How To Install Claude Code on Windows: Complete Guide 2025
June 19, 2025

How to Install Claude Code on Windows: Complete 2025 Guide
Master AI-powered development with Anthropic's revolutionary coding assistant through WSL integration
$ ✻ Welcome to Claude Code research preview! Claude: Ready to transform your development workflow...
Revolutionize Your Windows Development with Claude Code
In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered development tools, Claude Code stands out as a game-changing coding assistant that lives directly in your terminal. Developed by Anthropic, this innovative tool understands your entire codebase and accelerates development through natural language interactions. While Claude Code doesn't natively support Windows, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to harness its power using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Ready to supercharge your development workflow with AI? Explore ITECS AI Consulting Services to discover how AI can transform your entire business operation.
What is Claude Code? Understanding the AI Revolution
Claude Code represents a paradigm shift in how developers interact with their development environment. Unlike traditional coding assistants that merely suggest snippets, Claude Code is an agentic tool that can:
Edit & Refactor Code
Modify, optimize, and enhance your entire codebase with AI-powered suggestions that understand context and best practices.
Debug & Fix Errors
Identify and resolve bugs, missing dependencies, and performance bottlenecks across multiple files simultaneously.
Understand Architecture
Ask questions about your code's architecture, logic, and dependencies with comprehensive explanations.
Write Tests
Automatically generate comprehensive test suites that ensure code quality and catch edge cases.
Claude Code vs Traditional Development
Aspect | Traditional Development | With Claude Code | Improvement |
---|---|---|---|
Code Generation Speed | Manual typing | Natural language commands | 10x faster |
Bug Detection | Manual debugging | AI-powered analysis | 75% faster |
Code Understanding | Read documentation | Instant explanations | 90% faster |
Refactoring | Line-by-line changes | Codebase-wide updates | 85% faster |
System Requirements: Preparing Your Windows Environment
Before diving into the installation process, ensure your system meets these requirements:
Windows Requirements
- Windows 10: Version 2004 or higher (Build 19041+)
- Windows 11: Any version
- Administrator privileges for WSL installation
- At least 4GB available storage
- Internet connection for package downloads
Software Requirements
- Node.js: Version 18 or higher
- npm: Version 10.x or higher
- Git: For version control (recommended)
- Python 3: For certain operations
- WSL 2: Latest version
Account Requirements
- Anthropic Account: Free to create
- API Access: Billing setup required
- Minimum Credits: $5 recommended
- Valid Payment Method: Credit card
Pre-Installation Setup: Anthropic Account & Billing
Before installing Claude Code, you'll need to set up your Anthropic account and billing. This ensures you can authenticate and use the tool immediately after installation.
Create Your Anthropic Account
- Navigate to console.anthropic.com
- Click "Sign Up" and create your account
- Verify your email address
- Complete your profile information
Set Up Billing
- Go to the Billing page in your console
- Add a valid credit card
- Purchase at least $5 in credits (sufficient for extensive testing)
- Note: Usage is pay-as-you-go with transparent pricing
Claude Code Pricing Overview
Claude Opus 4
$15 / 1M tokens
Most powerful model for complex tasks
Claude Sonnet 4
$3 / 1M tokens
Balanced performance and cost
Typical Session
$0.10 - $2.00
Average cost per development session
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Follow these detailed steps to install Claude Code on your Windows system. We'll guide you through each phase with clear instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Step 1 Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
1.1 Open PowerShell as Administrator
Open a PowerShell prompt as an Administrator (we recommend using Windows Terminal):
- Press Windows + X
- Select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)"
- Click "Yes" when prompted for administrator access
1.2 Install WSL
Run the following command to install WSL:
wsl --install
1.3 Handle Execution Policy (if needed)
If you see a red error about execution policy being restricted, run:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser Unrestricted
Then try the wsl --install
command again.
Step 2 Install Ubuntu on WSL
There are two methods to install Ubuntu on WSL. Choose the one that works best for you:
Method 1: Using Microsoft Store (Recommended)
- Open the Microsoft Store
- Search for "Ubuntu 24.04 LTS"
- Click "Get" to install
- Once installed, click "Open" or search for Ubuntu in your Windows search bar

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS in the Microsoft Store
Method 2: Using WSL Commands
First, check available distributions by running:
wsl --list --online
You'll see output like:
The following is a list of valid distributions that can be installed.
The default distribution is denoted by '*'.
Install using 'wsl --install -d <Distro>'.
NAME FRIENDLY NAME
* Ubuntu Ubuntu
Debian Debian GNU/Linux
kali-linux Kali Linux Rolling
Ubuntu-18.04 Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
Ubuntu-20.04 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
Ubuntu-22.04 Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu-24.04 Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS by running:
wsl --install -d Ubuntu-24.04
You'll see an installation progress indicator in the terminal.
