Claude has an official desktop app for Windows, available for x64 and ARM64 devices from Anthropic’s official download page. This guide explains how to download it safely, sign in, keep it updated, and troubleshoot installation issues — and how the desktop app differs from Claude Code.
Download the official Windows app
Get the installer only from Anthropic’s official download page, claude.com/download. It offers a Windows build for both x64 (most laptops and desktops) and ARM64 (Snapdragon and other Arm-based Windows devices). The same page also links the macOS app, the Linux desktop beta, and the iOS and Android apps.
- x64 — choose this unless your device is Arm-based.
- ARM64 — choose this on Windows on Arm devices for native performance.
Install and sign in
Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts. When the app opens, sign in with the same Claude account you use at claude.ai (Google, Apple, email, or work SSO). Your conversations and plan carry over — the desktop app is another way into the same account, not a separate service.
Keep it updated
The Windows app updates itself in the background, so you generally stay on the current version without doing anything. If an update seems stuck, close and reopen the app, or reinstall the latest build from claude.com/download.
Troubleshooting
- Installer will not run: confirm you downloaded the build that matches your device (x64 vs ARM64) and that the download completed. Re-download from the official page if in doubt.
- Cannot sign in: check your connection and use the same login method that works at claude.ai. For account issues, use support.claude.com.
- App is slow or unresponsive: restart it; if it persists during a wider incident, check status.claude.com.
Stay safe: verify the source
Only download the Windows app from Anthropic’s official claude.com/download page. Avoid third-party “Claude desktop” installers, mirror sites, or sponsored search results — they can bundle unwanted software. Anthropic’s official product domains are claude.ai (the app), claude.com (product and downloads), and support.claude.com (help).
Claude Desktop vs Claude Code
The Claude desktop app is the general assistant — chat, files, and everyday tasks — in a native window. Claude Code is Anthropic’s agentic coding tool, available in the terminal, supported IDEs, the desktop app, and on the web; see our Claude Code hub and install guide for that. Most people who just want to chat with Claude want the desktop app on this page.
Official source: claude.com/download.
Last verified: July 15, 2026 against Anthropic’s official download page.