Claude Code runs on Linux, so on a Windows PC we'll install Ubuntu through WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). This gives you a full Linux terminal right inside Windows.
Install Ubuntu
Step 1: Install Git
Go to git-scm.com/install/windows and install Git on your Windows machine. Choose all of the default options during installation. Once the install finishes, continue with the steps below.
Step 2: Open PowerShell
Click the Start menu, type PowerShell, and open it.
Step 3: Install Ubuntu
Run this command:
wsl --install -d UbuntuStep 4: Restart Your Computer
Turn your computer off and back on again. Do not skip this step.
Step 5: Run the Install Command Again
After your computer restarts, open PowerShell and run the same command again:
wsl --install -d UbuntuStep 6: Set a Username
You'll be prompted to create a username. You can press Enter to leave it empty, or type a name you'll remember.
Step 7: Set a Password
Create an easy-to-remember password. You can also press Enter to leave it empty.
Step 8: Close and Reopen PowerShell
Close PowerShell completely and open it again. Your prompt should now look different, showing you're inside the Ubuntu environment.
Install Claude Code
Step 9: Run the Claude Installer
Run this command to download and install Claude Code:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash -s stableStep 10: Update Your PATH
Run this so your terminal knows where to find the claude command:
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc && source ~/.bashrcStep 11: Launch Claude
Now run:
claudeStep 12: Sign In
Follow the prompts to log in. Use your Claude Pro, Max, or Team account with the same email you signed up with. Claude will give you a code to paste back into the terminal.
Step 13: Build Something
You're set up. Make whatever you want.
How to Start Claude (Next Time)
Every time you want to use Claude Code on Windows, open PowerShell and run:
wslThen:
claudeThat's it. You're in.