Verify Your Installation
Check all installed distributions and their WSL version:
wsl -l -v
You should see output similar to:
NAME STATE VERSION
* Ubuntu-24.04 Stopped 2
Step 3 Run and Configure Ubuntu
3.1 Launch Ubuntu
To open an Ubuntu 24.04 terminal, run the following command in PowerShell:
ubuntu2404.exe
Or simply search for "Ubuntu" in your Windows search bar and click on it.

Ubuntu in Windows search results
3.2 Create Your Linux User Account
Once Ubuntu finishes its initial setup, you will be prompted to:
- Create a username (lowercase, no spaces)
- Create a password (it won't show while typing - this is normal)
- Confirm your password
3.3 Update Ubuntu
It's always good practice to install the latest updates. Run these commands in your Ubuntu terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade -y
Enter your password when prompted.
🔧 Troubleshooting WSL Installation
- Error 0x80370102: Enable virtualization in BIOS
- Error 0x80004005: Restart Windows and try again
- WSL not recognized: Ensure Windows is updated to version 2004 or higher (Build 19041+)
- Ubuntu not starting: Try
wsl --shutdown
then restart Ubuntu
Step 4 Install Node.js in Ubuntu
4.1 Switch to Linux Home Directory
In your Ubuntu terminal, ensure you're in the Linux filesystem:
cd ~
4.2 Install Node.js via NVM (Recommended)
Install Node Version Manager for better Node.js management:
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.3/install.sh | bash
Activate NVM without restarting:
. "$HOME/.nvm/nvm.sh"
Install Node.js version 20 (LTS):
nvm install 20
4.3 Verify Installation
Check that Node.js and npm are properly installed:
node --version && npm --version
You should see versions like v20.x.x
and 10.x.x
Step 3 Install Additional Dependencies
3.1 Install Python (if needed)
Claude Code may require Python for certain operations:
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip -y
3.2 Install Git and Ripgrep (Recommended)
These tools enhance Claude Code's functionality:
sudo apt install git ripgrep -y
3.3 Configure npm Global Directory (Important)
Avoid permission issues by setting up npm properly:
mkdir -p ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix ~/.npm-global
echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
Step 4 Install Claude Code
4.1 Install Claude Code Globally
Now install Claude Code using npm:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
sudo
when installing Claude Code. If you get permission errors, ensure you've configured npm global directory as shown in Step 3.3.
4.2 Verify Installation
Check that Claude Code is installed:
which claude
This should return a path like /home/username/.npm-global/bin/claude
🔧 Common Installation Issues
- "npm: command not found": Restart terminal or run
source ~/.bashrc
- Permission denied: Check npm global configuration
- "Claude Code not supported on Windows": Ensure you're in WSL, not Windows terminal
- ENOENT errors: You may be in Windows filesystem, switch to Linux with
cd ~
Running Claude Code for the First Time
With Claude Code installed, let's configure it and run your first session. This section covers authentication, initial setup, and best practices for using Claude Code effectively.
Navigate to Your Project
Claude Code operates within the context of a specific directory. Navigate to your project folder:
cd ~/my-project
cd /mnt/c/Users/YourName/Documents/project
~/
) rather than Windows mounted drives (/mnt/c/
).
Launch Claude Code
Start Claude Code in your project directory:
claude
Or specify a model:
claude --model claude-opus-4-20250514
Authentication Process
Select Terminal Style
Choose your preferred terminal color scheme using arrow keys:
- Classic (traditional terminal colors)
- Modern (enhanced readability)
- Dark (high contrast)
- Light (for bright environments)
OAuth Authentication
Claude Code will prompt you to authenticate:
- Press Enter to open the authentication page
- Your browser will open to the Anthropic Console
- Log in with your Anthropic account
- Copy the authentication code shown
Enter Authentication Code
Return to your terminal and:
- Paste the authentication code
- Press Enter to confirm
- Claude Code will verify your credentials
Trust Project Files
Claude Code will ask if you trust the files in your directory:
- Yes, proceed: Grants full access to project files
- No, exit: Cancels the session
Select "Yes, proceed" for your own projects.
Mastering Claude Code: Commands and Best Practices
Now that Claude Code is running, let's explore how to use it effectively. Understanding these commands and patterns will help you maximize productivity.
Essential Commands
/help
Display all available commands and their descriptions
/cost
Check your current session cost in real-time
/bug
Report issues directly to Anthropic team
/exit
End your Claude Code session safely
/undo
Revert the last change made by Claude
/clear
Clear the terminal display
Practical Examples
1. Creating a New Feature
Create a user authentication system with JWT tokens, including login, logout, and middleware for protected routes
I'll create a complete user authentication system with JWT tokens. Let me set up the necessary files and implement the functionality...
