![How to Use Claude Cowork: Setup, First Task & Tips [2026 Guide] - Featured Image](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fhow-to-use-claude-cowork.png&w=3840&q=75)
Quick start: Download Claude Desktop from claude.ai/download (macOS only). Sign in with a Pro or Max account. Click the Cowork tab to switch from Chat to Tasks mode. Describe what you want done, review Claude's plan, and let it execute. Keep the app open throughout - closing it stops your task.
Claude Cowork lets you hand off complex tasks to Claude and come back to finished work. This guide walks you through setup to your first completed task.
Before You Start
What you need to use Cowork.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later |
| Subscription | Claude Pro ($20/mo) or Max ($100-200/mo) |
| Internet | Active connection throughout session |
| App State | Claude Desktop must stay open during tasks |
Windows Users
Cowork is currently macOS only. While Claude Desktop is available on Windows, the Cowork feature is not yet supported. Anthropic has indicated Windows support is planned for a future release.
Step 1: Install Claude Desktop
Download and set up the app.
1. Download the app
Visit claude.ai/download and select the macOS version.
2. Install
Open the downloaded file and drag Claude to your Applications folder.
3. Launch and sign in
Open Claude from Applications and sign in with your Claude account. You'll need a Pro or Max subscription to access Cowork.
Step 2: Access Cowork Mode
Switch from Chat to Tasks.
Once signed in:
- Look for the mode selector at the top of the Claude Desktop interface
- You'll see two options: Chat and Cowork
- Click the Cowork tab to switch to Tasks mode
That's it. You're now in Cowork mode and ready to assign tasks.
Step 3: Run Your First Task
Describe what you want done.
1. Describe your task
Type a clear description of what you want Claude to accomplish. Be specific about:
- The outcome you want
- Which files or folders to work with
- The format you want for outputs
2. Grant file access
Claude will request access to relevant folders. Grant access only to the specific folders needed for your task.
3. Review the plan
Need help implementing this?
50+ implementations · 60% faster · 2-4 weeks
Before execution begins, Claude will show you its planned approach. Review this to ensure it aligns with what you want.
4. Let it run
Approve the plan and let Claude execute. You can monitor progress or step away - just keep the app open.
5. Receive outputs
When complete, Claude delivers files directly to your file system. Verify the outputs at the location Claude specifies.
Keep the App Open
The Claude Desktop app must remain open throughout task execution. Closing it or letting your computer sleep will terminate the task.
The Cowork Workflow
How tasks flow from start to finish.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Describe | You explain the task and desired outcome |
| 2. Plan | Claude analyzes and creates an execution plan |
| 3. Review | You verify the approach before it runs |
| 4. Execute | Claude works in an isolated VM environment |
| 5. Coordinate | Complex tasks split into parallel workstreams |
| 6. Deliver | Outputs go directly to your file system |
During execution, Claude surfaces its reasoning so you can follow along. You can jump in to course-correct or provide additional direction mid-task.
Example Tasks to Try
Official examples from Anthropic.
File Management:
- "Organize my Downloads folder by type and date"
- Process receipts into a formatted expense report
- Rename files with consistent YYYY-MM-DD patterns
Research & Synthesis:
- Combine web searches and articles into a coherent report
- Extract themes and action items from meeting transcripts
- Analyze notes to surface patterns and connections
Document Creation:
- Generate Excel files with working VLOOKUP and conditional formatting
- Create slide decks from rough notes
- Turn voice memos into polished documents
Data Analysis:
- Perform statistical analysis on data files
- Generate charts and visualizations from your data
- Clean, transform, and process datasets
Tips for Better Results
Get more from Cowork.
Batch related work
Combine related tasks into single sessions. This uses your allocation more efficiently than running many small tasks separately.
Reserve Cowork for complex tasks
Use standard Chat mode for simpler requests. Save Cowork for multi-step work that genuinely benefits from file access and autonomous execution.
Monitor your usage
Check Settings → Usage regularly. Cowork consumes more resources than standard chat, so track your consumption to avoid hitting limits.
Be specific about outputs
Tell Claude exactly what format you want - Excel with specific columns, PowerPoint with particular sections, documents with specific structure.
Prevent computer sleep
For long-running tasks, adjust your system settings to prevent sleep mode. A sleeping computer terminates active Cowork sessions.
Safety Best Practices
Anthropic's official recommendations.
File access:
- Create a dedicated working folder for Claude
- Avoid granting access to sensitive files (financial documents, credentials)
- Keep backups of important files - Claude can permanently delete files it has access to
Browser access:
- If using Claude in Chrome extension, limit access to trusted sites only
- Web content is a primary vector for prompt injection attacks
Monitor for issues:
- Watch for Claude accessing files or websites you didn't mention
- Stop the task immediately if something feels off
- Report suspicious behavior to usersafety@anthropic.com
You're Responsible
You remain liable for all Claude-executed actions, including published content, transactions, and data modifications. Review outputs before sharing or using them.
To understand what Cowork is and how it compares to other AI tools, read What is Claude Cowork?
Keep Reading
Need Help With AI Implementation?
We help businesses integrate AI tools like Claude Cowork into their workflows. Get a free consultation to explore what's possible for your use case.
Get Free Strategy Call15 min • No commitment • We'll send you a customized roadmap
“They helped us deploy an AI chatbot in 2 weeks that would have taken us 3 months internally.”
— Startup Founder, SaaS Company