default: manual approval).

Linux Installation

Use the same command as macOS: `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code`. Note these Linux-specific tips:

• **Permissions**: Avoid `sudo`—use nvm to manage Node.js (installs packages in your user directory). If you have Node without nvm, configure npm’s global path manually.

• **Fonts**: Use a terminal that supports Unicode (e.g., Kitty, iTerm2) for proper UI rendering.

• **GUI-less Auth**: If no browser is available, Claude Code provides a manual link—copy to a device with a browser to log in.

Windows Installation via WSL

Claude Code lacks a native Windows version, but WSL works seamlessly:

1. **Install WSL**: Open PowerShell as admin and run `wsl --install` (installs WSL2 + Ubuntu). Restart and set up a username/password.

2. **Install Node.js**: In WSL terminal, install nvm: `curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash`, then `nvm install 18`.

3. **Install Claude Code**: Run `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code` and verify with `claude --version`.

4. **Optimal Workflow**: Clone projects to WSL’s home directory (avoid Windows file system for speed). Use VS Code’s Remote-WSL plugin to edit files on Windows while running Claude Code in WSL.

5. **Login**: First run `claude` auto-launches your Windows browser for OAuth.

Sources

• CSDN Blog: Claude Code Installation Guide (macOS/Linux/Windows WSL) - https://blog.csdn.net/sg_knight/article/details/162737006