How To Install Claude Code on Windows: Complete Guide 2025

June 19, 2025

How To Install Claude Code on Windows: Complete Guide 2025

How to Install Claude Code on Windows: Complete 2025 Guide

Master AI-powered development with Anthropic's revolutionary coding assistant through WSL integration

By ITECS Team June 6, 2025 15 min read
Claude Code
$ 
✻ 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.

0
X Productivity Boost
Developers report massive efficiency gains
0
% Code Accuracy
High-quality code generation rate
0
Hour Support
Always-on development assistance

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
⚠️ Important Note: Claude Code does not run natively on Windows. WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is required to create a Linux environment where Claude Code can operate. This guide will walk you through the entire process.

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.

1

Create Your Anthropic Account

  1. Navigate to console.anthropic.com
  2. Click "Sign Up" and create your account
  3. Verify your email address
  4. Complete your profile information
2

Set Up Billing

  1. Go to the Billing page in your console
  2. Add a valid credit card
  3. Purchase at least $5 in credits (sufficient for extensive testing)
  4. 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):

  1. Press Windows + X
  2. Select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)"
  3. Click "Yes" when prompted for administrator access

1.2 Install WSL

Run the following command to install WSL:

PowerShell
wsl --install
Important: It is recommended to reboot your machine after this initial installation to complete the setup.

1.3 Handle Execution Policy (if needed)

If you see a red error about execution policy being restricted, run:

PowerShell
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)

  1. Open the Microsoft Store
  2. Search for "Ubuntu 24.04 LTS"
  3. Click "Get" to install
  4. Once installed, click "Open" or search for Ubuntu in your Windows search bar
Installation page for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS in the Microsoft Store

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS in the Microsoft Store

Method 2: Using WSL Commands

First, check available distributions by running:

PowerShell
wsl --list --online

You'll see output like:

Output
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:

PowerShell
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:

PowerShell
wsl -l -v

You should see output similar to:

Output
  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:

PowerShell
ubuntu2404.exe

Or simply search for "Ubuntu" in your Windows search bar and click on it.

Search results for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS in Windows search bar

Ubuntu in Windows search results

3.2 Create Your Linux User Account

Once Ubuntu finishes its initial setup, you will be prompted to:

  1. Create a username (lowercase, no spaces)
  2. Create a password (it won't show while typing - this is normal)
  3. Confirm your password
Note: These credentials don't need to match your Windows user credentials. Remember them as you'll need them for sudo commands.

3.3 Update Ubuntu

It's always good practice to install the latest updates. Run these commands in your Ubuntu terminal:

Ubuntu Terminal
sudo apt update
Ubuntu Terminal
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:

Ubuntu Terminal
cd ~

4.2 Install Node.js via NVM (Recommended)

Install Node Version Manager for better Node.js management:

Ubuntu Terminal
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.3/install.sh | bash

Activate NVM without restarting:

Ubuntu Terminal
. "$HOME/.nvm/nvm.sh"

Install Node.js version 20 (LTS):

Ubuntu Terminal
nvm install 20

4.3 Verify Installation

Check that Node.js and npm are properly installed:

Ubuntu Terminal
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:

Ubuntu Terminal
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip -y

3.2 Install Git and Ripgrep (Recommended)

These tools enhance Claude Code's functionality:

Ubuntu Terminal
sudo apt install git ripgrep -y

3.3 Configure npm Global Directory (Important)

Avoid permission issues by setting up npm properly:

Ubuntu Terminal
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:

Ubuntu Terminal
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
⚠️ Important: Do NOT use 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:

Ubuntu Terminal
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:

For Linux Projects
cd ~/my-project
For Windows Projects
cd /mnt/c/Users/YourName/Documents/project
💡 Pro Tip: For best performance, work in the Linux filesystem (~/) rather than Windows mounted drives (/mnt/c/).

