🎉 Welcome, new Coworker!
This guide is designed for absolute beginners. No technical knowledge required. If you can use a computer, you can use Cowork mode.
What Is Cowork Mode?
Claude's Cowork mode is a special feature inside the Claude desktop application that turns Claude into your personal AI assistant - one that can actually do things on your computer, not just answer questions.
Think of it this way: instead of Claude telling you how to write a report, it simply writes the report, saves it as a Word document, and hands it to you ready to use. Instead of explaining how to research a topic, it searches the web, reads the results, and compiles a summary for you.
✅ What Cowork Mode CAN Do
Create Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint decks, PDFs · Search the web and summarise results · Read and analyse files you upload · Connect to apps like Slack, Notion, and Asana · Run scheduled automated tasks · Execute code and scripts · Browse websites on your behalf.
Before You Begin: Requirements
Operating System
macOS or Windows. The Claude desktop app supports both major platforms.
Claude Account
A free or paid Claude account from claude.ai. Cowork mode may require a Pro or Team plan.
Claude Desktop App
The desktop application - not just the browser version. Download from the Claude website.
Internet Connection
Required for Claude to function. Web search features obviously need connectivity too.
Step 1 - Download & Install Claude Desktop
The first step is downloading the Claude desktop application.
- Visit claude.ai and sign in to your account (or create one for free).
- Look for the "Download" or "Get the app" link - typically in the navigation or on your dashboard.
- Download the installer for your operating system (Mac .dmg or Windows .exe).
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
- Launch the Claude desktop app and sign in with your account credentials.
⚠️ Important Note
The browser version of Claude does not support Cowork mode. You must use the dedicated desktop application to access Cowork mode features.
🪟 Windows Setup - Step-by-Step
If you're on a Windows PC, here is the specific installation walkthrough for you. Mac users can skip ahead to Step 2.
System Requirements for Windows
Windows Version
Windows 10 (version 1903 or later) or Windows 11. Older versions are not officially supported.
Disk & RAM
At least 2 GB of free disk space and 4 GB of RAM recommended for smooth operation.
Installing Claude Desktop on Windows
- Go to claude.ai in your browser and sign in (or create a free account).
- Navigate to the download page - look for a "Download Claude" or "Get the Desktop App" button.
- Click the Windows download option to get the
.exeinstaller file. - Once downloaded, locate the file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to run the installer.
- If Windows asks "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" - click Yes. This is normal for desktop app installations.
- Follow the on-screen setup wizard. Accept the licence agreement and choose an install location (the default is fine).
- Once installation completes, a shortcut will appear on your Desktop. Double-click it to launch Claude.
- Sign in with your claude.ai credentials.
✅ Windows Installation Tip
If you don't see a Desktop shortcut after installation, check your Start Menu - search for "Claude" and pin it to your taskbar for easy access.
Enabling Cowork Mode on Windows
- Open the Claude desktop app from your Desktop shortcut or Start Menu.
- In the left sidebar or top navigation, look for a mode switcher - it may show "Chat" by default.
- Click to expand the options and select Cowork.
- You'll see a prompt to select a workspace folder. Click Browse and choose or create a folder (e.g.,
C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Claude-Outputs). - Cowork mode is now active. You'll notice the interface has a file output panel and slightly different controls.
Windows-Specific Troubleshooting
🛡️ Windows Defender / Antivirus Warning
Windows Defender SmartScreen may show a warning when you first run the installer, saying the app is from an "unknown publisher." This is common for newer apps that haven't yet built up a large user base. Click "More info" and then "Run anyway" to proceed - Claude is a legitimate, safe application from Anthropic.
🔧 Can't Find Cowork Mode?
Cowork mode is currently in Research Preview and may not be visible on all accounts or plans. If you don't see it, check that you're on a Pro or Team plan, and that your app is fully updated. Go to Help → Check for Updates in the Claude desktop app to install the latest version.
Switch to Cowork Mode
In the Claude desktop app, look for the mode selector in the sidebar. Select Cowork from the list. You'll see a note that it's in Research Preview — this is expected and normal.
Select a Workspace Folder
Cowork mode saves all files it creates to a folder you choose. Click "Select folder" and pick or create a folder (e.g., a CoworkOutputs folder on your Desktop). Claude will only access that folder — keeping things secure and organised.
💡 Pro Tip
Create a dedicated folder like Claude-Outputs on your Desktop. It keeps all of Claude's work in one tidy place and makes it easy to find later.
Step 4 - Run Your First Task
Now for the fun part. Let's run your very first Cowork task. Here are some great beginner prompts to try — click Copy on any card, paste it into Claude, and press Enter:
📄 Create a Document
Write a one-page introduction letter for a small business called 'Sunrise Bakery' and save it as a Word document.🔍 Research Something
Search the web for the top 5 benefits of remote working and give me a brief summary.📊 Make a Spreadsheet
Create an Excel spreadsheet with a simple monthly budget tracker for personal use.🎯 Build a Presentation
Make a 5-slide PowerPoint presentation introducing AI tools for small businesses.Just type one of these (or your own idea!) into the chat box and press Enter. Watch as Claude gets to work, and check your output folder when it's done.
Step 5 - Understanding the Output
When Claude completes a task, it will:
- Tell you what it has done in the chat window.
- Provide a clickable link to the file it created.
- Save the file to your selected workspace folder.
- Show you a summary or preview of the content.
You can then open the file directly from the link, or navigate to your workspace folder to find it.
What's Next?
Now that you've got the basics down, here's where to explore next: