A simple, robust installer that sets up Claude Code CLI to run natively on Windows PowerShell without requiring WSL or Linux.
- ✅ Native Windows Installation - No WSL or Linux required
- ✅ Automatic Prerequisites - Installs Node.js and Git via winget if needed
- ✅ Smart Detection - Tests functionality, not just presence
- ✅ Zero Manual Steps - Automatic PATH configuration
- ✅ Non-Technical Friendly - Designed for lawyers and other professionals
- ✅ PowerShell Integration - Creates desktop shortcuts that open in your projects folder
- Windows 10 version 1809 (build 17763) or later
- Administrator privileges
- Windows Package Manager (winget) - usually pre-installed on modern Windows
- Download
ClaudeCodeInstaller.exefrom the latest release - Right-click and "Run as administrator"
- Follow the simple installation wizard
- Use the "Claude Code" desktop shortcut when installation completes
The installer will check and install as needed:
- Node.js LTS (via winget) - JavaScript runtime for Claude Code
- Git (via winget) - Version control system
- Claude Code CLI (via npm) - The main Claude Code command-line interface
After installation, the claude command will work system-wide in PowerShell.
- System Check - Validates Windows version, admin rights, and winget availability
- Status Check - Tests existing tools for functionality (not just presence)
- Smart Installation - Only installs what's actually needed
- Tool Setup - Installs missing components via winget and npm
- Shortcut Creation - Creates PowerShell shortcuts on desktop and Start Menu
- Verification - Ensures everything works before completion
# Enter development environment
nix-shell
# Build the installer
make build
# Test the build environment
make testThis project uses Nix for reproducible builds:
- NSIS 3.11 - Windows installer compiler
- PowerShell 7+ - Script validation
- Make - Build automation
├── build.nsi # NSIS installer script
├── scripts/
│ ├── check-requirements.ps1 # Windows/winget validation
│ ├── check-full-status.ps1 # Tool functionality testing
│ ├── install-tools.ps1 # Native Windows installation
│ └── create-shortcuts.ps1 # PowerShell shortcut creation
├── templates/
│ └── CLAUDE.md # Default project configuration
├── assets/ # Icons and graphics
├── shell.nix # Nix development environment
└── Makefile # Build automation
- Functionality Testing - Uses timeouts and actual command execution
- Skip Working Tools - Won't reinstall what already works
- Graceful Failures - Clear error messages for users
- PATH Management - Automatic environment variable handling
- PowerShell Shortcuts - Opens directly in projects folder
- winget Integration - Uses Windows Package Manager
- No WSL Required - Runs entirely on Windows
- Start Menu Support - Shortcuts in both desktop and Start Menu
- Zero Configuration - Everything works after installation
- Clear Messages - Helpful error messages and status updates
- Administrator Handling - Proper elevation and permissions
- Foolproof Process - Designed for users who aren't developers
- Update Windows to the latest version
- Install "App Installer" from Microsoft Store
- Right-click the installer and select "Run as administrator"
- Upgrade to Windows 10 1809 or later
- Windows 11 is fully supported
- Restart PowerShell/Command Prompt
- Log out and back in to refresh PATH
- Some installations may require a system restart
This installer is provided as-is for setting up Claude Code on Windows systems.
For issues with:
- This installer: Create an issue in this repository
- Claude Code itself: See Anthropic's documentation