Introduction to Claude Cowork
Claude Cowork runs in Claude Desktop — no terminal required. Describe a multi-step task; Cowork reads and writes local files, runs code in an isolated VM, and saves outputs such as spreadsheets and organised folders.
What is Claude Cowork?
Claude Cowork is a task mode in Claude Desktop. In Chat, Claude replies one message at a time. In Cowork, it can plan and run multi-step work on your local machine using folders you grant access to.
Local file access
Claude reads and writes your real files — no manual uploads or downloads.
Sub-agent coordination
Complex work is split into subtasks and run in parallel where possible.
Professional outputs
Excel files with formulas, PowerPoint slides, formatted documents — not just CSV.
Long-running tasks
Works on complex jobs for extended periods without conversation timeouts.
Scheduled tasks
Set tasks to run automatically on a schedule — even when you are away.
Projects
Group related tasks into workspaces with their own files, instructions, and memory.
Chat vs Cowork
Both use the same Claude model. The difference is what Claude can do during the conversation.
| Feature | Claude Chat | Claude Cowork |
|---|---|---|
| Execution style | One response at a time | Multi-step task execution |
| File access | Manual upload/download only | Direct read and write to local files |
| Code execution | No | Yes — isolated VM on your computer |
| Task duration | Single conversation | Long-running, no timeout |
| Scheduling | No | Yes — on a schedule or on-demand |
| Best for | Questions, drafts, brainstorming | File tasks, research, reports, spreadsheets |
How Cowork runs your tasks
Cowork runs on your computer. Shell commands and scripts execute inside an isolated virtual machine (VM) — separate from your main OS — so your system stays protected while Claude works.
- 1
You describe the task
Type your request in the Cowork tab of Claude Desktop in plain language.
- 2
Claude creates a plan
Claude analyses the request and breaks it into smaller, ordered subtasks.
- 3
Code runs in an isolated VM
Shell commands and scripts execute inside a virtual machine — separate from your main OS.
- 4
Sub-agents work in parallel
For complex tasks, Claude coordinates multiple sub-agents running simultaneously.
- 5
Outputs land in your files
Finished results — spreadsheets, renamed folders, reports — are written to your file system.
Example — organising a Downloads folder
Switch to the Cowork tab in Claude Desktop and describe your task. Claude analyses the folder, sorts files into subfolders by type, renames them with date prefixes, and writes a summary report — in one run without further input.
How to get started
- Download Claude Desktop from claude.com/download (macOS or Windows).
- Sign in with a paid Claude account (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise).
- Click the mode selector at the top of the app and switch to the Cowork tab.
- Describe your task in plain language — for example, “Sort my invoices folder and create an expense summary spreadsheet.”
- Choose Ask before acting for your permission mode (recommended). Review Claude's plan and let it run.
- Monitor progress in the steps panel. Keep the desktop app open throughout the task.
Permission modes
Cowork has two approval modes. You can switch between them at any point during a session. In both modes, Claude will always ask for explicit permission before permanently deleting any files.
Ask before acting — recommended
Claude pauses before each action so you can approve it. Best for new tools, unfamiliar files, or anything sensitive.
Act without asking
Claude works without pausing. Faster, but riskier. Only use when you are actively supervising and trust the files and tools involved.
What can you do with Cowork?
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| File management | Organise a Downloads folder by type and date; process receipts into an expense report; batch rename files with date patterns |
| Research and analysis | Combine notes and articles into a summary; extract actions from meeting transcripts; statistical analysis and charts from CSV files |
| Document creation | Generate Excel files with formulas and multiple tabs; create slide decks from rough notes; turn scattered notes into formatted reports |
Before you continue
- Cowork is a task mode in Claude Desktop — it reads and writes local files and runs code in an isolated VM.
- Chat is for questions and drafts; Cowork is for multi-step work on your machine.
- You need a paid plan and the desktop app — browser and mobile alone are not enough.
- Use Ask before acting by default; Claude always confirms before deleting files.
- Next lesson: Pro or Max subscription, folder permissions, and sandboxing.
What's Next
Setup & Access — Pro or Max subscription, Claude Desktop on macOS or Windows, and folder permissions.