Launch Claude Code

Start Claude Code in your project directory:

Ubuntu Terminal
claude

Or specify a model:

Ubuntu Terminal
claude --model claude-opus-4-20250514

Authentication Process

1

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)
2

OAuth Authentication

Claude Code will prompt you to authenticate:

  1. Press Enter to open the authentication page
  2. Your browser will open to the Anthropic Console
  3. Log in with your Anthropic account
  4. Copy the authentication code shown
3

Enter Authentication Code

Return to your terminal and:

  1. Paste the authentication code
  2. Press Enter to confirm
  3. Claude Code will verify your credentials
4

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

You:

Create a user authentication system with JWT tokens, including login, logout, and middleware for protected routes

Claude:

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

You:

Find and fix the memory leak in the data processing module

Claude:

I'll analyze the data processing module for memory leaks. Let me examine the code and identify potential issues...

3. Code Explanation

You:

Explain how the dependency injection system works in this project

Claude:

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

Ubuntu Terminal
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:

  1. Ensure you're in WSL Ubuntu terminal, not PowerShell or CMD
  2. Check your terminal prompt - it should show your Linux username
  3. Run uname -a - it should show Linux, not Windows
  4. 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:

  1. Verify you're in WSL: echo $SHELL
  2. Reinstall Node.js using NVM as shown in Step 2
  3. Run source ~/.bashrc to reload configuration
  4. Check installation: which npm

Error: "ENOENT: spawn /bin/bash"

+

Cause: Claude Code can't find the bash shell in Windows environment.

Solution:

  1. Ensure you're running Claude Code from within WSL
  2. Don't use npx from Windows terminal
  3. Navigate to project directory within WSL before running claude
  4. 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:

  1. Move projects to Linux filesystem: cp -r /mnt/c/project ~/project
  2. Use \\wsl$ in Windows Explorer to access Linux files
  3. For better performance, develop primarily in Linux filesystem
  4. Use Git to sync between Windows and Linux if needed

Permission Denied Errors

+

Cause: npm trying to install in system directories.

Solution:

  1. Never use sudo with npm install
  2. Configure npm prefix as shown in Step 3.3
  3. Check npm config: npm config get prefix
  4. 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

Weekly Savings: $3,750
Monthly Savings: $15,000
Annual Savings: $180,000

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

  1. Complete Installation: Follow our guide to set up Claude Code today
  2. Start Small: Begin with simple tasks to build confidence
  3. Measure Impact: Track time savings and quality improvements
  4. Scale Adoption: Expand usage across your development team
  5. 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

Latest posts

Claude vs ChatGPT Business Comparison
June 23, 2025

Claude vs ChatGPT Business Comparison

This in-depth comparison guide analyzes Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's ChatGPT from a business perspective, helping enterprises make informed AI platform decisions. The article covers feature comparisons, pricing analysis, security considerations, industry-specific recommendations, and includes interactive tools like a decision framework and ROI calculator. Claude excels in analytical reasoning and compliance-heavy environments, while ChatGPT dominates in creative content and integrations. The guide provides practical implementation strategies and real-world scenarios to help businesses choose the platform that best aligns with their strategic objectives and operational requirements.
Meta and Yandex Betrayed User Trust: A Privacy Professional's Take
June 19, 2025

Meta and Yandex Betrayed User Trust: A Privacy Professional's Take

Meta and Yandex deliberately circumvented Android privacy protections through sophisticated tracking methods that collected detailed user data from millions of websites. Using techniques like "SDP munging," they created a web-to-app pipeline that defeated incognito mode, cookie deletion, and privacy settings. Even more concerning, similar techniques could potentially affect iPhone users as well. Both companies only stopped after being publicly exposed by researchers. At ITECS, we're working with partners to help clients protect against these unethical practices and advocate for genuine privacy protection.
The Hidden Threat: How Rogue Communication Devices in Solar Inverters Could Bring Down the Power Grid
June 19, 2025

The Hidden Threat: How Rogue Communication Devices in Solar Inverters Could Bring Down the Power Grid

This investigative article exposes the discovery of undocumented communication devices hidden in Chinese-made solar inverters, creating unprecedented vulnerabilities in global power grids. The piece provides real-world attack scenarios from a business owner's perspective, analyzes the broader cybersecurity implications of hardware-level supply chain attacks, and offers actionable guidance for organizations to protect their infrastructure. With over 200GW of vulnerable capacity and the ability to compromise grids with less than 2% of inverters, this threat represents a critical national security issue requiring immediate attention from businesses and governments worldwide.