Claude Code on Windows runs via WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux). The setup requires a few specific steps, but once configured properly, the experience is seamless.

Prerequisites​

Before installing Claude Code, you'll need:

• Windows 10 version 2004 or higher (or Windows 11)
• WSL2 installed and configured
• Node.js 18.0+ in your WSL environment
• Anthropic API key or Claude subscription

Step by Step Installation​

1. Install WSL2

If you haven't already installed WSL2:

wsl --install

This installs WSL2 with Ubuntu by default. Restart your computer when prompted.

2. Set Up Your Linux Environment

Open your WSL terminal and update packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

3. Install Node.js

Install Node.js 18.0+ in your WSL environment:

# Download and run NodeSource setup script for LTS version
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

Verify the installation:

node --version
npm --version

4. Install Claude Code

Now install Claude Code globally:

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

5. Configure Authentication

Set up your authentication method:

For API users:

claude config

For subscription users: You'll authenticate through the browser when you first run claude.

VS Code Integration​

Once Claude Code is installed, you can seamlessly integrate it with Visual Studio Code. This setup is incredibly productive for daily development.

• Open VS Code on Windows: Launch Visual Studio Code from your Windows desktop or start menu
• Install the WSL extension: Search for "WSL" in the Extensions panel and install the official Microsoft WSL extension
• Open your project in WSL: Use Ctrl+Shift+P, type "WSL: Open Folder in WSL" and select your project directory
• Access WSL terminal: Open the integrated terminal (Ctrl+`) which will automatically connect to your WSL environment
• Launch Claude Code: Run claude in the integrated terminal to start your Claude Code session

This gives you the best of both worlds: familiar VS Code interface with Claude Code's powerful terminal capabilities.

Testing Your Installation​

Create a simple test to verify everything works:

mkdir claude-test
cd claude-test
echo "# Test Project" > README.md
claude

If Claude Code starts successfully and can read your README.md file, you're all set!

Windows-Specific Features​

Claude Code includes several Windows-optimized features for improved workflow integration:

Image Clipboard Support​

Alt + V Shortcut (v1.0.93+) - Paste images directly from clipboard into your Claude Code session:

# Copy an image to clipboard (screenshots, copied images, etc.)
# Press Alt + V in Claude Code to paste directly

This streamlines image sharing and screenshot analysis workflows without requiring file management.

Path Format Handling​

POSIX Path Format (v1.0.106+) - Windows path permissions now consistently use POSIX format for better cross-platform compatibility:

# Claude Code now uses POSIX format for Windows paths
Read(//c/Users/username/Documents/project/file.txt)

# Instead of traditional Windows format
# Read(C:\Users\username\Documents\project\file.txt)

This improves consistency when working with cross-platform projects and tools.

Benefits:

• Cross-Platform Compatibility - Consistent path handling across operating systems
• Tool Integration - Better compatibility with Linux-based development tools
• Script Portability - Easier sharing of configurations and scripts

See Also: Installation Guide|Getting Started|Pricing