Claude Desktop
otherby anthropic
Anthropic's native desktop app for macOS and Windows, with Cowork for autonomous knowledge work, Computer Use, and Dispatch for mobile task assignment.
Key features
From $20/month
Non-technical knowledge workers who want an AI assistant that can produce real files: spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and research reports
Purpose-built for non-technical knowledge work. Cowork produces polished business deliverables (Excel with formulas, PowerPoint, formatted documents) without requiring any technical skill.
What it does
Cowork Mode
An agentic mode that takes a goal, autonomously plans subtasks, coordinates parallel workers, and produces polished deliverables like Excel spreadsheets with formulas, PowerPoint decks, and formatted documents.
Learn moreLocal File Access
Cowork reads and writes files in folders you explicitly grant access to. Organize files, create documents, process receipts, batch rename, and more, all on your own computer.
Dispatch
A persistent conversational thread accessible from both the Desktop app and the Claude mobile app (iOS and Android). Assign tasks from your phone and receive push notifications when they complete.
Learn moreComputer Use (Research Preview)
Claude can see your screen, click buttons, type text, and navigate applications. Available on Pro and Max plans as a research preview.
Learn moreDesktop Extensions
One-click installable local integrations (.mcpb files) that connect Claude to external tools and services. Browse and install from a built-in directory, with enterprise controls for managed deployments.
Learn moreScheduled Tasks
Create recurring or on-demand tasks that run automatically. Presets include hourly, daily, weekdays, and weekly, with a minimum interval of one minute.
Claude Code Integration
A full terminal-based coding agent runs inside the Desktop app alongside Chat and Cowork. Dispatch automatically routes development tasks to Claude Code.
Projects and Memory
Organize related tasks into persistent workspaces with their own files, instructions, and memory. Context carries across sessions so Claude builds on previous work.
Plugin Marketplace
Browse and install plugins that bundle skills, connectors, and specialized capabilities. Admin controls available for Team and Enterprise plans.
Permission Modes
Choose between 'Ask before acting' (Claude pauses for your approval) and 'Act without asking' (faster, less supervision). File deletion always requires explicit approval regardless of mode.
Pricing
Pro
Full access to Chat, Cowork, Claude Code, Desktop Extensions, Dispatch, and Computer Use. Usage limits reset every 5 hours.
- All three modes: Chat, Cowork, Claude Code
- Cowork with local file access and scheduled tasks
- Desktop Extensions (one-click MCP servers)
- Dispatch (assign tasks from mobile)
- Computer Use (research preview)
- Usage limits reset every 5 hours
- $17/mo if billed annually
Max 5x
5x the usage limits of Pro. For heavy Cowork users who run long or frequent agentic tasks.
- Everything in Pro
- 5x higher usage limits
- Priority access during high traffic
- Better for extended Cowork sessions
Max 20x
20x the usage limits of Pro. For power users running Cowork tasks throughout the day.
- Everything in Pro
- 20x higher usage limits
- Highest priority access
- Suitable for full time professional use
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Purpose-built for non-technical knowledge work. Cowork produces polished business deliverables (Excel with formulas, PowerPoint, formatted documents) without requiring any technical skill.
- Local file access means Claude works with your actual files on your computer, not just uploaded copies. Changes are real and immediate.
- Dispatch lets you assign tasks from your phone. Claude works on your desktop while you are away and notifies you when the task is complete.
- Desktop Extensions make integrations genuinely one-click. Double-click an .mcpb file or browse the built-in directory. No command line, no configuration files.
- Combines Chat, Cowork, and Claude Code in a single application. Dispatch automatically routes tasks to the right mode based on whether they are knowledge work or development.
- Sandboxed execution environment. Cowork runs code inside an isolated virtual machine, so agentic tasks cannot accidentally damage your system.
- Enterprise-ready with MDM support, extension allowlists and blocklists, private extension directories, role-based access controls, and usage analytics.
Cons
- Cowork requires the Desktop app to remain open and the computer to stay awake. Tasks stop if you close the app or your computer sleeps.
- Computer Use is limited to Pro and Max plans as a research preview. Team and Enterprise plans do not have access as of June 2026.
- Cowork consumes more usage allocation than standard chat because multi-step agentic tasks are computationally intensive. Heavy users will likely need a Max plan.
- No Linux desktop app. Linux users must use Claude Code (terminal) or claude.ai (web) instead.
- Dispatch currently supports only a single persistent thread. You cannot run multiple independent Dispatch conversations in parallel.
- Scheduled tasks only run locally. If your computer is asleep when a task is scheduled, it skips and runs when the computer wakes up.
How to get started
Download Claude Desktop
Install the Claude Desktop app from Anthropic's website. Available for macOS and Windows. You will need a Claude account with at least a Pro subscription.
Try Chat mode
Start with a regular conversation to get familiar with the interface. Chat mode works the same as claude.ai but with the added benefit of local file access through Desktop Extensions.
Open Cowork mode
Switch to Cowork mode and describe a task. Start with something concrete: "Organize the receipts in my Downloads folder into a spreadsheet sorted by date and category" or "Research competitor pricing and create a summary document." Grant access to the folders Claude needs.
Install Desktop Extensions
Go to Settings, then Extensions, and browse the built-in directory. Install integrations for tools you use daily (Google Drive, Notion, Slack, and others). Each extension installs with a single click.
Set up Dispatch on your phone
Install the Claude mobile app (iOS or Android) and log in with the same account. You will see a persistent thread where you can assign tasks. Try sending a task like "Summarize the meeting notes in my Documents folder" and watch Claude work on your desktop.
Enable Computer Use (optional)
If you are on a Pro or Max plan, go to Settings, then General, and toggle on Computer Use. Claude can then see your screen and interact with applications. It prioritizes faster methods first (integrations, then browser control, then direct screen interaction).
Deep dive
Detailed guides with comparisons, tips, and visuals for each feature.
Cowork: The Agentic Knowledge Worker
How Cowork autonomously plans, executes multi-step workflows, and produces real business deliverables on your local machine.
Dispatch: Assign Tasks from Your Phone
A persistent thread between your phone and desktop that lets you delegate work to Claude remotely.
Computer Use: Screen Interaction
Claude can see your screen, click, type, and navigate applications. A research preview available on Pro and Max plans.
Desktop Extensions: One-Click Integrations
Install local integrations with a single click. No command line or configuration files needed.
Claude Desktop vs. Claude Code vs. claude.ai
How the three Claude interfaces compare: what each one offers and when to choose which.
Links
Similar Tools
Claude Code
anthropic
codingAnthropic's autonomous coding agent that lives in your terminal and understands your entire codebase.
Claude
anthropic
chatbotAnthropic's AI assistant for conversations, writing, analysis, coding, and creative work, powered by the Opus 4.8 and Sonnet 4.6 models.
ChatGPT
openai
chatbotThe most popular AI assistant in the world: text, images, video, voice, search, coding agents, and more in one place.
Get notified about updates
We'll email you when this tool's pricing or features change.
Last updated: 2026-06-01