Installing Claude CLI on Windows Terminal

A clean guide to installing the native Claude Code client without relying on Node.js.
Before you start: Ensure you have Git for Windows installed. Claude requires Git natively to track workspace changes.
1

Run the Official Installer

Open Windows Terminal into a PowerShell tab (run as Administrator for best results) and paste the following command:

PowerShell Command
irm https://claude.ai | iex

If you are using a standard Command Prompt (cmd) tab instead, use this alternative:

Command Prompt Alternative
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
2

Update Environment Path (If Required)

If your terminal fails to recognize the claude command after installing, Windows hasn't loaded the binary directory yet. You can manually fix it with these quick steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Go to the Advanced tab and click Environment Variables.
  3. Under User variables, select Path and click Edit.
  4. Click New and paste this exact variable: %USERPROFILE%\.local\bin
  5. Click OK to save changes and restart Windows Terminal.
3

Verify and Authenticate

Open a completely fresh tab in your terminal and run the version check to verify the app status:

claude --version

If a version code returns, initiate your interactive session configuration setup:

claude

Follow the wizard instructions to apply a color theme and safely authorize the utility inside your web browser via an active Claude Pro/Max subscription or Anthropic Developer Console account.