2. Debugging Code
Find and fix the memory leak in the data processing module
I'll analyze the data processing module for memory leaks. Let me examine the code and identify potential issues...
3. Code Explanation
Explain how the dependency injection system works in this project
Let me analyze the dependency injection implementation in your project and explain how it works...
Best Practices for Effective Use
Be Specific
Provide clear, detailed instructions about what you want to achieve. The more context you give, the better Claude Code can assist.
Review Changes
Always review code changes before accepting them. Use per-command authorization initially to maintain control.
Monitor Costs
Use /cost
regularly to track spending. Complex operations can accumulate costs quickly.
Start Small
Begin with simple tasks to understand Claude Code's capabilities before tackling complex projects.
Advanced Features and Integration
Unlock the full potential of Claude Code with these advanced features and integration techniques that can transform your development workflow.
🔗 Git Integration
Claude Code seamlessly integrates with Git workflows:
- Commit changes with meaningful messages
- Create and switch branches
- Resolve merge conflicts intelligently
- Generate comprehensive commit histories
Example: "Create a new feature branch and implement user profile functionality with proper commits"
🧪 Automated Testing
Generate and run comprehensive test suites:
- Unit tests with high coverage
- Integration testing setup
- E2E test scenarios
- Performance benchmarks
Example: "Write unit tests for the authentication module with 90% coverage"
📚 Documentation Generation
Create professional documentation automatically:
- API documentation with examples
- README files with setup instructions
- Code comments and JSDoc
- Architecture diagrams in markdown
Example: "Generate complete API documentation for all endpoints"
Visual Studio Code Integration
Enhance your workflow by combining Claude Code with VS Code:
1. Open VS Code from WSL
code .
2. Run Claude Code in Terminal
Use VS Code's integrated terminal to run Claude Code while viewing changes in real-time
3. Review Changes Visually
See Claude's modifications highlighted in VS Code's diff viewer
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Encountering problems? Here are solutions to the most common issues Windows users face when installing and using Claude Code.
Error: "Claude Code is not supported on Windows"
+Cause: You're trying to install Claude Code in Windows terminal instead of WSL.
Solution:
- Ensure you're in WSL Ubuntu terminal, not PowerShell or CMD
- Check your terminal prompt - it should show your Linux username
- Run
uname -a
- it should show Linux, not Windows - If in Windows terminal, open Ubuntu from Start menu or run
wsl
Error: "npm: command not found"
+Cause: Node.js/npm not installed in WSL or PATH not configured.
Solution:
- Verify you're in WSL:
echo $SHELL
- Reinstall Node.js using NVM as shown in Step 2
- Run
source ~/.bashrc
to reload configuration - Check installation:
which npm
Error: "ENOENT: spawn /bin/bash"
+Cause: Claude Code can't find the bash shell in Windows environment.
Solution:
- Ensure you're running Claude Code from within WSL
- Don't use
npx
from Windows terminal - Navigate to project directory within WSL before running
claude
- If persists, restart WSL:
wsl --shutdown
then reopen
Performance Issues in /mnt/c/ Directories
+Cause: Cross-filesystem operations between WSL and Windows are slower.
Solution:
- Move projects to Linux filesystem:
cp -r /mnt/c/project ~/project
- Use
\\wsl$
in Windows Explorer to access Linux files - For better performance, develop primarily in Linux filesystem
- Use Git to sync between Windows and Linux if needed
Permission Denied Errors
+Cause: npm trying to install in system directories.
