Free, step-by-step guide

    Claude Basicsfrom first chat to real work.

    Learn Claude by doing one useful thing at a time. You will install the desktop app, choose the right model, add instructions and a connector, start with How Might We, and save a workflow you can run again.

    10 stepsAbout 60 minutesNo codingStart on free

    What you will finish with

    • Claude Desktop installed and ready
    • A model choice you understand
    • Privacy settings you chose on purpose
    • Custom Instructions and one live connector
    • A How Might We prompt you can reuse
    • A reusable Project for next week
    Your progress0 / 10

    Progress is saved in this browser.

    Before you begin

    Bring one low-risk file, one recurring task, and the login for one tool you want to connect.

    Last reviewed against Claude’s current help guidance: August 2026

    Learn by doing

    Your Claude Basics checklist

    Complete the steps in order. Each one explains why it matters, gives you one action, and ends with a checkpoint you can verify yourself.

    Why this matters

    Claude Desktop keeps chat, files, connectors, and longer workflows in one app. Starting here means every later step happens in the same place.

    Do this

    1. 1Go to claude.ai/download and choose the version for your computer: Mac or Windows.
    2. 2Run the installer, then open Claude Desktop.
    3. 3Sign in with the same Claude account you use on the web, or create one if this is your first time.
    4. 4Check the plan and tools available to you. The core guide works with a free account, while some models and connectors may require a paid or workspace plan.
    Claude Desktop showing the option to open Claude's desktop workspace.
    Use Claude Desktop for the rest of this guide so your settings, chats, and connected tools stay together.
    Download Claude DesktopSee the AI Agent Starter download instructions

    You are done when

    Claude Desktop is open on your computer and you are signed in.

    Step 1 of 10

    Your next useful move

    Finish one workflow before you chase ten more.

    Practice is what makes this stick. Choose one workflow from The AI Top 40, bring the right context, define what good looks like, review the result, and save what works.

    Choose your next workflow

    Go deeper

    Claude Masterclass

    Continue into Chrome, Cowork, Claude Code, and reusable Skills.

    Open training

    Connect your work

    AI Agent Starter

    Add custom instructions, connectors, and a Chief of Staff workflow.

    Open training

    Work on your computer

    The AI Coworker

    Set up Claude around the files and recurring work you own.

    Open training