Agentic WeeklyGet the weekly

How to install Claude Code (October 2026)

Install Claude Code on macOS or Linux with curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash, on Windows PowerShell with irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex, or with Homebrew (brew install --cask claude-code), WinGet (winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode) or npm. Then run claude --version. You need a paid Claude plan or Console account: the free plan does not include Claude Code. Read from Anthropic's docs on Oct 27, 2026.

By Agentic Weekly, operated independently from Texas, US · Last updated (America/Chicago) · How we work

Free weekly brief: email newsletter · RSS

Evidence: Reported. Install commands are copied from Anthropic's setup docs read from the sources listed below on 2026-10-27 (America/Chicago). We did not run these products or models for this page; our separate smoke test of Claude Code is on its test log.

Install commands

Claude Code install methods from Anthropic's docs, read 2026-10-27
MethodCommandNotes
Native installer (macOS, Linux)curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bashAuto-updates
Windows PowerShellirm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iexAuto-updates
Homebrewbrew install --cask claude-codeDoes not auto-update
WinGetwinget install Anthropic.ClaudeCodeDoes not auto-update
npmnpm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeNeeds Node.js 22 or newer

The docs also list apt, dnf and apk package repositories for Linux.

Check it worked

  1. Run claude --version to confirm the install.
  2. Run claude doctor to check the installation and configuration.
  3. Run claude in a project folder and sign in with a Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise account, or a Console account.

FAQ

How do I install Claude Code?

Run the native installer: curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash on macOS or Linux, or irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex in Windows PowerShell. Homebrew, WinGet and npm also work (Anthropic docs, read Oct 27, 2026).

Do I need a paid plan to install Claude Code?

Installing is free, but using it needs a Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise or Console account, or Bedrock, Vertex AI or Foundry. The free claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code. See Claude Code pricing.

Does Claude Code update itself?

Native installs auto-update, per the docs. Homebrew and WinGet installs do not; update them with the package manager.

Sources

Page history

  • : First published. Facts read from the sources listed below on this date.

Markdown version for agents: /what-is/how-to-install-claude-code.md