Solution:
- Never use
sudo
with npm install - Configure npm prefix as shown in Step 3.3
- Check npm config:
npm config get prefix
- Should be
/home/username/.npm-global
Business Impact: Why Claude Code Matters
Understanding the business implications of adopting Claude Code can help justify the investment in AI-powered development tools. Here's how it transforms your development operations:
ROI Calculator: Claude Code Impact
Accelerated Development
- 10x faster code generation
- Reduced time to market
- Rapid prototyping capabilities
- Instant boilerplate creation
Improved Code Quality
- Consistent coding standards
- Built-in best practices
- Reduced technical debt
- Comprehensive test coverage
Knowledge Amplification
- Instant codebase understanding
- Built-in documentation
- Reduced onboarding time
- Continuous learning tool
Cost Efficiency
- Reduced development hours
- Fewer bugs in production
- Lower maintenance costs
- Optimized resource allocation
Real-World Impact: Development Team Case Study
Before Claude Code
- Average feature development: 40 hours
- Bug resolution time: 8 hours
- Code review cycles: 3-4 rounds
- Documentation: Often outdated
After Claude Code
- Average feature development: 10 hours
- Bug resolution time: 2 hours
- Code review cycles: 1-2 rounds
- Documentation: Always current
Security Best Practices
When using AI-powered development tools, security should be a top priority. Here's how to use Claude Code safely and protect your intellectual property:
🔐 Access Control
- Use per-command authorization for sensitive projects
- Review all code changes before accepting
- Limit Claude Code access to specific directories
- Never grant access to production credentials
🛡️ Data Protection
- Avoid processing sensitive customer data
- Use environment variables for secrets
- Exclude sensitive files from project directory
- Regular security audits of generated code
📋 Compliance
- Review Anthropic's data handling policies
- Ensure compliance with your industry regulations
- Document AI-assisted code for audits
- Maintain code ownership clarity
Security Checklist
- ☑️ Configure
.gitignore
to exclude sensitive files - ☑️ Use separate development environments for Claude Code
- ☑️ Regularly rotate API keys and credentials
- ☑️ Monitor Claude Code usage and costs
- ☑️ Train team on secure AI tool usage
- ☑️ Implement code review processes for AI-generated code
Optimization Tips for Maximum Efficiency
Get the most out of Claude Code with these optimization strategies and productivity tips gathered from experienced users:
💻 WSL Performance Optimization
Use WSL 2 for Better Performance
Ensure you're running WSL 2 for improved file system performance:
wsl --set-default-version 2
Allocate Sufficient Resources
Create .wslconfig
in your Windows user directory to optimize performance:
[wsl2] memory=8GB processors=4 swap=2GB
Keep Projects in Linux Filesystem
Avoid /mnt/c/
for active development to prevent I/O bottlenecks
💰 Cost Management Strategies
Start with Smaller Models
Use Claude Sonnet for routine tasks, Opus for complex challenges
Batch Related Tasks
Group similar operations to leverage context efficiently
Monitor Usage Patterns
Check /cost
regularly and set budget alerts in Anthropic Console
🚀 Productivity Shortcuts
Create Project Templates
Save time by having Claude Code generate reusable project structures
Use Aliases for Common Tasks
Add to ~/.bashrc
:
alias claude-project='cd ~/projects && claude'
Leverage Context Files
Create CLAUDE.md
files to provide project context automatically
Embrace the Future of AI-Powered Development
You've now mastered the complete process of installing and using Claude Code on Windows through WSL. This powerful AI coding assistant represents just the beginning of what's possible when businesses embrace AI-driven development tools. By following this guide, you've taken the first step toward dramatically improving your development workflow, reducing costs, and accelerating innovation.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Claude Code requires WSL for Windows users but delivers exceptional value
- ✅ Proper setup ensures smooth operation and optimal performance
- ✅ AI-powered development can reduce coding time by up to 75%
- ✅ Security and cost management are essential for enterprise adoption
- ✅ The ROI from improved productivity far exceeds the tool costs
Your Next Steps
- Complete Installation: Follow our guide to set up Claude Code today
- Start Small: Begin with simple tasks to build confidence
- Measure Impact: Track time savings and quality improvements
- Scale Adoption: Expand usage across your development team
- Explore AI Strategy: Consider broader AI implementation opportunities
Ready to Transform Your Business with AI?
Claude Code is just one example of how AI can revolutionize your operations. At ITECS, we specialize in helping businesses leverage cutting-edge AI technologies to drive growth, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition.
Custom AI Strategy Development
Enterprise AI Tool Implementation
Team Training and Support
Ongoing Optimization Services
References and Additional Resources
Official Documentation
- Claude Code Official Documentation
- Anthropic Console
- Windows Subsystem for Linux Documentation
- Node.js Installation Guide
Related ITECS Resources
- Claude 4 vs ChatGPT: Comprehensive Comparison
- AI Consulting Services: The Strategic Advantage
- Managed IT Services for Modern Businesses
- Cybersecurity Solutions for AI-Enabled Workflows
Community Resources
- Claude Code GitHub Repository
- Anthropic Developer Forums
- WSL Community Support
Latest posts

Claude vs ChatGPT Business Comparison

Meta and Yandex Betrayed User Trust: A Privacy Professional's Take
.jpg)
The Hidden Threat: How Rogue Communication Devices in Solar Inverters Could Bring Down the Power Grid
Company
HomeAboutFAQCareersNews RoomWhite Papers& Case StudiesBlogsBuyers GuideContact UsWhy Choose
ITECS?
IT Services
Managed IT ServicesIT SupportIT ConsultingIT OutsourcingBackup & DisasteryRecoveryMicrosoft 365
ConsultingLinux SupportNetwork
MonitoringIT Help DeskAI Consulting
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityConsultingCybersecurity
TrainingManaged Firewall
ServicesEmail SecurityManaged
Endpoint DetectionPenetration Testing