Claude Code Windows Installer (PowerShell)

A single PowerShell script that installs the Claude Code CLI on a fresh 64-bit Windows 10/11 machine. It installs Node.js LTS if missing, installs the Claude CLI globally with npm, and ensures the claude command is available in new PowerShell sessions.

Features

• Detects an existing Node.js installation (requires Node >= 18).
• Downloads and installs Node.js LTS from nodejs.org if needed.
• Installs @anthropic-ai/claude-code globally with npm.
• Adds %APPDATA%\npm to the user PATH so claude resolves.

Requirements

• Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
• Admin PowerShell session
• Internet access to:
  • https://nodejs.org
  • https://registry.npmjs.org

Quick Start

1. Save the script as install-claude-code.ps1.
2. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
3. Run:

PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\install-claude-code.ps1"

4. Open a new PowerShell window and run:

claude --version

If prompted by the CLI, complete login or set your API key.

What the Script Does

1. Verifies the OS is 64-bit.
2. Ensures TLS 1.2 for downloads.
3. Checks for Node.js >= 18:
   • If missing, it fetches the latest LTS MSI from nodejs.org and installs it silently.
4. Verifies npm is available.
5. Adds %APPDATA%\npm to the user PATH (if not already present).
6. Runs npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code.
7. Confirms that the claude command is available.

Notes

• The Node.js installer places binaries in C:\Program Files\nodejs.
• The claude command is installed into %APPDATA%\npm.
• PATH changes apply to new shells. If claude is not found, open a new PowerShell.
• Some npm messages are printed to stderr even on success; the script accounts for that.

Troubleshooting

npm is not available on PATH

• Close and reopen PowerShell to reload PATH.
• Verify Node is installed: node -v.

Claude command not found on PATH

• Make sure %APPDATA%\npm is on your user PATH.
• Open a new PowerShell session and try again.

Download or install failures

• Verify you can reach https://nodejs.org and https://registry.npmjs.org.
• Check if a proxy or antivirus is blocking downloads.
• Re-run the script from an elevated PowerShell.

Uninstall

To remove Claude Code:

npm uninstall -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

To remove Node.js:

• Open Apps & Features and uninstall Node.js.

To remove PATH entry (optional):

• Remove %APPDATA%\npm from your user PATH.

Security Considerations

• The script downloads Node.js from the official site and installs it silently.
• The CLI is fetched from the public npm registry.
• Review the script before running in restricted environments.

License

Specify your license here (MIT/Apache-2.0/etc.).

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Script: install-claude-code.ps1